Frequently Asked Questions

An Open Space Strategy is an important document that outlines future planning, provisioning and resourcing for open space networks for the next 10 years. 

The purpose of an Open Space Strategy is to provide a clear, long-term framework to guide the planning, provision and management of public open space to meet the needs of current and future communities.

The Open Space Strategy identifies how existing and future open space can support liveability, health, environmental outcomes and recreation, while ensuring resources are prioritised effectively. By setting clear directions and implementation actions, the strategy helps Council and stakeholders make informed, coordinated decisions about project investment and delivery over time.

Open space is defined as public land and waters that provide for one or more of the following uses:

• outdoor recreation
• leisure
• environmental and cultural benefits
• visual amenity, and 
• off-road active transport.

This can include parks, playgrounds, sporting fields, walking and cycling trails, bushland, reserves and waterways.

Open spaces are the ‘green lungs’ of the city and play a key role in sustaining urban life. Open spaces improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of people by providing places for recreation, relaxation and social connection. They support wildlife and biodiversity by offering habitat, food sources and key movement corridors in otherwise built-up urban environments.

Open spaces benefit the broader environment by improving air quality, reducing urban heat, absorbing stormwater and supporting ecosystems that assist cities in adapting to and mitigating climate change. Open spaces also contribute positively to the economic value of cities by providing both amenity and tourism opportunities.

Our vision is to be a city that values people and heritage; a city with a strong economy and diverse social and natural environment that will enrich our vibrant community.

Our reserves and facilities are wonderful community assets that help people get involved, get active and stay healthy. To ensure that they continue to be enjoyed today and into the future, we need to plan to protect and enhance them.

The existing Manningham Open Space Strategy was adopted in 2014 and has been the key planning framework for open space development and provision over the last decade. This Strategy has reached the end of its planned 10-year cycle with the majority of recommendations being achieved. 

Now, a new strategy is required and will consider emerging and ongoing needs and challenges, including growth projections, State Government housing targets, demographic data and the latest research for open space development. 

The new Open Space Strategy will provide key strategic directions and recommendations for open space in Manningham, including priority actions and projects. This will include an assessment of existing open space provision and identification of opportunities for new and enhanced open spaces across Manningham.  

There have been a number of achievements associated with the implementation of the 2014 Open Space Strategy that have enhanced our Open Space Network, including:

• Open space network expansion and connectivity
  Significant progress has been made in expanding and linking Manningham’s open space network through the delivery of major linear park trails and shared paths along Ruffey Creek, Mullum Mullum Creek, Green Gully and the Yarra corridor, with remaining missing links subject to land acquisition and partnership delivery.

• Strategic land acquisition and access improvements
  We have continued to strategically acquire land to expand and improve the open space network, including reserve expansions, new access points and subdivision outcomes. A total of 12 land acquisitions were achieved over the last 10 years to support open space improvements.
  
  
• Major reserve and park upgrades
  Major reserves and precincts across Manningham, including Ruffey Lake Park and the wonguim wilam playspace, have benefitted from ongoing capital upgrades and renewals that enhance functionality, accessibility and visitor experience.
   
• Playspace & nature play upgrades
  A substantial program of upgraded playspaces has been delivered across Manningham. We've delivered 13 of 17 new playspaces that were planned in the 2014 strategy, with the remaining projects scheduled in the coming years.
  
  
• Recreation and trail-based facilities
  Recreation infrastructure has been progressively enhanced through improved shared paths, trail facilities and supporting infrastructure and the construction of 15km of new trail networks.
  
  
• Activation, partnerships and community stewardship
  Community use and stewardship of open space has been supported through park activation initiatives, public art, events, volunteer involvement and partnerships with other land managers, with activation increasingly embedded as part of project delivery. 

The new Open Space Strategy will focus on the following:

• Planning for future needs by auditing the existing open space network against future population projections and making recommendations to ensure we can respond to the needs of the current and future population.
• Strategic direction for provision and management of facilities, which will set the vision and principles for open space assets. 
• Developing an action plan through a strategic 10-year works program that allows a prioritised approach for the development of new open spaces or upgrades of the existing open space network.

We want to ensure Manningham’s open space continues to meet the needs of the community now and into the future. By sharing your feedback, you’ll help us understand the key issues and challenges people experience in open spaces, particularly the barriers that prevent people from using them. Your input will also show us which spaces are most valued, what could be improved, and what the community’s vision is for the future of open space.

Online

Complete the survey online or provide feedback on your favourite open spaces through the interactive map tool at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/open-space-strategy.

Paper survey

You can fill in a printed survey available in the August edition of Manningham Matters or at the front desk at the Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

Prefer to chat in person?

Visit us at one of our community engagement pop-up sessions:

• Park Orchards Market
  • Saturday 18 July
  • 10am to 2pm
  • 1 to 3 Bowmore Avenue, Park Orchards.
    
    

• Tunstall Square Market

  • Sunday 26 July
  • 8:30am to 12:30pm
  • Corner of Doncaster Road and Tunstall Road, Doncaster East.
    
    

• Wombat Bend Playground, Finns Reserve 

  • Saturday 1 August
  • 12pm to 3pm
  • 4 Duncan Street, Templestowe Lower.
    
    

• wonguim wilam Playspace
  

  • Saturday 8 August
  • 9am to 12pm
  • 217 Yarra Street, Warrandyte.
  • 
    

• Ajani Neighbourhood House

  • Wednesday 12 August
  • 10am to 1pm
  • 2/284 Thompsons Road, Lower Templestowe.
    
    

• Ruffey Lake Park (Victoria Street entrance)

  • Saturday 22 August
  • 11am to 2pm
  • 99 Victoria Street, Doncaster East.

Feedback for phase 1 of this consultation ends at 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026.

Anyone who lives, works or spends time in Manningham.