Residential Discussion Paper, consultation summary

Thank you to everyone who recently participated in our consultation on the Manningham Residential Discussion Paper, between April and May 2024.

We’ll consider your feedback as we prepare the new draft Manningham Residential Strategy, which will be shared for further community input in 2025.

This initial phase of engagement sought feedback from the community on the housing issues facing Manningham. We also wanted to better understand community priorities and aspirations for housing in Manningham.

We invited feedback via a series of pop-up stalls at local markets and shopping centres, community focus group sessions and at several of Council’s Advisory Committee meetings.

Community members also submitted more than 150 responses to our Manningham Residential Discussion Paper survey.

The issues identified in the Discussion Paper generated strong interest and robust discussion within our community.

Summary of key themes from the consultation:

• While there is general support for and understanding of the need for housing growth to occur near shopping precincts, along main roads and close to public transport, participants were divided in their views on:
  • the impacts of high-density housing on the character of an area
  • visual amenity
  • the retention of canopy trees and vegetation.
• Despite a divided view on increased densities, participants identified a need for more diverse housing choices to suit the needs of downsizers and young people.
• Participants supported:
  • single level townhouses and apartments, with more communal spaces for improved social connection
  • innovative housing models including ‘co-housing’ and ‘ageing in place’ models
  • more accessible housing for all ages and abilities
  • better design and neighbourhood character outcomes with emphasis on the use of durable materials that stand the test of time and landscaping.
• More than 70 per cent of respondents said the ‘look and feel of their suburb’ was their main reason for living there.
• Safety in design was identified as an important consideration.
• Housing affordability was acknowledged as a major barrier for people wanting to live and rent in Manningham.

Further details will be provided about the next phase of consultation closer to the date, in 2025.