Local Government

Boroondara Parklands and nature reserves

Maranoa Botanic Gardens achieves 100 years

Acacia uncinella Priya Mohandoss In September 2026, Maranoa Botanic Gardens, the oldest indigenous gardens in Australia, will celebrate its centenary. It all began in 1901 when John Watson (1840-1926), an affluent broker, bought the 1.4 hectare site in Balwyn to be used as a private garden for his family and…

Eastsider News26 August 2026

Boroondara Consultation Local Government Manningham Whitehorse

Have your say: local government consultations

Boroondara Manningham Whitehorse Votes sought after for three shortlisted park projects in Boroondara Priya Mohandoss Residents in Boroondara are being urged to back three shortlisted local park projects through a public vote in a bid to obtain potential funding through the Pick My Park program, a $30 million initiative of…

Eastsider News30 June 2026

Boroondara Trees and natural surroundings: protection

Tree Protection Policies

Protecting our trees Ray Peck It is estimated that humans have removed roughly half of Earth’s original forest cover. While the dominant cause is agricultural expansion, in Australia, urban sprawl is also a significant contributor. In urban areas, the shade from trees is a major way to combat the “heat…

Eastsider News30 June 2026

Boroondara Camberwell Community matters Kew Requests for help

Providing a read to those in need

by Priya Mohandoss During the end of the year, we have much to attend to, especially at Christmas. Yet however we reflect upon the occasion, we must also spare a thought for those who may be seeking comfort and safety. Consequently, Boroondara Council is again joining forces with You…

Eastsider News5 November 2025

Community matters Local Government

Planning Mechanisms for Social and Affordable Housing – a missed opportunity to correct market failure.

Julie Mulhauser The essential importance of housing as the foundation for a good life was highlighted in a recent statement by the Chief Executive of the Victorian Council of Social Services, Juanita Pope. She said, ‘Strong, sustained investment in growing public housing and community housing should be the number one…

Eastsider News5 July 2025

Boroondara History and Heritage Planning

Clash of priorities in Local Government

Clash of priorities in local government John Mosig I recently attended my first Boroondara Council meeting, an experience that has left me puzzled as to what are and should be the necessary priorities of local government. I was motivated to attend the 5 August meeting by a flyer in my…

Eastsider News12 December 2024

Boroondara Consultation

Boroondara’s Road Material Policy and Bluestone

Boroondara Loses More of Its Bluestone Heritage Under Council's Road Materials Policy Boroondara advocacy group Save Boroondara's Bluestone Heritage and local Glen Iris residents were disappointed to discover that during recent road reconstruction works in Station Avenue, Glen Iris, Council decided to replace historic Interwar-era bluestone pitcher channels with plain…

Eastsider News29 March 2024

Boroondara Environment Local Government

Cat Curfew in Boroondara

Cats: cute, furry killing machines LWT Boroondara City Council will soon table a petition to consider introducing a cat-curfew. Boroondara hosts a wide variety of animals including birdlife, invertebrates, frogs, possums, bats, turtles and many more. Despite the breadth of scientific data explaining just how devastating cats (domestic and feral)…

Eastsider News21 February 2024

Boroondara Climate change Local Government

Boroondara’s Climate Action Plan

An ambitious but underfunded Climate Action Plan Julie Mulhauser In 2021 Boroondara Council declared a climate emergency and adopted an ambitious Climate Action Plan. As part of this plan, it set several aspirational targets for the community to be carbon neutral by 2035. These included a target of 60% net…

Eastsider News24 November 2023