The City of Doncaster & Templestowe was a local government area about east-northeast of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The city covered an area of , and existed from 1915 until 1994. At its peak in the early 1990s, it had a population of just over 100,000.
History
The origin of local government in the area dates back to 19 December 1856, when the Templestowe Road District was formed, following a public meeting and election at Bulleen Hotel. Two decades later, on 7 May 1875, the Shire of Bulleen was formed, incorporating the Roads Board area and Warrandyte. On 30 May 1890, the Doncaster Riding was severed and incorporated as the Shire of Doncaster, meeting in the old Shire Hall in Council Street. By this time, fruit growing had become the mainstay of Doncaster's rural economy. The Shire of Bulleen was renamed to the Shire of Templestowe on 12 May 1892, and reunited with Doncaster 23 years later under local government reforms on 1 October 1915, with the combined entity named the Shire of Doncaster & Templestowe on 16 March 1926.
Urbanisation was slow to reach the area, and the 1949 Australian Blue Book described the shire as "mainly undulating country with extensive views [and] some low, hilly ranges". Agricultural activities, such as fruit growing, dairying and sheep and cattle grazing, dominated the shire's economic life. By 1955, the population of the area had grown with suburban settlement and a new Shire Hall was built.
In July 1966, at a time of rapid suburban growth, the Shire sought to be created a City under the name of the "City of Koonarra", a portmanteau of Koonung (Creek) and Yarra (River). The name, invented by councillors, was perceived as "contrived" and lacking historical ties. After almost 2,500 residents signed petitions opposing the new name, the council abandoned it in December 1966. The municipality was proclaimed the City of Doncaster and Templestowe on 28 February 1967. Also VMD 1915:612. Accessed at State Library Victoria, La Trobe Reading Room.
On 15 December 1994, the City of Doncaster & Templestowe was abolished, and along with the Wonga Park area from the Shire of Lillydale, was merged into the newly created City of Manningham.
At the time of dissolution, council meetings were held in the Municipal Offices in Doncaster Road, Doncaster. This facility is still used for the same purpose by the City of Manningham.
Land zoning The City of Doncaster & Templestowe had about three hundred parks by the 1990s.
Wards
The City of Doncaster & Templestowe was subdivided into four wards, each electing three councillors: Doncaster Ward Doncaster West Ward Templestowe Ward Warrandyte Ward
Suburbs Bulleen Doncaster* Doncaster East Donvale Mitcham (shared with the City of Nunawading) Park Orchards Ringwood North (shared with the City of Ringwood) Templestowe Templestowe Lower Warrandyte Warrandyte South (shared with the Shire of Lillydale) Warranwood
* Council seat.
Population Year Population 1911 1,195 1947 3,786 1954 6,814 1958 11,200* 1961 19,061 1966 38,061 1971 64,286 1976 82,090 1981 90,660 1986 99,269 1991 102,898
* Estimate in the 1958 Victorian Year Book.
References
External links
Victorian Places – Doncaster and Templestowe