Archive for June, 2007

Eastern Transport Coalition meeting schedule for 2007

Published by Alex Makin on Sunday 3rd of June, 2007

Thursday, 15 February 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 15 March 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 19 April 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 17 May 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 21 June 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 19 July 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 30 August 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 13 September 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 18 October 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 15 November 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm
Thursday, 20 December 2007
6:30 pm	to	9:00 pm

The Eastern Transport Coalition consists of seven outer eastern metropolitan councils (Maroondah, Knox, Whitehorse, Yarra Ranges, Manningham, Monash and Greater Dandenong) and is a regional based advocacy body that lobbies for better public transport in Melbourne’s outer east.

The Eastern Transport Coalition meets on a monthly basis to discuss the transport priorities of the region and to further its advocacy for public transport. I have been Maroondah’s delegated representative on the Eastern Transport Coalition since my election in November 2005.

Herald-Sun: Petrol price hike tipped

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 27th of February, 2007

Amid a forecast of rising petrol prices the Public Transport Users Association released its pre-budget submission calling on the State Government to dramatically improve public transport.

The Herald-Sun has reported on this pre-budget submission:

The Public Transport Users Association said the latest price hike increased the need for a major boost to public transport in the state budget.

“After months of poor reliability and disruptions, public confidence in the system is at a tipping point,” association vice-president Alex Makin said.

The effects of a lack of public transport and, as a consequence, car dependence, are clearly reflected in the data for total vehicle kilometres for the years 2005/06 (source: VicRoads).

Within inner Melbourne (which is relatively well-served with a comprehensive train and tram network) overall total vehicle kilometres travelled fell by 1.9%. In contrast however, total vehicle kilometres travelled fell by just 0.3% in the outer suburbs.

Without decisive action people would continue to be vulnerable to higher oil prices - as people abandon the system, as well as increased congestion, pollution and greenhouse emissions, he said.

The upcoming State Budget will be a key litmus test for Lynne Kosky, the newly appointed Minister for Public Transport and whether she deliver an alternative to the crippling effects of rising petrol prices.

MAV Transport and Infrastructure Group - first meeting for 2007

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 22nd of February, 2007

The MAV’s Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Group is charged with providing recommendations to the MAV Board on matters relating to the infrastructure needs of Melbourne and Victoria.

Over the course of this year the group will be focusing on federal funding for public transport, the infrastructure needs for Melbourne’s growth corridors and issues relating to Victoria’s rail freight network.

Australia remains the only OECD nation where the Federal Government does not invest in urban public transport infrastructure and this is particularly apparent in areas that are experiencing high rates of urban growth. Likewise the State Government will not meet its goal of increasing the percentage rail freight unless urgent investment is provided.

AusLink, the Federal Government’s transport strategy, needs to be broadened in scope to incorporate urban public transport to ensure a holistic approach to Australia’s transport infrastructure.

Media Release: Annual Maroondah Photo Competition launches

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 21st of February, 2007

Councillor Alex Makin said it’s the time of year when Maroondah residents and visitors are invited to show their own special view of Maroondah - taken through the eye of a camera lens.

“The Photo Competition provides a great opportunity for people to capture the spirit of Maroondah. Favourite places, special landmarks, the great outdoors, happy families, sporting shots and artistic creations are all popular choices,” said Cr Makin.

“Look out for the brightly coloured orange brochure which details the three competition sections, the great prizes on offer and the entry form,” said Cr Makin.

The open section is for everyone aged 18 or over, and the winner will receive a Digital Camera to the value of $500, while the runner up will win three Hoyts La Premiere double passes.

The intermediate section is for anyone aged between 13 and 17 years, making it ideal for secondary school students. First prize is a camera and film processing to the value of $200. Second prize is four Hoyts movie passes and a Hoyts La Premiere double pass.

The junior section caters for photographers up to 12 years. The winner will receive a camera and film processing to the value of $100, while the runner up will receive four Hoyts movie passes.

A Mayor’s Encouragement Award will also be made, and the winner will receive an Eastland shopping voucher to the value of $200.

“Up to three photos can be entered per person, so you can afford to be creative. There are a lot of photo possibilities in Maroondah - you are only limited by your imagination!” said Cr Makin.

This year’s Maroondah Photo Competition entries will be on show at Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood from Thursday 19 July to Saturday 18 August.

The Mayor will present the prizes during the first week of the exhibition and each entrant will receive an invitation by mail to attend the awards presentation.

The prizes have kindly been donated by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts, Eastland Shopping Centre.

Closing date for entries is 30 June 2007 and photos must have been taken after 1 July 2006.

Entry forms are available from Croydon and Ringwood Libraries, Croydon Camera House, Eastland Shopping Centre and Council’s Service Centres at Braeside Avenue, Ringwood; Civic Square, Croydon and Level 2, Shop Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood.

“So whether your camera is high-tech digital or low-tech disposable, get out there and start snapping!” said Cr Makin.

Launch of Ringwood Going Places

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 21st of February, 2007

The Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, was in Ringwood today to launch the branding of Ringwood Going Places. The pieces to rejuvenate Ringwood are coming together such as the passing of the precinct plans for the redevelopment of the Town Centre.

One significant piece that remains unresolved is Ringwood Station. The redevelopment of the station is critical to ensuring the success of the Ringwood Transit City and yet a commitment from the State Government has not been forthcoming.

Successful urban revitalisation requires collaboration and partnership between State and Local Governments, it is time for the State Government to show it is truly committed to the Ringwood Transit City by committing funding to the station redevelopment in the upcoming State Budget.