Archive for June 3rd, 2007

Eastern Transport Coalition meeting schedule for 2007

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

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.

Eastern Transport Coalition - first meeting for 2007

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 15th of February, 2007

The first meeting for 2007 of the Eastern Transport Coalition was held tonight to begin implementing the groups’ objectives. This includes achieving federal funding for public transport and to participate in the Melbourne 2030 audit to ensure that the State Government invests in much needed public transport infrastructure and further service improvements.

The Eastern Transport Coalition achieved a number of victories over the last year, including the abolition of zone three, which will take effect from March. Given the ongoing success of the Eastern Transport Coalition Cr. Mick van de Vreede of Knox City Council received unanimous support to continue as chair as we enter 2007.

Melbourne’s future economic, social and environmental success will depend on fast, efficient and frequent public transport. The State Government must act upon the public transport needs of eastern Melbourne to boost the public confidence in its flagging Melbourne 2030 planning policy.

MAV Transport and Infrastructure Group (Federal Funding) - first meeting for 2007

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 15th of February, 2007

The MAV’s Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Group (TIAG) consists of councillors and council officers who are preparing a response to the infrastructure needs of Victoria within the context of this year’s Federal Election.

To enable this process the group is focusing on three specific areas, of which federal funding for sustainable transport is one of these categories. Only a national framework on urban sustainability will ensure that the improvement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of our cities.

Australia remains the only OECD nation where the Federal Government does not provide funding for public transport.

Federal Government programs, such as AusLink, which provide matching funding for road projects, need to be expanded in scope to include urban public transport infrastructure to ensure a holistic approach to the transport needs of our cities. Ensuring matching funding for such projects would also prevent State Governments from simply trying to shift their responsibilities onto the Federal Government.

Melbourne 2030 Urban Planning Reference Group

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 15th of February, 2007

The Melbourne 2030 Urban Planning Reference Group (formerly known as the Melbourne 2030 Councillor Reference Group) is a group consisting of Councillors and Council Officers that is developing a local government wide approach for the Melbourne 2030 audit.

Given that Melbourne 2030 has wide reaching ramifications for local councils it is imperative that the local government sector is actively involved in the audit process to provide a fair assessment of the progress of Melbourne 2030 against its stated objectives.

Currently the State Government has shifted too much of the burden onto local government, resulting in increased costs to councils, such as the time and money required to create structure plans for activity centres. The State Government must complement these activities through ensuring that it provides targeted investment for activity centres, such as funding the much needed redevelopment of Ringwood Station.