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.

Improving stormwater quality and usage

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 30th of March, 2007

This morning I opened a training session on the use of rain gardens to improve stormwater quality. The training session was hosted at Maroondah City Council and was led by instructors from Clearwater, a not-for-profit program supported by Melbourne Water.

Rain gardens are designed to absorb excess rainwater run-off from buildings and paved areas, such as car parks. Plants within rain gardens include wetland vegetation, which filter run-off and thus improve stormwater quality, as well as providing the garden with a source of water.

Continue reading to view a transcript of the speech given at this training session.

(Read more…)

MAV Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Group - March 2007

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 29th of March, 2007

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is the peak body representing local councils within the state. The transport infrastructure advisory group is charged to provide advice to the MAV board on the transport infrastructure needs for Melbourne.

Today’s meeting included a presentation on the East-West Needs Assessment, which is currently being undertaken by the State Government. This study is charged with the responsibility to plan for Melbourne’s future infrastructure needs within the inner eastern and western suburbs.

The recently released Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) report into congestion clearly identified the need for the state government to bring forward a number of essential transport projects, such rail extensions and bus improvements, to ease Melbourne’s worsening traffic congestion.

It is imperative that the East-West Needs Assessment provides a holistic solution to Melbourne’s transport needs and considers public transports such as the much needed Doncaster rail line and further improvements. Melbourne needs to be provided with real transport choice, in the form of an efficient, frequent and readily available public transport, to provide some relief to rising petrol prices and worsening traffic congestion.

Discussing environmental issues with Maroondah Bushlinks

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 28th of March, 2007

This season and I attended a Maroondah Bushlinks meeting to discuss environmental issues affecting Maroondah’s many parks and reserves. Maroondah Bushlinks is an umbrella group that includes the volunteer committees of management for parks and natural reserves and environmental friends groups.

Maroondah is well known for its leafy image it is imperative that the very environment that makes Maroondah unique is not only protected but also enhanced.

Maroondah City Council will be organising regular environmental forums to provide an avnue for the community to discuss environmental and sustainability issues. The first of these forums will be held on Monday the 7th of May.

Media Release: New netball program for juniors

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 28th of March, 2007

The Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre is excited to be launching a brand new netball development program designed by Netball Australia.

Councillor Alex Makin said the ‘Net Set Go’ junior development program is a national concept which replaces the former FunNet program and commences on Thursday 19 April.

“For some time now parents have been asking for greater development opportunities for their children within the sport of netball, as well as value for money, better program structure, trained accredited coaches, and above all the opportunity for their child to take the next step. This new development program provides all this and more,” said Cr Makin.

“Net Set Go has been developed to provide children from the age of 5 to 11 years with the best possible learning and playing experience,” said Cr Makin.

“Importantly, the program will enable them to gain a positive introduction to the sport of netball, learning the basic skills and game rules that will allow them to develop and continue their participation in the sport,” said Cr Makin.

“The Net Set Go program will benefit many of Maroondah’s budding netball players by enabling participants to experience personal achievement in terms of competence enhanced self-esteem, team building, and skill development in a fun environment,” said Cr Makin.

The Net Set Go junior development program offers appropriate skill teaching in a sequential program, leading to the participation in Netta Netball matches using modified rules, all under appropriately trained/accredited coaches and umpires.

The Net Set Go junior netball program commences Thursday 19 April. Places are limited and registrations close very soon.

The cost of the program is $57 per child and all participants will receive a special Net Set Go branded netball, activity book, and a sports bag.

To register your child please call Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre on 9298 4487 between 9:30am and 5pm on weekdays.