Archive for August, 2007

Eastern Transport Coalition: Melbourne 2030 and Canberra debrief

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 30th of August, 2007

Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition meeting provided a debriefing on the recent Canberra delegation, with the group resolving to develop a position paper to identify potential roles for Federal involvement in urban public transport.

The ETC will also issue a submission into the Melbourne 2030 audit, to highlight the current lack of integration between public transport provision within activity centres and the failure on the part of the State Government to provide much needed public transport infrastructure for Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Lynne Kosky, the Minister for Public Transport, has accepted an invitation to address the Eastern Transport Coalition and will be speaking at our next meeting.

MAV Meeting of Transport Coalitions

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 30th of August, 2007

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the peak body representing local government within Victoria, organised a meeting of transport coalitions to ensure cooperation between the different local government and community organisations that are advocating for public transport improvements.

Presentations were delivered by the:

• Western Transport Alliance;
• Eastern Transport Coalition;
• Metropolitan Transport Forum;
• Coalition for People’s Transport (including the PTUA);

There is broad agreement between the various organisations that improved public transport is critical to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Melbourne and that the State Government must start to deliver results. Likewise, there was also consensus that the Federal Government has a role to play in keeping State Governments accountable.

With rising petrol prices and further pressures on housing affordability, public transport improvements are critical to alleviating ongoing financial hardship for families. With car dependence often costing households to 30% of their income it is clear that sustainable transport - including much need rail extensions and further bus improvements are required to ensure an economically vibrant Melbourne.

Good Access = Good Business

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 30th of August, 2007

Thursday, 4 October 2007
10:30 am	to	1:30 pm

Good Access = Good Business is a panel discussion organised by Maroondah’s Scoot Wheel N Move and supported by the State Government’s Bar None initiative.

The event aims to highlight the need for an accessible and inclusive community, including good access for businesses and mobility through public transport.

Good Access = Good Business will held at Maroondah’s Federation Estate on Thursday the 4th of October from 10:30 am.

Scoot Wheel N Move and Bar None

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 30th of August, 2007

This morning’s Scoot Wheel N Move included personnel from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to discuss Maroondah’s involvement in the Bar None initiative.

Bar None, a program initiated by the State Government, aims to highlight the efforts of people who are working to eliminate barriers within our community and hence ensuring a stronger and more inclusive community.

Scoot Wheel N Move has been nominated as part of the Bar None program and is hosting a panel discussion on Thursday the 4th of October under the topic of Good Access = Good Business. The event will recognise nominees within the Bar None initiative and will discuss access issues within Maroondah’s businesses.

Media Release: Youth in councils - a critical situation

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 30th of August, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Thursday, 30 August 2007

Youth in councils - a critical situation

In an individual submission issued over councillor remuneration, Cr. Alex Makin has highlighted the lack of youth participation in local government and called for higher councillor allowances to ensure more representative local councils.

“The call for higher councillor allowances must not be seen as a grab for cash. While it is true that I am calling for higher allowances, I am doing so to ensure a greater level of commitment and a healthier balance for both councillors and the community,” Cr. Makin said.

The State Government has called for a review into councillor allowances with submissions closing the 1st of September. Currently Victoria’s councils are on a three tired system providing up to $12,000, $15,000 or $18,000 per annum for councillors. Councillors elected within the City of Maroondah receive $15,000 per annum.

“It is distressing that youth participation within councils is extremely low with just 7.8% of councillors aged under 35, despite the fact that over one quarter of our population is within this age group,” Cr. Makin said. “The current rates of remuneration are partially responsible for this, since it is extremely difficult for younger people to make a positive impression within their careers while balancing other commitments. This is contrasted against older people who generally have stable careers, assets and family, making it much easier to fulfil council duties on the current remuneration provided.”

Cr. Alex Makin has supported the rates proposed by the Municipal Association of Victoria which would provide three categories allowing up to $19,933, $24,204 or $28,475 per annum dependent on the budget capacity of the respective municipality.

“Councillors spend on average the equivalent of 20 hours per week on council duties and the allowance should reflect this commitment. While there may be some current councillors who fail to provide the necessary work, the fact is the current remuneration is deterring committed individuals and particularly our youth from stepping forward,” Cr. Makin concluded.

About Alex Makin:
Alex Makin was elected in November 2005 as the Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill ward in the City of Maroondah. Alex, currently the youngest councillor elected within the history of the City of Maroondah and just one of several councillors Victoria wide aged under 30, has a keen interest in sustainability, including public transport, planning and community engagement.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: CR. ALEX MAKIN ON 0408 311 645

• Read submission: ‘Youth in Councils’ Councillor Remuneration Review