Archive for March 11th, 2008

Maroondah Journal: People power - residents may reclaim roads, shopping strip

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 11th of March, 2008

The transformation of Ringwood into a vibrant suburb filled with opportunities for people of all abilities, will only succeed if the centre becomes pedestrian friendly. The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah’s efforts to return Ringwood back to the community.

Cr Alex Makin confirmed the council was looking at ways to move cars from key roads in Maroondah.

Discussions are continuing with VicRoads to ensure that traffic lanes and speed limits can be reduced along Maroondah Highway, making it easier for people to cross this road and to connect the key transport interchange of Ringwood station to the residents and commercial businesses on the other side of the Highway.

“It’s our plan to look at Maroondah Highway - to reduce the road to four lanes with parking on both sides and reduce speed limits.”

The Ringwood Mobility and Wayfinding Strategy found that streets in Ringwood were largely pedestrian unfirendly and in excess of 500 people a day use the Maroondah Highway pedestrian crossing. This reports called for traffic calming along Maroondah Highway, including a reduction of lanes and speed limits, to return the street to the local community and to ensure a more vibrant shopping district.

“Maroondah streets should no longer be a thoroughfare for drivers, but instead we should return the centre of Ringwood back to the people. If you are not going to stop and shop and contribute to the community, then use the bypass.”

The toll-free Ringwood bypass will provide six lanes of traffic for people that wish to drive through Ringwood. A localised Maroondah Highway, with ample on-street parking, will allow for a more vibrant centre and boost local commerce.

He said the plan would enable shoppers to use the precinct safely. “I have difficulty crossing the highway on the pedestrian strip, but what about the people who use a mobility aid or walk a little slower?”

Reducing traffic along Maroondah Highway, through encouraging the use of the bypass, will make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility aids to shop within the centre of Ringwood.

“A vibrant suburban centre can only be achieved if we can provide a friendly, safe area for pedestrians.”

Pedestrians form the lifeblood of any vibrant district and it is imperative that changes are made to Maroondah Highway so that our streets can enhance the sense of community within Ringwood. VicRoads and the State Government must support and enact measures that reduce speed limits and the amount of traffic lanes along Maroondah Highway.

Maroondah Leader: Railing for change

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 11th of March, 2008

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the Eastern Transport Coalition’s request for Federal and State cooperation in funding urban public transport infrastructure so as to mitigate worsening traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions.

The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) has called for changes to funding rules under the national Auslink program to allow spending on urban public transport infrastructure.

Auslink is a federally funded program provides funding largely for roads and freight. While urban roads are included within the Auslink program, it currently excludes urban public transport.

Coalition member and Maroondah Councillor, Alex Makin said the federally funded Auslink program only provided for roads and some rural rail freight.

Auslink is about moving people, but it excludes public transport,” Cr Makin said. “Traffic congestion is growing faster than the population and the best way to ease that is by getting on to public transport”.

Given the national focus on combating inflation and greenhouse emissions, it is imperative that the federal government provides funding for public transport to restore and maintain Australia’s international competitiveness. Much of Melbourne’s outer east lacks essential rail infrastructure, resulting in traffic congestion and rising greenhouse emissions, since residents have no alternative but to drive.

The ETC is seeking federal and state cooperation for the following projects:

• Heavy rail connections to Doncaster and Rowville;
• Duplication of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines to ensure reliable and frequent services;
• Completion and implementation of the bus service reviews currently being undertaken by the State Government; and
• Improvements to major public transport interchanges, such as Ringwood and Box Hill.

It is essential that the State and Federal Governments cooperate in providing Melbourne with essential public transport infrastructure. Federal funding should be provided in return for efficiency gains from the State Government, to ensure a reliable and frequent public transport system that provides a ready alternative to car usage.

Maroondah Journal: Street character ‘at risk’

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 11th of March, 2008

Planning decisions are one of the more contentious areas of local government, particularly since the unelected VCAT planning tribunal has jurisdiction to override council decisions.

Given the contentious nature of planning it is imperative that residents are involved in the planning process so that councils can ensure a higher standard of planning decisions.

Cr Alex Makin said Maroondah was desperate for a group to focus on planning. “It would really help achieve some great outcomes to help inform the community about planning. It can often be a confusing minefield. It is important that residents do speak up”.

Community involvement in planning decisions will ultimately lead to better outcomes, by ensuring that community concerns are being taken into account. In regard to planning decisions in my ward, I often call consultation meetings to ensure that residents are able to be heard. The establishment of a community group focused on planning within Maroondah would further enhance the ability of residents to be heard over planning decisions and the character of their neighbourhoods.