Archive for April 8th, 2008

Maroondah Leader: Go carbon neutral by 2012

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 8th of April, 2008

Amid further concerns in regard to the environment, the Maroondah Leader has reported on the need to reduce energy usage and achieve carbon neutrality.

Councillor Alex Makin said the council needed to become a leader in combating climate change and to take immediate action.

It is important that council not only reduce its own emissions but also educate the community in how our municipality can collectively improve its urban sustainability.

“Victoria’s carbon emissions are spiralling out of control and we need to take action,” Cr Makin said. “The State and Federal governments are procrastinating and we at a local government just get on with the job.”

Victoria has seen a 30% increase in greenhouse emissions since 1990, largely due to a dependence on coal and a failure to provide transport choice and sustainable forms of transport for Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Meanwhile the Federal Government is awaiting the results of the Ross Garnaut report before announcing any interim reduction targets.

It is therefore important that Maroondah, as a form of government, undertake steps to reduce greenhouse emissions and to demonstrate that proactive change is possible.

“I do hope my colleagues view this as seriously as I do, because we need to acknowledge the seriousness of climate change.”

All councillors within Maroondah must view the need for reducing greenhouse emissions as a priority. It is imperative that we improve our urban sustainability so that we can ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is economically, environmentally and socially prosperous.

Maroondah Leader: Transport plan cops criticism

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 8th of April, 2008

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the release of the Eddington Inquiry and its ramifications on the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Maroondah councillor and ETC representative Alex Makin said the Government needed to build on solutions to include better public transport for suburbs in the east.

It is encouraging that Rod Eddington has acknowledged the need for public transport improvements but it is concerning that the report found that public transport usage would not significantly increase by the year 2030. This is despite the State Government setting a target of increasing public transport modal share to 20% by the year 2020.

It is clear that the State Government needs to expand upon the recommendations within the report to significantly boost public transport infrastructure across the whole of Melbourne.

Ringwood Chamber of Commerce: Easy steps to becoming sustainable

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 8th of April, 2008

Tonight marked the return of the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce’s meeting schedule and included Matthew Wright of Climate Positive as the guest speaker.

Climate Positive is a not-for-profit organisation with a focus on creating partnerships with businesses to improve their environmental sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Climate Positive utilises a three scope program, which covers energy usage of the business as well as examining the supply and distribution channel. Many of the initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of a business generally also improve its economic viability through producing savings in energy, water and transport costs.

I was also provided with the opportunity to discuss the partnership that has emerged between North Ringwood Community House, Park Orchards Community House, Eastern Volunteers Resource Centre and Maroondah and Manningham City Councils which is investigating the feasibility of an environmental resource centre within Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs. The success of this project will depend on community interest and it is great to see an interest from businesses. I was invited to provide further updates on the project as it progresses.

It is encouraging that the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the need for environmental sustainability and is educating the business community in reducing its carbon usage.

Maroondah Citizens’ Advice Bureau 40th AGM

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 8th of April, 2008

The Maroondah Citizens’ Advice Bureau provides assistance and referral advice for people who are experiencing hardship. The organisation has offices located in Ringwood and Croydon and is staffed primarily through volunteers through a voluntary committee of management.

Today’s AGM elected the committee of management for the following twelve months and I am pleased to announce that I have been re-nominated onto this committee. The meeting included Senior Constable Stuart Sorrell from Victoria Police as the guest speaker. Stuart discussed the changing face of Maroondah in relation to newly arrived migrants.

The City of Maroondah and Victoria Police have been proactive in assisting these migrant communities to ensure that they are able to partake in community, employment and educational opportunities. Many of these migrants, particularly those from Sudan and Burma, have endured many years within refugee camps and have arrived in Melbourne, Australia to start a new life. It is important that as a municipality we do what we can to assist these communities so that they can begin their new life within Australia.

It is great to see the Maroondah Citizens’ Advice Bureau acknowledge the changing face of Maroondah and ensure that its services meet the needs of our community.

Further discussions with the Maroondah Climate Change Action Group

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 8th of April, 2008

This morning I had a second meeting with the Maroondah Climate Change Action Group to view a presentation prepared by the association which reinforced the need for urgent action in reducing greenhouse emissions.

The presentation explored the consequences of rising global temperatures through a degradation of biodiversity and an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather conditions. Climate change is being exacerbated by the ice melting on Arctic ice caps occurring at a faster pace than previously anticipated.

Evidence continues to demonstrate the need to urgent action in regard to climate change and I am committed to ensuring that Maroondah Council views this issue seriously and acts decisively to reduce carbon emissions.