Archive for April 16th, 2008

Maroondah’s reponse to the VEC must not be made behind closed doors

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 16th of April, 2008

Maroondah Council is currently proposing not to formally endorse its response submission to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) at Monday night’s council meeting.

The decision not to formally adopt council’s position is at odds with other municipalities which required both the preliminary submission and final response to be adopted by resolution at a formal council meeting.

The motion that was adopted in February 2008 (in a five versus two decision) reads as follows:

That Council adopts an electoral structure of seven councillors and single member wards reflecting Maroondah’s current communities of interest as the basis of its preliminary submission to be made to the VEC review panel by 4 March 2008.

It has been claimed that the wording of this resolution applies to the response submission due on the 22nd of April, as well as an advocacy campaign currently being undertaken by Council. It is clear that this is incorrect - the wording of the resolution refers exclusively to the preliminary submission.

This is yet another example of decisions that are being made behind closed doors at Maroondah City Council. It would appear that this is an attempt to stymie debate on the response submission, where the council is attempting to clutch to a modified version of the existing ward boundaries - despite the fact that they divide communities within Maroondah.

While it is necessary at times to tolerate the churlish behaviour of some of my colleagues I will not accept a denial of transparency and accountability. I am seeking independent advice as to whether Maroondah can prevent the response submission being listed on Monday night’s council agenda.

Media Release: Public transport high on Rudd’s 2020 summit agenda

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 16th of April, 2008

The Eastern Transport Coalition has issued a media release following the recent Your Local 2020 Summit hosted by the Federal Members for Chisholm, Deakin, Holt, Hotham, Bruce and Isaacs.

Councillor Alex Makin, the Deputy Chair of the group, represents Maroondah City Council on the Eastern Transport Coalition and attended the summit.

“The Eastern Transport Coalition attended the Summit and found the level of interest in federal funding for public transport infrastructure supported the results of the 2007 survey conducted by the Eastern Transport Coalition,” said Cr Makin.

“The Eastern Transport Coalition will continue to advocate the Federal Government to see funding models developed for public transport infrastructure, particularly in the eastern region of Melbourne,” said Cr Makin.

“The survey also found that the Federal Government can help provide that option, 62% of respondents said it was not acceptable that the Federal Government provided funding for major roads but not for public transport infrastructure.

“The Federal Government currently provides billions of dollars for major road infrastructure but public transport is a viable and a necessary alternative. People know that public transport can achieve the same ends, taking private cars off the roads, helping reduce greenhouse gas emission and leaving road space for freight.

“Our local residents don’t want to see each level of Government blame each other, 76% believed the State and Federal Governments should share the cost for all necessary public transport infrastructure,” Cr. Makin concluded.

The Eastern Transport Coalition is made up of seven Councils in Melbourne’s east, representing almost one million residents, with a primary focus on advocating for improved transport choices in the east.