Archive for June 3rd, 2008

Maroondah Journal: Optimism on transit city funds

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 3rd of June, 2008

Amid ongoing community anger over the government’s failure to announce funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the Maroondah Journal has reported on the growing rumours suggesting that an announcement may be delivered by the end of this year.

The State Government is expected to release its response to Sir Rod Eddington’s Inquiry into Melbourne’s transport needs by the end of this year. While the Eddington Inquiry looked solely at the travel needs of Melbourne within the inner eastern and western suburbs, the government will need to provide a whole of Melbourne focus.

Cr Alex Makin said there was an opportunity for the Governemnt to make a commitment to Ringwood.

Given that Eddington recognised the importance of Transit Cities there is an opportunity for the Government to rectify its neglect of the Ringwood Transit City. In particular the station redevelopment would ensure an integrated approach to the creation of a new accessible new town centre.

“There will most likely be a big injection of funds into transport as part of the Eddington Report. There certainly has been further discussion between council and government since the budget. I would be surprised if nothing came out of this.”

The Ringwood Transit City is a project of regional importance and is required to improve the transport choice and urban sustainability of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. It is critical that the Government delivers funding to demonstrate a commitment to Melbourne’s outer east.

Maroondah Journal: Govt petitioned on key bus link

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 3rd of June, 2008

The State Government’s review into bus services provides an opportunity to rectify gaps in the network, such as Canterbury Road. While there is a bus route that operates between Lilydale and Ringwood along Canterbury Road there is no service between Ringwood and Box Hill leaving residents without adequate public transport.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on a petition that was recently tabled in State Parliament calling on the Government to provide a new bus service linking Box Hill and Ringwood via Canterbury Road.

Eastern Transport Coalition spokesman Alex Makin said Canterbury Road was a gap in the network.

Canterbury Road, between Box Hill and Ringwood, includes a number of community facilities, shopping precincts and residential areas.

“It is the longest stretch of arterial road that lacks a continuous bus service. Linking the road would connect residents to the Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre, Ringwood Aquatic Centre and Maroondah Federation Estate.”

The City of Whitehorse is currently going through the State Government’s bus service review process with Maroondah’s review expected either later this year or early 2009. The State Government needs to demonstrate that this process will provide better public transport through improving service standards and rectifying gaps in the network, such as Canterbury Road.