Posts related to 'legislation'

Maroondah Journal: Call to review laws as graffitists turn to polish

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 2nd of September, 2008

As part of the Graffiti Prevention Act 2007, The State Government introduced new anti-graffiti laws effective from the 1st of July. These laws include restrictions on the sale and advertising of spray cans, as well as laws prohibiting the carrying of spray cans near public transport.

While these laws have focused on spray cans, there has been an increase in graffitists using other instruments. The Maroondah Journal has reported on the effects of these new laws:

Maroondah councillor Alex Makin said the fines should not be limited to vandals who use spray cans.

“It has raised quite a few concerns with the council. We’ve had the legislation around spray cans take effect, now we need a review to include fines for other tools.”

Graffiti removal is a major cost and inconvenience for businesses, individuals and councils. It is therefore appropriate for the State Government to review the intent of the Graffiti Prevention Act and consider whether further restrictions in regard to graffiti are necessary.

Discussing the Croydon Conservation Society with Channel 31’s Eastern Newsbeat

Published by Alex Makin on Saturday 31st of May, 2008

This morning the Croydon Conservation Society was interviewed as part of Channel 31’s Eastern News Beat program. Participants in the interview included the President, Liz Sanzaro, the Secretary, Sandra Hardiman, committee member Margot Seidel and myself as the group’s Treasurer.

The interview covered topics such as the history of the Croydon Conservation Society, its successes over tree canopy protection and parkland improvements and current campaigns such as lobbying for the introduction of container deposit legislation, similar to the successful program that has been operating in South Australia.

I also discussed the Croydon Conservation Society’s involvement in the lobbying for public transport improvements, including the need for ongoing advocacy to ensure the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. The Society provides a crucial voice for the Maroondah community and assists in demonstrating the support that exists to improving the sustainability of our municipality.

Eastern News Beat is a weekly program that provides news and information from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The program is broadcast each Monday at 9.00am and on Thursday at 11.30am.

For more information on Channel 31 please visit www.channel31.org.au. For information on the Croydon Conservation Society please visit www.croydonconservation.org.au.

Maroondah Leader: Threat to orchid grows

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 20th of May, 2008

Maroondah’s environmental groups are rallying behind the opportunity to protect the Kilsyth South spider orchid. The Maroondah Leader has reported on the efforts to preserve one of the world’s rarest plants.

The Kilsyth South spider orchid, which was found in 1991 at 6 Tereddan Drive in Kilsyth South, is listed as critically endangered under State and Federal legislation. The property has recently been listed for sale providing council, State and Federal Governments with the opportunity to purchase the property and protect this very rare plant.

Councillor Alex Makin said buying the site - bordered by council-owned bushland, a Melbourne Water retarding basin and a Trust for Nature Reserve - would complete “one of the largest bush reserves in Maroondah”.

Given the endangered status of the Kilsyth South spider orchid and the fact that it would connect areas of biological significance, it makes sense for the property to be jointly purchased by government and council.

Continuing the Maroondah Business Expansion and Retention Program

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 5th of May, 2008

This afternoon I accompanied Maroondah’s Economic Development team to interview another business as part of the Business Expansion and Retention Program.

The program aims to gather qualitative data into current business conditions and to determine ways in which Maroondah can further assist the business community. While it would appear that businesses are quite optimistic about the future there is some concern given the uncertain economic climate.

Common themes include issues relating to the differing regulations across state boundaries and the need to further streamline and harmonise state legislation. Likewise there is a need for consistency with local government requirements.

A report compiling the information gathered through this program will be released as part of Maroondah Business Week in October.

For more information on the programs available for businesses please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

First Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting for 2008

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 13th of February, 2008

Tonight I attended the first Heatherdale Community Action Group meeting for 2008. The action group represents the residents and businesses along Heatherdale Road, a community which is split between the two municipalities of Maroondah and Whitehorse.

The guest speaker for tonight’s meeting was Matthew Guy, the Shadow Minister for Planning. Matthew listened intently to the concerns of the community particularly in regard to the deficiencies that currently exist under State legislation. In particular there is a need to strengthen the Environmental Protection Authority, so that they act upon the noise, dust and amenity complaints that are being received.

The EPA has wider scope to investigate these matters than local councils. While Maroondah has sought two successful prosecutions in regard to noise issues, the EPA is able to investigate these matters and seek genuinely punitive measures. Unfortunately the current Helath Act prevents councils from fining a company more than a $1000 a day for matters that are declared a nuisance. The EPA does not have such limitations and must finally take an interest in this matter. It is unfortunate that when the EPA did act, it awarded Manningham Council the fines that were successfully levied against Southern Rocycling, despite the fact that Maroondah City Council had attempted to work closely with the EPA in regard to these amenity issues.

Planning scheme definitions were also discussed, since this is a matter that directly affects Heatherdale Road. Currently a waste transfer facility does not require a permit within an industrial zone and this hampers the enforcement of effective hours of operation. This is in contrast to a recycling facility, which does require a permit and hence allows councils to impose suitable conditions on these operations. The State planning scheme definitions must be reviewed so that councils are able to protect the amenity of the local community.

The State Government has stated it will review both the Health Act and the defintions defined in the Planning and Environment Act. Unfortunately both initiatives seem to have stalled, Matthew Guy as the Shadow Minister for Planning can assist in ensuring that the State Government honours this commitment.