Posts related to 'sustainability'

The Greens support making a difference

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 19th of November, 2008

As an independent councillor and candidate, I aim to work constructively with all political parties and individuals to deliver better outcomes for our community. The bi-partisan agreement to abolish zone three is an example of this, as is the first stage of funding that was announced for Ringwood Station and much needed public transport improvements.

It has unfortunately been reported that Adam Pepper, the Greens Candidate for Mullum, was instructing supporters not to preference me in the council elections. I am pleased to state that this has been corrected and Adam has written the following letter to clarify this:

Dear Sir/Madam,

In the current election campaign candidates have raised issues such as who is a genuine candidate, mobile phone use and the state of our footpaths. While these issues are important and need to be addressed over time, I believe one issue should stand out for all candidates over the next 4 years.

Last night I attended the Eastern Region Climate Forum where Dr David Spratt spoke of the urgency for all levels of Government to work towards avoiding dangerous climate change, where the tipping point may only be years away. He urged all of us to become leaders in attempting to stop dangerous climate change. A recent article in the Education Age (17/11) highlighted the reluctance of a large percentage of young people to make changes that will improve the sustainability of of society. Our society needs young leaders on this issue.

Alex Makin is one of the few candidates with a track record of attempting to take action on climate issues. People concerned about climate change should preference towards him and support him when he is elected.

Local Government can play a vital role in addressing dangerous climate change, and I hope that candidates who are willing to be leaders on this issue are elected as I have tried to support them through my official preference list.

Sincerely

Adam Pepper
Australian Greens Candidate for Mullum Ward
thedrpepper@bigpond.com
0402083469

The relationships I have with individuals and political parties is crucial in delivering outcomes that are making a difference to our community. I appreciate the constructive relationship I have with the Greens and for their acknowledgement of my work in reducing greenhouse emissions and acting on climate change.

Adam Pepper, who is the only party candidate that is upfront about his political affiliations, has run a dignified campaign and I applaud him for his stance on climate change and local issues.

Eastern Region Climate Forum

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

Mitigating climate change and improving our urban sustainability must be a priority for all levels of government. This evening, the Eastern Region Climate Network, comprising of individuals and groups within Knox, Maroondah, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges, organised the Eastern Region Climate Forum, to discuss climate change and the need for action.

The Forum was held in Ringwood and included presentations from Dr. David Spratt the author of Climate Code Red: the case for emergency action and Matthew Wright from Beyond Zero Emissions. Tim Forcey, a member of the Sandringham Climate Action Group served as MC for the evening.

The importance of climate change has been recognised by levels of our political system, with the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser acknowleding that ‘There is no doubt in my mind that this is the greatest problem confronting mankind at this time…a state of emergency.’

Dr. Spratt spoke about the growing evidence that conclusively demonstrates that action of climate change is required now to prevent the melting of Arctic ice caps and the Himalayan glaciers, which provides 40% of Asia’s fresh water supplies. On a per capita basis, Australia is currently one of the world’s largest sources of greenhouse emissions reinforcing the need for leadership.

While Australia is now a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, it included a unique Australian clause, which allowed the reduction of land clearing to be factored into the emissions target. In reality Australia’s emissions are actually 8% above the 1990 Kyoto targets.

Matthew Wright discussed solutions to mitigating climate change with research finding that 25% of actions that would reduce emissions would in fact be cost positive. This would be due to increasing efficiencies, such as harnessing solar and wind power, as well as reducing dependence on oil, through improving public transport. The savings produced by these initiatives would then provide a funding source for further greenhouse reductions.

Local government clearly has a role in reducing greenhouse emissions to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability. As an example, many of the actions within council’s energy fund will become cost positive within three years. This not only reduces greenhouse emissions but will also provide a saving for ratepayers.

Given the importance of climate change it was disappointing that there so few candidates at the forum. In the Mullum Ward, only Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney, Adam Pepper and myself attended the entire evening. One does need to question the sincerity and genuineness of candidates who fail to attend a forum on such an important issue.

I am committed to reducing council’s greenhouse emissions and achieving a carbon neutral target. I am also in favour of interim targets to measure council’s progress towards this goal and to ensure that council is actually reducing emissions, rather than merely offsetting and shifting the burden.

All levels of government need to act in regard to climate change and we need a council that is committed to making a difference to our sustainability.

Maroondah Journal: ‘Get tough’ on noise breach

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

Alongside the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the relocation of North Ringwood Community House and the need for greater sustainability and accessibility, is the issue of ongoing noise violations that spoils the amenity of residents along and near Heatherdale Road.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the ongoing action against CMA Recycling (Victoria) over amenity and noise violations. Maroondah has applied for an enforcement order at VCAT to comply with council’s planning scheme and the EPA has confirmed that CMA is in breach of acceptable noise limits.

Incumbent councillor Alex Makin said he had put pressure on CMA with two successful prosecutions under the Health Act and making the EPA aware of the issues. “I certainly agree that the council needs greater powers to enforce compliance of CMA so I will be pushing the council to change the planning definition of CMA’s activities so we can enforce conditions on the site.”

While the article quoted a number of other candidates, all of whom wanted greater powers but failed to state how they would address the problems experienced by Heatherdale residents.

Over the past three years I been have making a difference for the Heatherdale community through the two successful prosecutions against amenity breaching and further action to hold rogue operators accountable for their actions.

Doing it tough for the community

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

The following article was written by a journalism student who asked Cr. Jo-anne Taylor and myself about the challenges experienced within local government:

 

While some Maroondah citizens would not know who these individuals are, it’s highly likely that the residents, ratepayers, business owners and community groups of Maroondah have witnessed the outcome of their hard work on a daily basis.

These photos are of Alex Makin and Joanne Taylor, two local councillors who are dong it tough for Maroondah. They spend up to 30 hours a week on council duties yet face daily obstacles from their colleagues and receive little recognition from the community.

Representing residents and ratepayers is an overwhelming commitment which requires intense passion and impacts on the lives of councillors, including their family and friends. As Cr Alex Makin stated, “council, has made it difficult to balance a career outside of council, as well as other commitments.”

Privacy or the lack of it, is another issue faced by councillors “apparently I don’t have a private life anymore. My family, including my children know what has been put in the paper about me,” Cr Joanne Taylor added.

With council elections looming over Maroondah, it appears that political rivalry is rife. “The gang of four have made it difficult to encourage public discussion and debate, but it has been possible to work around such difficulties, through local community groups and supportive council officers,” Cr Alex Makin stated.

Despite these obstacles Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor are running for the upcoming council election because both believe there is still work to be done. “I am standing so I can continue to make a difference to Maroondah, particularly in regards to improved accessibility, sustainability and the accountability of council,” Cr Alex Makin commented.

“I particularly want to see council meetings conducted in the view of the public, so that debates occur in the open. This would prevent the current political divisions since the public can see the discussion,” Cr Alex Makin added.

“I have survived two terms - despite some councillor’s best effort to have me removed, this has only made me more determined, and I now know enough to make change happen,” Cr Joanne Taylor said.

Both councillors are excited with the prospect of the new council structure which will introduce a new generation of local councillors to Maroondah. “Prior to this structure being in place Maroondah councillors were being elected unopposed, which weakened local democracy,” Cr Alex Makin stated.

The last three years have laid numerous foundations for Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor. Both are thrilled with their achievements to date, which have included the prevention of the sale of parkland and the removal of zone three, through advocacy that involved local council.

With it being compulsory for residents and ratepayers over the age of 18 to vote from Wednesday 12 November to Sunday 29 November, it is important that Maroondah is represented by councillors that are committed to making a difference.

For further information on Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor please visit their websites at www.alexmakin.com.au and www.jo-annetaylor.com.au.

Maroondah Sustainability Strategy Workshop

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

This evening I attended a workshop to discuss Maroondah’s Sustainability Strategy which is currently available for public comment.

The Strategy serves to provide a policy framework to improve water and energy conservation, as well as reduce resource usage and to educate both council and the community on the importance of sustainability.

The Strategy will be accompanied by an annual action plan, which will include specific council activities to implement the goals within the plan. The Strategy is expected to be considered by the new council in early 2009 once community feedback has been considered.

It is critical that Maroondah becomes an environmental leader to address climate change. To provide your comments on the document please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.