Posts related to 'transport'

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.

Policies

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 10th of November, 2008

Lets continue making a difference

I would like to thank you, for the opportunity you have given me over the past three years to be your
elected councillor.

This section of my website provides an overview of some of the work I have undertaken as a Councillor and our vision for the future. Together we can continue making a difference and ensure an accessible and sustainable municipality through a council that is accountable to the public.

I will not take your vote for granted.

Accessibility

Maroondah needs to be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Achievements over the past three years include:

• Increased funding for accessibility works making it easier for people to get around.
• Upgrades to council facilities, such as Karralyka, to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

Our vision

The Ringwood redevelopment means we can create an accessible, inclusive and vibrant town centre.
We can create opportunities for all; our youth, families, elderly and people with disabilities, by providing
safe and accessible communities.

I support the construction of footpaths and will advocate for an accessible and safe Ringwood Station, as well as further transport improvements.

Sustainability

We need to protect our environment and improve our community facilities.

Achievements include:

• $1 million water fund used to reduce water usage and install water tanks for sporting grounds
  and council buildings.
• Council sustainability fund to reduce energy consumption and minimise council electricity costs.
• Public transport advocacy resulting in more bus services and the removal of zone three.

Our vision

Council must become an environmental leader and reduce its impact on the environment.

We need to hold regular workshops and forums to assist our community and businesses to improve their
environmental sustainability.

I support a new community centre for Ringwood North and upgraded facilities for Ringwood Aquatic Centre.

Accountability

Local council must be accountable to the community.

Achievements include:

• Standing up for the community and successfully preventing the sale of public parkland.
• Preventing inappropriate development and ensuring higher planning standards.
• Organising resident meetings so people can voice their opinions in order to deliver better outcomes.

Our vision

Improvements to open meetings to ensure that council is accountable. I will continue to provide ongoing updates to my website and blog to keep you informed, as well as meeting the community groups, residents, businesses and ratepayers that are within Maroondah.

Find out more

Visit my Internet Journal and read about the activities, achievements and projects I have undertaken as a member of the community and a councillor for the City of Maroondah.

Alternatively please contact me on 9812 2337 or 0409 136 213, or email alex@alexmakin.com.au.

Eastern Access Community Health 2008 AGM

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 6th of November, 2008

Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) is a community based organisation that delivers an holistic approach to community health and support services across Melbourne’s eastern region, including Boroondara, Manningham, Whitehorse, Monash, Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges. EACH provides a range of community health services, including counselling, disability support services, respite care, assistance for gamblers and is also a registered training organisation.

Tonight’s annual general meeting provided an opportunity for the board and management team to discuss the taxation rulings that threatened the Donation Gift Recipient (DGR) and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status of Eastern Access Community Health. The loss of this status would restrict the organisation’s capacity to attract donations and would result in adverse tax treatment, including the loss of Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions.

Given the adverse ramifications of the taxation rulings it has been proposed that EACH be constituted as a company limited by guarantee. This would assist in meeting these challenges and allow EACH to continue to expand its services in community health provision.

The guest speaker was human rights advocate Julian Gardiner, who spoke about the need to break down the systemic human rights inequities that exist within society and perpetuate disadvantage. Inclusive communities, where human rights are respected, assist in removing disadvantage through ensuring that everyone is able to participate. Julian discussed how a lack of access into buildings or a lack transport choice can limit social inclusion and as a result entrench disadvantage.

Organisations like EACH, through their holistic approach to community health, contribute to reducing this disadvantage to create an inclusive community with opportunities for all people. For further information on Eastern Community Health please visit www.each.com.au.

Mullum Candidates’ Forum

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 5th of November, 2008

The Mullum Candidates’ Forum was held this evening at North Ringwood Community House. The forum provided an opportunity for the ratepayers and residents to raise their issues and concerns with the candidates of the Mullum Ward.

While it was unfortunate that six candidates chose to snub the community and not attend the forum, it was pleasing to see each of the genuine candidates; Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney, Nora Lamont and myself attend the evening. The failure of the other candidates to attend the forum demonstrates a lack of commitment and proves that they are not genuine in the election.

The need for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, as well as the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, greater accountability and environmental sustainability were the main topics that were discussed during the evening.

As a candidate I have committed myself to further advocacy to seek the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible and safe transport interchange, the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, more footpaths and accessibility and sustainability improvements across Maroondah. I am also committed to improving the accountability of council and I will continue to regularly update my website, blog and Internet Journal.

I would like to thank North Ringwood Community House for hosting the only candidates’ forum in this election and to members of the community who attended and asked questions of the candidates.