Month: October 2007

Eastern Transport Coalition – appointment as Acting Chair

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Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition focused on federal involvement in urban public transport infrastructure. This week the mayors of all seven Eastern metropolitan councils signed a joint letter calling on the Liberal Party the Australian Labor Party to provide funding for urban public transport infrastructure.

The need for a more responsive State Government towards public transport was also discussed, with a presentation provided by Janet Rice of the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) who discussed their state focused pt4me2 campaign.

Lastly, since Cr. Mick van de Vreede of Knox, the current Chair, is taking leave in November and with the support of the member councils I have been appointed the acting Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition during this time.

Media Release: Happy feet are active feet

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As part of Active Transport Day on Tuesday 16 October, Maroondah City Council staff have cast aside their cars and will either ride or walk to work.

Councillor Alex Makin is an advocate for sustainable transport, including walking and using public transport.

“Active Transport Day is a combination of the former National Ride to Work and Walk to Work days. The Day encourages people to give the car a break and consider cycling, walking or using public transport to travel to and from work or other engagements,” said Cr Makin.

“The intention is to open up our minds to the possibility of alternate means of transport, reducing our dependency on the motor car and creating long term sustainable change,” said Cr Makin.

“Over 50 Council staff, along with many people within our community, will be participating in this day, with fifteen Council staff riding to work and 9 walking to work,” said Cr Makin.

“The remaining Council staff will participate in two lunchtime walks, the first around Ringwood Lake, and the second along the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail,” said Cr Makin.

“Walking is widely acknowledged as being one of the best activities to improve health and well-being, it’s a great way to exercise while enjoying the scenery,” said Cr Makin.

More information on making active transport part of your day to day life can be found at www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au.

Southern Rocycling at Ringwood Magistrates' Court

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Universal Metals Pty Ltd (trading as Southern Rocycling) fronted the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court today in relation to causing a nuisance contrary to section 42a of the Health Act.

The charge specifically related to an instance caused on the morning on the 12th of October 2006, where Maroondah City Council officers observed noise due to the operations of Southern Rocycling.

Southern Rocycling pleaded guilty to the charge and the Magistrate sentence the company to the following:

  • Bond of good behaviour for 18 months (which remains in effect until 15th of April 2009);
  • Payment of $7,978 of costs associated with the hearing;
  • Donation of $3000 to the Salvation Army’s EastCare Network;

This result marks the second successful prosecution of Southern Rocycling by Maroondah City Council and this clearly demonstrates that residents have had legitimate concerns in regard to the noise caused by the company.

Furthermore this verdict will test whether CMA Corporation (as the new owners of Southern Rocycling) is sincere in forming a constructive relationship with residents and council. As stated by the Magistrate, residents should expect a peaceful night’s sleep and it is imperative that CMA Corporation addresses these concerns.

If any residents encounter any further issues with Southern Rocycling please contact me on 0408 311 645 or email alex.makin@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Delegates' report: Engaging our youth and people with disabilities

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On the 19th of September I attended Maroondah Snippets, Maroondah’s very own youth film festival. This event showcased the breadth of talent that exists within Maroondah, particularly in regard to cinematography, multimedia, script writing and acting.

All entrants should be congratulated for the the level of professionalism within the films and the diverse range of genres that were covered. This project was a collaborative effort between our youth, which suggested the idea of a film festival and Maroondah’s Youth Services Team that prepared, managed and conducted the event. Maroondah’s Youth Service Teams, based at EV’s in Croydon, must be congratulated for their dedication and I certainly hope that Snippets will become an annual fixture on the Maroondah calendar.

It was also great to see proceeds from Snippets being donated to Beyond Blue, to advance the level of support provided for people experiencing depression. I would once again like to thank Maroondah’s Youth Services Team for their efforts in undertaking Snippets.

On the 4th of October I participated in Bar None, a combined initiative between Maroondah City Council, Scoot Wheel N Move and the Department of Human Services. Bar None aimed to celebrate community inclusion and to recognise local examples of inclusion for people with disabilities. This forum provided an opportunity to discuss accessibility in the context of the business community.

The forum provided the opportunity to showcase businesses that are doing the right thing. Including Invicta Bus Company, which has exceeded the regulatory requirements for low floor buses and provides a telephone hotline for people that require accessible buses for their travel needs.

It was also encouraging to see representatives from Eastland at the forum. It is imperative that the proposed development of Eastland and the new town centre are accessible from the beginning, rather than requiring costly retrofitting to make up for past mistakes. The fact that Eastland attended the forum should demonstrate a willingness of their part to ensure an accessible environment.

I would like to congratulate the Scoot Wheel N Move Group and Maroondah’s MetroAccess and Community Planning and Development Unit for the time they have dedicated to ensuring a successful event. Scoot Wheel N Move provides a role model for community engagement and I encourage this council to follow in other areas to ensure that we are listening and responding to community concerns.

Lastly, as Maroondah’s representative on the Eastern Transport Coalition I would like to thank the mayor, Councillor Peter Gurr for his participation this morning in the joint mayoral letter signing calling for Federal involvement in urban public transport infrastructure.

Ongoing noise issues with Southern Rocycling

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I have become aware that Southern Rocycling has been operating at an excessive noise volume over Friday night. I would like to thank residents who have contacted me and I have forwarded these issues through Council.

Maroondah Council is seeking a prosecution against Southern Rocycling for noise issues and this action will be heard at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday the 16th October.

If you are experiencing noise issues, please contact me on 0408 311 645 or via email alex.makin@maroondah.vic.gov.au so that I can forward you a logsheet that can document when the noise is occurring.

EPR Art and Craft Exhibition for 2007

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Following the success of last year’s exhibition, Enjoying Planned Retirement (EPR) held its second Art and Craft Exhibition.

As the ward councillor, I was invited to officially open the Art and Craft Exhibition at Norwood Hall in Ringwood North. Tonight’s proceedings included entertainment and finger food to allow guests to meet members from EPR.

EPR provides a range of activities within a friendly and fun atmosphere, including theatre, movie nights, outings, table tennis, bocce and more.

Alex Makin with June Ginger and Grace Rainey from Enjoying Planned Retirement (EPR)

EPR, which is one of the three groups that operate from Norwood Hall, provides a fun range of activities for seniors. While primarily serving Maroondah, the fact that the group attracts members from as far afield as Pakenham, Doncaster or Ashubrton, demonstrates the strength of the group.

The 2007 Art and Craft Exhibition was an overwhelming success with approximately 500 visitors and a number of stalls completely selling their wares.

Please continue reading to view a copy of my opening speech:

Continue reading “EPR Art and Craft Exhibition for 2007”

2007 Maroondah Business Week Awards

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Maroondah Business Week has concluded for 2007 with the presentation of the Business Week Awards. The Maroondah Business Week Awards provide the opportunity to recognise Maroondah based businesses that have excelled over the past twelve months.

A total of 21 businesses were nominated for this year’s Business Week awards and all nominees should be congratulated for their success. A number of categories are provided to acknowledge outstanding businesses within Maroondah and the winners for 2007 were as follows:

  • Best New Business – Pinnacle Cycles
  • Best Micro Business – Eclipse Gymnastics
  • Best Small Business – Four Seasons Gutter Protection
  • Best Medium or Large Business – ANCA Pty Ltd
  • Best Franchise Business – Ringwood East Community Bendigo Bank
  • Mayoral Community Business Award – Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (ECASA)
  • Women in Business Award – Jenny Newman (Century21 Unlimited)
  • Excellence in Innovation Award – ANCA Pty Ltd
  • Best Overall Maroondah Business – Ringwood East Community Bendigo Bank

The awards evening has marked the conclusion of Maroondah Business Week for 2007 and I would like to congratulate all nominees for their success over the past year.

Media Release: Eastern Transport Coalition welcomes Federal Government funding

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The Eastern Transport Coalition welcomes the announcement of Federal Government funding for grade separation at the Springvale Road, Nunawading railway crossing.

Councillor Alex Makin represents Maroondah City Council on the Eastern Transport Coalition.

“The funding from the Federal Government for this important public transport infrastructure improvement, while assisting road traffic congestion, also paves the way for future funding to assist with high capacity public transport projects,” said Cr Makin.

ETC Chairperson Cr Van De Vreede said the “grade separation will help reduce traffic congestion at one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections and likewise a rail to Rowville, a rail to Doncaster and increasing the capacity of the Belgrave/Lilydale lines would reduce congestion on many more roads.

“If the Federal Government is happy to provide funding to reduce congestion on roads which are traditionally the responsibility of the State Government why shouldn’t they provide funding for high capacity public transport projects which will do the same?” It’s a ‘no brainer’.

“Such public transport projects will also serve to protect our families from the impacts of rising oil prices by giving them transport choices.”

The community in the eastern suburbs wants the Federal Government to help with funding. In a major survey of 1000 voters in the east 62% of respondents said it was not acceptable that the Federal Government provided funding for major roads but not for public transport infrastructure.

“This supports the Federal parliamentary Committee on Environment and Heritage decision that the provision of Australian Government transport infrastructure funds ‘include provision of funding specifically for sustainable public transport infrastructure for suburbs and developments on the outer fringes of our cities’.”

“Phil Baressi was a member of the Committee for part of this inquiry so he understands the importance of public transport in improving the sustainability of our cities.

“I look forward to more decisions by the Federal Government to provide funding in areas where they have not traditionally done so, first it was a hospital, now its grade separations, hopefully tomorrow its public transport,” Cr Van De Vreede concluded.

The Eastern Transport Coalition is made up of seven Councils in Melbourne’s east, representing over 940,000 residents, with a primary focus on advocating for improved transport choices in the east.

2007 Maroondah Business Week Breakfast with Dean Jones

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Maroondah Business Week provides the opportunity to showcase the range of businesses that exist within Maroondah and includes a range of workshops and events to assist businesses in their growth and development.

Today’s business breakfast included Dean Jones, Victorian Cricketer and commentator, who spoke about the importance of team building and decisive leadership. Dean spoke about his experiences in building and supporting teams during his cricket career and afterwards as a director of an events management company.

Dean stressed the importance of teams being open with their colleagues to ensure that goals are shared and cohesiveness in achieving these objectives. It was also mentioned that time should be provided to celebrate achievements and to recognise the contributions that teams have made when success occurs. Leadership is also required to set the required course, to maintain rapport within a team and to act decisively when required.

A number of events are planned throughout the reminder of Maroondah Business Week and for details please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

MS Support Group Exhibition

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The morning the MS Support Group launched its art exhibition at Maroondah Federation Estate. The exhibition featured prints and paintings from its members and provided an opportunity to showcase the support provided by MS Support Groups.

Like the exhibition organised by the Croydon Stroke Support Group, this exhibition received grant funding from Maroondah City Council and provided an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of talent that exists within these support groups.

Support groups, such as these provide friendship, support and an opportunity to strengthen participation within our society, it is critical that as a council we support these groups to prevent the onset of social isolation.