Month: March 2008

First Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee for 2008

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The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee has resumed for 2008 and provides an opportunity to discuss projects that will enhance life within Maroondah.

Items discussed this morning included the Bayswater North Renewal Project and the cooperation that exists between Victoria Police and Connex to prevent rock throwing incidents from occurring. Council’s education and support for newly arrived migrants was also discussed and there are plans to extend this program so that it includes knowledge about public transport. Council will be seeking cooperation with Metlink, Connex and bus operators, such as Invicta, to assist in this project.

Safety around Ringwood was also discussed and the Police will be regularly patrolling the area. Council’s youth services team will also be working with younger people to improve the amenity around the Ringwood Skatepark.

The committee adopted a recommendation calling on council to pursue the Federal Government over funding for security cameras around Ringwood. A federal election promise was made by the former Federal Member for Deakin and I do hope that the new member will commit to the installation of cameras to improve the safety of central Ringwood.

Maroondah Journal: People power – residents may reclaim roads, shopping strip

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The transformation of Ringwood into a vibrant suburb filled with opportunities for people of all abilities, will only succeed if the centre becomes pedestrian friendly. The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah’s efforts to return Ringwood back to the community.

Cr Alex Makin confirmed the council was looking at ways to move cars from key roads in Maroondah.

Discussions are continuing with VicRoads to ensure that traffic lanes and speed limits can be reduced along Maroondah Highway, making it easier for people to cross this road and to connect the key transport interchange of Ringwood station to the residents and commercial businesses on the other side of the Highway.

“It’s our plan to look at Maroondah Highway – to reduce the road to four lanes with parking on both sides and reduce speed limits.”

The Ringwood Mobility and Wayfinding Strategy found that streets in Ringwood were largely pedestrian unfirendly and in excess of 500 people a day use the Maroondah Highway pedestrian crossing. This reports called for traffic calming along Maroondah Highway, including a reduction of lanes and speed limits, to return the street to the local community and to ensure a more vibrant shopping district.

“Maroondah streets should no longer be a thoroughfare for drivers, but instead we should return the centre of Ringwood back to the people. If you are not going to stop and shop and contribute to the community, then use the bypass.”

The toll-free Ringwood bypass will provide six lanes of traffic for people that wish to drive through Ringwood. A localised Maroondah Highway, with ample on-street parking, will allow for a more vibrant centre and boost local commerce.

He said the plan would enable shoppers to use the precinct safely. “I have difficulty crossing the highway on the pedestrian strip, but what about the people who use a mobility aid or walk a little slower?”

Reducing traffic along Maroondah Highway, through encouraging the use of the bypass, will make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility aids to shop within the centre of Ringwood.

“A vibrant suburban centre can only be achieved if we can provide a friendly, safe area for pedestrians.”

Pedestrians form the lifeblood of any vibrant district and it is imperative that changes are made to Maroondah Highway so that our streets can enhance the sense of community within Ringwood. VicRoads and the State Government must support and enact measures that reduce speed limits and the amount of traffic lanes along Maroondah Highway.

Maroondah Leader: Railing for change

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The Maroondah Leader has reported on the Eastern Transport Coalition’s request for Federal and State cooperation in funding urban public transport infrastructure so as to mitigate worsening traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions.

The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) has called for changes to funding rules under the national Auslink program to allow spending on urban public transport infrastructure.

Auslink is a federally funded program provides funding largely for roads and freight. While urban roads are included within the Auslink program, it currently excludes urban public transport.

Coalition member and Maroondah Councillor, Alex Makin said the federally funded Auslink program only provided for roads and some rural rail freight.

Auslink is about moving people, but it excludes public transport,” Cr Makin said. “Traffic congestion is growing faster than the population and the best way to ease that is by getting on to public transport”.

Given the national focus on combating inflation and greenhouse emissions, it is imperative that the federal government provides funding for public transport to restore and maintain Australia’s international competitiveness. Much of Melbourne’s outer east lacks essential rail infrastructure, resulting in traffic congestion and rising greenhouse emissions, since residents have no alternative but to drive.

The ETC is seeking federal and state cooperation for the following projects:

  • Heavy rail connections to Doncaster and Rowville;
  • Duplication of the Belgrave and Lilydale lines to ensure reliable and frequent services;
  • Completion and implementation of the bus service reviews currently being undertaken by the State Government; and
  • Improvements to major public transport interchanges, such as Ringwood and Box Hill.

It is essential that the State and Federal Governments cooperate in providing Melbourne with essential public transport infrastructure. Federal funding should be provided in return for efficiency gains from the State Government, to ensure a reliable and frequent public transport system that provides a ready alternative to car usage.

Maroondah Journal: Street character 'at risk'

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Planning decisions are one of the more contentious areas of local government, particularly since the unelected VCAT planning tribunal has jurisdiction to override council decisions.

Given the contentious nature of planning it is imperative that residents are involved in the planning process so that councils can ensure a higher standard of planning decisions.

Cr Alex Makin said Maroondah was desperate for a group to focus on planning. “It would really help achieve some great outcomes to help inform the community about planning. It can often be a confusing minefield. It is important that residents do speak up”.

Community involvement in planning decisions will ultimately lead to better outcomes, by ensuring that community concerns are being taken into account. In regard to planning decisions in my ward, I often call consultation meetings to ensure that residents are able to be heard. The establishment of a community group focused on planning within Maroondah would further enhance the ability of residents to be heard over planning decisions and the character of their neighbourhoods.

Maroondah Partners Health, Safety and Wellbeing committee for 2008

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The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee provides an opportunity to address issues relating to the safety of the Maroondah community. The committee includes representation from council, as well as external agencies and service providers, including the Department of Human Services, Victoria Police, Connex and Eastern Volunteers, providing a wealth of knowledge in the health and wellbeing of our community.

There are two councillors included on the committee. For the 2008 year the councillor representatives are Cr. Peter Gurr and myself. I will be chairing the committee throughout 2008.

Croydon Conservation Society 2008 AGM

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The Croydon Conservation Society (CCS) is Maroondah’s oldest and largest conservation and environmental society. The Society aims to promote urban sustainability within Maroondah to preserve the leafy image of the municipality.

Tonight’s meeting included a presentation from Phil Turner, the Director of Major Projects and Planning of Maroondah City Council, who discussed the Ringwood Transit City and the aim to revitalise central Ringwood. Urban sustainability, through promoting water and energy efficiency and sustainable forms of transport will be critical to the success of Ringwood. It is imperative that the proposed redevelopment of central Ringwood and the next stage of Eastland incorporates sustainability, as well as a high standard of accessibility, to ensure a vibrant town centre that all people can enjoy.

Likewise, the redevelopment of Ringwood Station will underpin sustainable transport, through promoting walking, cycling and public transport usage. The station upgrade must be delivered in the upcoming State Budget and supported through upgrades to bus services within Maroondah.

Tonight’s AGM also included the election of office bearers for the next twelve months. I am pleased to announce that I have been elected Treasurer of the Croydon Conservation Society for the upcoming year. I have had a long association with the CCS, since we jointly organised a public meeting over transport issues back in 2004 and I am delighted to be part of the committee.

Urban sustainability is a looming issue for Maroondah and it is imperative that we meet these challenges.

Reflections of Wyreena: Celebrating 30 years as a community arts centre

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Wyreena has celebrated 30 years since its establishment as a community arts centre, with tonight’s celebrations providing an opportunity to display the art gallery and to highlight the many programs on offer at the centre.

The establishment of a community arts centre at Wyreena was only possible due to the dedication of community activists who did not want to see the historic homestead being demolished after it was purchased by developers in 1976. A campaign ensued and these passionate activists were successful in convincing the then Croydon Council and the Rupert Hamer led State Government to purchase the site and to create a Community Arts Centre.

Wyreena officially opened as a community arts centre in 1978 due to the dedication of these community members. The strong sense of community within Wyreena still continues with the centre being managed by a voluntary committee of management.

Reflections of Wyreena, a booklet highlighting the history of the homestead and featuring a number of artworks, including paintings by Shirley Jones, has been produced to to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the arts centre.

VEC Preliminary Submission – Achieving a cohesive Maroondah community

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Given that Maroondah City Council has failed to reflect the community’s views in its submission to the Victorian Electoral Commission I have authored my own individual submission recommending multi-member wards, as supported by the community.

It is unfortunate that some councillors in Maroondah have chosen to disregard the community’s view and decided to put their own self interests above the needs of the municipality. The City of Maroondah, with its current single-member wards, has divided our community with suburbs such as Ringwood being separated into differing wards. Likewise, the divisions between Ringwood and Croydon, a situation perpetuated by the current ward boundaries, has prevented a cohesive and united Maroondah.

A restructure of Maroondah so that it consists of three council wards electing three councillors each would remove the arbitrary divisions that currently exist within Maroondah. Three wards would ensure easily identifiable ward boundaries and would combine broad communities of interest leading to a higher standard of representation and community involvement.

The proposed structure outlined in my submission would lead to stronger governance and a higher standard of representation within the City of Maroondah and would be consistent with the VEC’s approach to nearby municipalities that share similar populations to Maroondah. Lastly, this structure would be robust enough to maintain its relevancy over the next eight years and beyond.

The VEC’s preliminary review aims to propose preferred options for Maroondah and is due on the 1st of April. Following this report there will be a round of further community consultation and submissions including a public hearing.

Maroondah Journal: Bus review to connect with 'non-users'

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Over the duration of this year the State Government is planning to undertake a series of bus service reviews and as such the Eastern Transport Commission will be commissioning work to determine the reasons deterring people from using public transport.

Some of these reasons, such as infrequent services, poor operating spans and confusing bus routes, are well-known within the eastern suburbs, but comprehensive research will assist the Eastern Transport Coalition’s efforts in lobbying for public transport improvements.

Cr Alex Makin said frequency and a lack of weekend and evening services were major problems in Maroondah.

Even though there have been some recent changes, the frequency and operating span of bus services on popular routes such as the 670 along Maroondah Highway still need further improvements. In addition, there is still a lack of evening services particularly on weekends.

The ETC was hopeful of a successful outcome. “It is the first time in four decades bus services have been seriously looked at.”

The review into bus routes is definitely welcome and it is hoped that the State Govenrment will take this opportunity to improve services within Maroondah and beyond. In particular there is a need for a bus service along Mount Dandenong Road, connecting Ringwood with Karralyka, Maroondah Hospital and Croydon along a direct route. Furthermore services within the north of Maroondah, such as Warranwood, are also lacking.

The State Government’s review into Maroondah’s bus services is expected to begin in the latter part of this year.

Maroondah Leader: Review to push the boundary

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The Maroondah Leader has reported on Maroondah’s submission to the representation review being undertaken by the Victorian Electoral Commission where the majority of councillors chose to ignore the wishes of the community:

The submission was discussed at the last council meeting when councilors Alex Makin and Maureen Naylor chose to vote against the proposals.

Maroondah City Council held a series of workshops last November in order to gauge public opinion. It is unfortunate that some councillors chose to disregard the community’s input when it did not suit their own aims.

Cr Makin said the recommendations were “contrary to the findings” of public consultation which favoured a multi-member three structure with nine councillors.

The community consultation which included workshops and feedback submissions showed a clear preference towards reforming Maroondah City Council’s ward structures and representation.

“Council has failed to use the opportunity to improve representation within Maroondah,” Cr Makin said.

Preliminary submission to the Victorian Electoral Commission’s representation review into the City of Maroondah closes today. The findings are scheduled to be released on the 1st of April.