MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Station Announcement only half-complete
Alex Makin, Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill Ward and public transport advocate, has welcomed the $39 million State Government announcement for Ringwood Station but expressed concern over the failure to fund accessibility improvements
“After years of public pressure and campaigning the State Government has finally delivered $39 million to begin the redevelopment of Ringwood Station”, Cr. Makin said. “While the State Government deserves congratulations for this belated announcement, their commitment is only half complete and further funding is required.”
Ringwood has been identified as a Transit City under the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 planning framework. The transit city policy aims to create urban centres with diverse housing and employment opportunities, interlinked by frequent and efficient public transport services.
“This announcement will provide improvements to the station forecourt and bus interchange and it must be accompanied by pedestrian improvements across Maroondah Highway”, Cr. Makin said. “It is extremely disappointing that the current funding will not provide accessibility implements for Ringwood Station itself.”
“The steep gradient of the ramps at Ringwood Station means it fails disability compliance standards. It is critical that further funding is announced so that people of all ages and abilities can partake in our community. I will continue to campaign for an accessible Ringwood Station to ensure that we can create an inclusive and sustainable community”, Cr. Makin concluded.
About Alex Makin:
Alex Makin was elected in November 2005 as the Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill ward in the City of Maroondah. Alex is focused on accessibility, sustainability, public transport, planning and community engagement.
ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: CR. ALEX MAKIN ON 0408 311 645
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On behalf of the seniors of Ringwood thank you for keeping up the fight.
The planned developments will significantly enhance the bus interchange and help integrate the station precinct into the proposed new city square BUT as you have correctly identified many of our elderly and people with disabilities will still not be able to catch trains at Ringwood.
I look forward to joining you on council so we can continue this battle together.
Peter,
Thank you for your comments. While the announcement does demonstrate that the Government is aware of the issues facing Ringwood, it is most concerning that this funding will not address issues with the station itself.
Ringwood Station fails to meet disability compliance standards as stated in the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act of 1992.
It is clear that further advocacy will be required from council and the community to ensure that the government delivers a station that is accessible and meets the needs of Maroondah.
We need a council that will actively advocate for the full redevelopment of Ringwood Station and I would welcome any new Councillors that would assist in this undertaking.
Thanks,
Alex