Month: December 2008

Sustainable Melbourne Transport Forum

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As the Deputy Chair and Maroondah delegate of the Eastern Transport Coalition I was invited to present to a transport forum organised by the Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport (GAMUT).

The forum was organised in response to the Government’s Victorian Transport Plan to identify common areas of agreement and discuss any particular aspects of concern. Each speaker discussed the need for further investment in public transport, particularly in regard to further suburban rail extensions and bus improvements.

On behalf of the Eastern Transport Coalition I discussed the need for planning around rail improvements in the eastern suburbs, namely the Rowville and Doncaster rail lines.

I also discussed the need for certainty around the infrastructure investments in the Central Activity Districts, particularly in regard to the public transport improvements that are required for Box Hill and Ringwood.

In addition I raised concerns over a reduction in the commitments made to the SmartBus network, despite the overwhelming response it has received through significant increases in patronage.

The SmartBus network was a key feature of the State Government’s 2006 transport plan, Meeting Our Transport Challenges. While Meeting Our Transport Challenges had its faults, the SmartBus network, which provides more frequent and longer operating bus services was positively received and record patronage increases have confirmed this.

In addition there has been a lack of further commitment towards upgrading bus frequencies and service spans. While investment and expansion of the rail network is important and definitely required it must be recognised that two thirds of Melbourne, including large parts of the outer eastern suburbs resides, beyond the rail network.

Lastly, I spoke about the Dandenong rail corridor and the lack of further commitment towards triplication of the Dandenong rail line. While debate exists about capacity constraints on the rail network, this project was seen as imperative just two years ago. If this situation has changed it is important that the government outlines how the Government has resolved these constraints and whether short-term improvements are possible.

While there are some positive steps in the State Government’s Victorian Transport Plan there is certainly a need for further commitments towards sustainability and public transport.

2008 Maroondah FReeZA Group Graduation

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The Maroondah FReeZA program is designed for young people aged between 15 and 21 years. The program focuses on personal development and group skills through the organisation of all ages live music events.

The program is organised through Maroondah’s Youth Services Team and is jointly funded through Maroondah City Council and the State Government through the Department of Planning and Community Development.

I was asked to officiate the proceedings of the graduation evening and speak about the positive influence the FReeZA program has had on the graduates.

A transcript of the speech I delivered is available below:

Continue reading “2008 Maroondah FReeZA Group Graduation”

Maroondah Leader: Ringwood station on fast track

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The State Government has recently released an update to its Melbourne 2030 planning strategy in recognition of the need to prioritise investment in locations such as Ringwood.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the potential benefit this would provide in enhancing the case for the redevelopment of Ringwood station.

Councillor Alex Makin, a member of the Eastern Transport Coalition, said the Government’s recognition of Ringwood’s importance was encouraging.

The planning strategy, which has was complemented through the launch of the Victorian Transport Plan, has identified Ringwood as a Central Activity District with the aim of facilitating infrastructure investment.

“What this does is underpin the need for the upgrading of Ringwood station,” Cr Makin said.  “What we need now is a commitment in the Government’s transport plan to build upon the one made earlier this year.”

While $39 million has been allocated as ‘stage one’ of the Ringwood Station redevelopment, the current funding excludes works to the station itself.  This means that the current funding will not improve the accessibility of Ringwood Station, which currently fails disability compliance standards.

In recognition of Ringwood’s importance to the State Government’s transport and planning strategies, it is imperative that further funding is announced so that Ringwood Station becomes an accessible and safe transport interchange.

MVC Boxing Association AGM

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The MVC Boxing Association has had a long association with Maroondah and began from humble beginnings in a shed owned by boxing identity Mick Canavan.  In 1982 the association relocated to Bedford Park Hall in Ringwood to provide a more effective training environment.

The club has since been required to relocate from the Hall and has been attempting to find a new location to continue to provide training facilities for its many members.  One of the locations pursued by the club and council was the former Guides Hall in Notlen Street, Ringwood.  This location however was not suitable and so the search continues to find a suitable home for the club.

It is clear from its active membership base that demand exists for a boxing club  and it should be accommodated within Maroondah, like other sports that have been able to establish themselves.  The club caters to a range of participants from youth and through to seniors, all of whom appreciate the determination, motivation and discipline that boxing provides.

Alex with Councillors Paul MacDonald and Michael MacDonald and members of the MVC Boxing Association

Unfortunately the club has experienced ongoing frustrations in finding a new location.  As a councillor for the Mullum Ward I offer my assistance in finding a suitable home for MVC Boxing Association so that we can provide a range of sporting opportunities within Maroondah.

The MVC Boxing Association is one of many organisations within Maroondah that is attempting to find new accommodation. As a council we need to assist these organisations so that we can continue to offer a diverse and vibrant range of activities for our community.

Maroondah Homebiz End of Year Cocktail Party

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Maroondah Homebiz, an organisation that aims to assist small and home-based businesses, held its end of year function this evening at the Karralyka Centre.

The function provided an opportunity for home based businesses to participate in Christmas festivities and network with other businesses within an informal and festive atmosphere.

Maroondah Homebiz meets on a monthly basis at the Coach and Horses Hotel and includes innovative speakers who aim to assist home based businesses. For more details please visit www.homebiz.org.au.

North Ringwood Community House – 2008 End of Year Luncheon

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This afternoon North Ringwood Community House held its end of year function to acknowledge the contributions made by staff, tutors, committee members and volunteers.

In 2009 it is anticipated that planning work will begin in finding a new location for the community house. The community house will be applying for a State Government grant early in the new year to undertake a feasibility study to identify a suitable location and accommodate further growth for the house.

Community houses assist in creating inclusive communities by providing a range of courses in a friendly atmosphere. In addition North Ringwood Community House is the only community house in Maroondah that provided TAFE accredited courses in areas such as palliative care and disability services.

I am looking forward to assisting the house so that it can continue to serve our community in an accessible and inclusive environment.

Eastern Recreation and Leisure Services – 2008 AGM

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Eastern Recreation and Leisure Services (ERLS) aims to develop accessible and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities so that all members of the community, including people with disabilities, can partake in sporting and recreational activities.

The organisation operates across Whitehorse, Monash, Manningham Boroondara, Knox and Maroondah and is overseen by a voluntary committee of management and supported through staff and volunteers.

Within Maroondah ERLS supports the Ringwood Spiders, a football club based at Jubilee Park for people with disabilities, and is also forming partnerships to develop an inclusive and accessible cricket program.

Today’s annual general meeting included a presentation on inclusion, ‘make it your sport!’ a program developed by ERLS to encourage sporting clubs to include people with disabilities and raise awareness of the need for inclusive sporting opportunities.

ERLS demonstrates that all people can participate in sport and recreational activities resulting in more inclusive and healthier lifestyles. The ongoing success of the Ringwood Spiders, in establishing a stronger community and greater participation is a testament to this program and its aims.

Eastern Volunteers – volunteer luncheon

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Eastern Volunteers, which is based in Ringwood, provides transport services for the frail aged and people with disabilities, as well as providing recruiting services for volunteer organisations.

This afternoon, in recognition of International Volunteer Day, the organisation hosted a luncheon at Maroondah Federation Estate to acknowledge the many volunteers within our community. There are more than 5.4 million volunteers across Australia and it has been estimated that their combined contributions contribute over $70 billion to the Australian community.

Volunteers also assist in ensuring inclusive and vibrant communities and it was great to see a wide array of community organisations in attendance to enjoy the festivities. Volunteering strengthens our community and I thank the many people who dedicate their time and energy to creating a better society.

Rotary Club of Ringwood – 'my life, my job'

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The Rotary Club of Ringwood, as part of Rotary International has a focus on fellowship and service for the community. To encourage fellowship, new members are encouraged to present an introductory speech entitled ‘my life, my job’ to discuss their occupation and interest in Rotary.

Tonight I was invited to deliver my introductory speech, where I was able to discuss my involvement in transport and environmental advocacy, as well as my election and subsequent re-election onto the City of Maroondah and my professional background in marketing and IT. Within the speech I discussed the many issues I have been involved in as a councillor, including advacing Maroondah’s approach to reconciliation, the retention of public parklands and committee involvement within the Croydon Conservation Society, Eastern Volunteers, the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau and North Ringwood Community House.

I also discussed potential opportunities for Rotary involvement within projects, such as the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, and areas where we can strengthen social inclusion and tackle disadvantage within our community. Organisations like Rotary can assist in creating a more inclusive society though working in partnership with other community groups.

I believe that I can bring my knowledge of communtiy groups to assist Rotary in delivering better outcomes for Maroondah and the wider region. I look forward to my ongoing involvement within Rotary and working together to improve our community.

Tour of Community Houses

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As part of the sub-committee exploring the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, we visited other new and relocated community centres to learn about the processes involved and the cooperation they received from all levels of government.

We first visited The Avenue Community House, which was re-located to Eley Park in Blackburn in refurbished and extended community facilities. The house shares the facilities with the Eley Park Community Association and we discussed the partnerships that have been formed to improve services to the community. The Avenue has a number of similarities with North Ringwood Community House, including that it was formerly located on church land and a new premises was required to allow the house to expand its courses and services.

The second house we visited was The Pines Learning Centre, which includes a community house and Manningham U3A. The building is just over twelve months old and provides comparable rooms and facilities for both groups, although they operate on a largely autonomous basis.

The tour and discussion will assist North Ringwood Community House in planning for its relocation and new facilities. As a councillor and a member of the community of management I am committed to securing a sustainable future for the house and I look forward to working with all levels of government to ensure that this occurs.