Tag: advocate

Media Release: Monster petition to be presented to Parliament

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The Eastern Transport Coalition’s (ETC) ‘monster petition’ will be presented on Thursday 24 June at 1.00pm on the steps of Parliament House.

The petition has travelled throughout Melbourne’s eastern region since 21 July 2009 and has been hosted by each of the seven members of the ETC – the municipalities of Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, Dandenong, Manningham, Knox and Yarra Ranges.

It has collected approximately 13,000 signatures from various Council offices, shopping centres, train stations, universities, community festivals and markets.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin, said the petition called on the State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to improve public transport in the eastern region.

“Public transport is an important issue for many people throughout Maroondah and beyond, so it’s vital that any gaps in its provision and planning are addressed,” Cr Makin said.

The petition will seek commitments from the State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to include:

  • Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in Central Activities Districts – including Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill.
  • A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines.
  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville.
  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster.
  • Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles.

The ETC advocates for sustainable and liveable transport services to reduce the level of car dependency to secure the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Melbourne’s outer east.

Media Release: Metlink tools are ‘one stop shop’ for public transport

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Wondering whether you can have another coffee or finish that report before you race out the door to catch your train or bus? Now you can make an informed decision with Metlink’s handy online tools wherever you are.

Public transport customer service agency Metlink has designed four customer tools to help commuters save time across all modes of transport; a journey planner, iPhone app, downloadable timetable and mobile departure board.

Michelle Herbert, general manager at Metlink, says as Melbourne’s population continues to grow, Metlink is looking for innovative ways to make public transport even easier.

“The tools will help people get public transport information wherever they are via the internet on their mobile phones and computers,” Michelle said. “As the use of broadband and 3G continues to increase across Victorian households and businesses, Metlink has embraced the technology to create some very useful public transport tools.”

“The tools are very simple and suitable for all types of customer – whether young or old, frequent or infrequent users,” Michelle said.

Alex Makin, Mayor of City of Maroondah, is a strong public transport advocate who gave up his mayoral car when he came into office.

The Mayor covers most of his area’s 64km boundary on the bus network and uses the odd train from time to time.

“I rely on public transport to get to my appointments throughout the municipality so I was thrilled to learn of the new tools,” said Cr Makin. “The journey planner is my preferred tool which helps me plan my day and save time.”

The four tools are:

  • The journey planner – get a trip plan from A to B across all modes of transport;
  • The iPhone app, it’s one stop shop for all your transport needs;
  • Downloadable timetables you can print at home or your office and keep in your bag or on the fridge; and
  • Mobile departure board tells you when the next times are for your stop.

For more information about the tools, visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au.

MAV State Council Meeting – May 2010

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The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is the peak body representing local government across Victoria and advocates on behalf of the sector.  The MAV holds two State Council meetings each year, where motions are debated to influence the policies and activities of the organisation.

As the current Mayor I am also Maroondah’s MAV representative, meaning that I represent the views of the municipality at the State Council meetings.

Maroondah submitted several motions to be debated at the State Council, including calling on the State Government to provide a centralised support service to provide assistance in regard to Councillor Workcover and Conflict of Interest provisions.  In addition Maroondah initiated a motion calling on the roll-out of energy efficient lighting across Victoria and expressed concern over the lack of consultation in regard to the increases in the State Government Landfill levy.

Each of these motions were successful and will help shape the policies and actions of the Municipal Association of Victoria.  The next State Council meeting is planned for late October.

Media Release: Gaming machines a blight on Maroondah

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Responsible Gambling Week will be marked throughout Australia and Maroondah from 17 to 23 May in an effort to build resilience to problem gambling and educate community members at risk of developing a gambling problem.

Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said it was extremely disappointing that Maroondah now bore the distinction of hosting the highest density of gaming machines in metropolitan Melbourne.

“In recent figures released by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, Maroondah ranked ahead of both Greater Dandenong and Maribyrnong with 9.52 gaming machines per 1000 adults,” Cr Makin said.

“This is extremely disappointing and is something Council would like to see reversed,” Cr Makin said.

“While poker machine density has been trending downward in both metropolitan Melbourne (down 8.3 per cent from 2007 to 2009) and Victoria (down 5.9 per cent from 2007 to 2009), the trend in Maroondah has grown at a rate of 2.7 per cent between 2007 and 2009,” Cr Makin said.

“In fact, gaming expenditure in Maroondah topped $68.4 million in 2008-09, dwarfing the $42.4 million of municipal rates and charges raised that year,” Cr Makin said.

“Council advocates strongly against any new applications for poker machines in Maroondah and surrounding municipalities,” Cr Makin said.

“Recent cases have included Council submissions objecting to an additional 10 poker machines being installed at Wantirna Club (City of Knox) and to the inclusion of 70 machines at a new venue opposite Chirnside Park Shopping Centre (Shire of Yarra Ranges),” Cr Makin said.

“While Council recognises that not all gamblers in Maroondah are deemed ‘problem gamblers’, it’s important to stress that moderation is the key to keeping gambling under control,” Cr Makin said.

“It is vital that we, as a community, speak with one voice against a further proliferation of gaming machines in Maroondah, and the subsequent gambling expenditure that would result,” Cr Makin said.

“Council will maintain its stance and continue to strongly advocate for less gaming machines in Maroondah and surrounding municipalities over the coming years,” Cr Makin said.

Council has developed a Gaming Policy which sets out its position on electronic gaming in Maroondah, with a focus on problem gambling and the location and operation of poker machines. For information detailing Council’s stance on gaming in Maroondah, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Gambling.aspx.  For the latest Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation figures and news please visit www.vcgr.vic.gov.au

– ENDS –

Maroondah Journal: push on for station funds – election provides ‘second go’

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While the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station was ignored yet again in last week’s State Government Budget, the State election in November provides a further opportunity to advocate and secure funds for this vital project.  The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah City Council’s desire to seek funding for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station:

Mayor Alex Makin said while he was disappointed no further funding had been included in this year’s budget, he assured residents that  the council would work with each political party to ensure it received a commitment in the coming state election.

Maroondah City Council will be advocating for the redevelopment of the Station so that it becomes an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.  The complete development of the station is essential to achieving a vibrant, sustainable and accessible future for Ringwood.

“The State Government is going to start works [for stage one] in July and we see that as the first stage of the complete redevelopment and  overhaul of Ringwood Station.  This is where it is timely that we receive that second stage commitment so that once stage one is completed, works can immediately begin on stage two.  This is essential to ensure that we’re continuing that momentum and the community sees that Ringwood is becoming a vibrant community.”

Stage one of the Ringwood Station redevelopment includes works for the bus interchange and station forecourt but excludes the station itself.  While these works will provide an improvement to bus facilities and the station forecourt, it is essential that the station itself is redeveloped to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

“We’re fortunate with the state elections in November that this is not our only opportunity to receive that commitment.”

Council will be calling on all political parties to commit to the complete redevelopment and overhaul of Ringwood Station.  It is essential that a commitment is secured during the State Election so that we can achieve our shared vision for Ringwood as a vibrant, accessible and sustainable urban centre.

Speaking at the PTUA Outer East Branch meeting

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The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) was founded in 1976 and advocates for public transport improvements across Melbourne and Victoria.  The organisation has two branches, one located in Geelong and the other covering the Outer East of Melbourne.

The PTUA Outer East Branch was founded in 200, where I was one of its founding members and the initial branch convenor.  While I left the PTUA in 2007, the Outer East Branch has continued to grow and this evening I was invited to speak to the members to discuss public transport issues within Maroondah and the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The top priority for Maroondah is securing a commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, which currently fails disability compliance standards and lacks integration with bus, pedestrian and cycling facilities. The Council will be calling on all political parties to commit to the redevelopment of the Station, so as to complement the works that will be undertaken for the bus interchange.

In addition, there is also a need to accelerate the implementation of the bus service reviews.  While the review into the bus routes serving Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges was recently released, timeframes have not been provided for the implementation of the longer-term recommendations.

Public transport improvements are essential in improving the amenity and wellbeing of Maroondah, through reducing greenhouse emissions, improving accessibility and mitigating traffic congestion.

The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayor’s Network

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The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayors Network is a meeting of Mayors across Metropolitan Melbourne, convened through the City of Melbourne.  The Network has a focus on issues common to Melbourne’s metropolitan councils, with today’s session discussing urban planning and infrastructure.

The session began with a presentation on the Commonwealth Government’s Major Cities Unit, which aims to provide Federal involvement in the way Australia’s cities develop and function.  Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world and yet the Commonwealth Government has typically had little involvement within urban planning and development.

The Major Cities Unit has been working with Infrastructure Australia to identify shortfalls in infrastructure across Australia and its cities.  Funding commitments from the Commonwealth is dependent on respective State Governments completing a metropolitan plan for its cities to ensure a holistic approach to projects.

The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayor’s Network aims to advocate to the State and Federal Governments for a holistic approach to Melbourne’s urban planning and infrastructure needs.  Many of the participants highlighted the need for public transport improvements as an example of this need for holistic planning.

Maroondah Journal: One step at a time for Mayor

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One of the first initiatives I implemented as Mayor was to return the Mayoral car, meaning I would continue to utilise sustainable transport, such as buses, trains and walking when undertaking Council commitments.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on my usage of sustainable forms of transport within my Mayoral term:

Maroondah mayor Alex Makin has put his money where his mouth is, returning his mayoral vehicle to use public transport to get to council appointments. The long-time public transport advocate, gave up the car when he became mayor in December, putting the money back into the budget to benefit ratepayers.

Traditionally the Mayor of Maroondah has been provided with a car, which is traded in every two years. As Mayor I gave in the car providing a saving to Council and reinforcing the importance of sustainable transport within Maroondah.

Cr Makin said he had decided to give up the mayoral car because he wanted to lead by example.

“I live within the Ringwood central activities district, an area where the council is encouraging sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport and walking. It would be hypocritical for the mayor to use the car when living in an area where we are encouraging sustainable transport.”

Cr Makin said he planned his travel in advance to arrive at his appointments on time, but the lack of links between bus and train services could cause difficulties at times.

However, he said time spent travelling was sometimes a bonus.

“I tend to do a lot of council work on the move, whether it be phone calls or emails, while using public transport, so this time is quite efficiently used in terms of catching up with work.

“Certainly there is a benefit in terms of fitness and seeing Maroondah first-hand on a street-by-street basis.

“Public transport and walking also provides a great opportunity to speak to residents and community members and helps convey the role of being mayor and a councillor,” he said.

Cr Makin said he hoped future mayors of Maroondah would follow in his footsteps by using public transport where they could.

The mayoral car was traded in and replaced with a travel allowance, which Cr Makin said had provided a saving.

“It also demonstrates that councils should consider flexibility when providing travel, rather than following the standard formula of providing a car for the mayor.”

The transformation of Ringwood depends on public transport improvements to encourage sustainable forms of transport. As a Mayor that lives within the Ringwood Central Activities District I believe it is important to lead by example and demonstrate that public transport can be a viable form of transport.

While frequency and operating span improvements are required, particularly for bus services and off-peak rail travel, Maroondah does have the foundations of an integrated and functional public transport system. Complemented by Maroondah’s walking trails, sustainable forms of transport should be encouraged within the municipality.

North Ringwood Community House 2010 AGM

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North Ringwood Community House is located at 120 Oban Road, located at the rear of the Holy Spirit Primary School in Ringwood North.  The North Ringwood Community House is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and offers a range of accredited courses, as well as adult education and social groups.

As a community based organisation, North Ringwood Community House is overseen by a voluntary committee of management and this afternoon the organisation held its annual meeting to elect committee members for the next twelve months.  While I was previously a committee member of the North Ringwood Community House, I have chosen not to seek re-nomination and have resigned from the committee.

While I enjoyed being a committee member of North Ringwood Community House, changes to the Local Government Act, prevent a Councillor from formally discussing matters involving an organisation, where they are part of its decision making body.  As a consequence, this has meant that I was unable to discuss the community house within formal council meetings.

Given these changes to the Local Government Act, I believe I will be better able to advocate for the community house if I was no longer a member of the committee of management.

During the past twelve months North Ringwood Community House prepared a new business plan and completed the feasibility study exploring potential sites for the organisation and its services.  The study identified Norwood Reserve along Warrandyte Road as the preferred site and Council will now able undertaking an assessment of this location, including consultation with existing users and exploring the traffic implications.

This assessment is expected to be completed by July, when Council will discuss the findings with the North Ringwood Community House.

Conflict of Interest – Government Round Table

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This afternoon I attended a round table discussion on the State Government’s Conflict of Interest provisions for Local Government. The session was convened by the State Government and held at Knox City Council, enabling Mayors and council staff to discuss potential reform to the current provisions.

While I can appreciate the intent of the Government’s conflict of interest reforms to local government, this has had unintended consequences, including difficulties in being advocates for community causes.

For example, when I was Treasurer of the Croydon Conservation Society I was unable to vote or discuss Council’s Sustainability Strategy, since the Croydon Conservation Society wrote a submission in response to the strategy.

This hampered my ability as a Councillor to discuss environmental sustainability and led to my resignation as Treasurer of the Society. While strong conflict of interest provisions are definitely required to ensure accountable local government, it should not hamper a Councillor’s ability to represent their community.

Further more there seems to be a significant amount of variability as to how these provisions are implemented across the local government sector. Conflict of Interest provisions need to be clear and concise without any ambiguity that might hamper their intent.

These concerns are widespread across the local government sector and it is hoped that the State Government considers amendments that do not hamper a Councillor’s ability to represent their community to the fullest extent possible.