amenity Archives

The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce – February meeting

Posted on 8 February 2011 by alex

The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Ringwood’s main trader group, representing its members on matters relating to commerce in Ringwood.

Tonight’s meeting included an update on development projects within Ringwood, including the long awaited redevelopment of Eastland. While some commercial development is taking place, the catalyst for Ringwood’s transformation will occur with the next stage of the Eastland redevelopment and the transformation of Ringwood Station into an accessible, integrated and safe transport interchange.

Over the past year Maroondah Council undertook considerable work to deliver community infrastructure within the centre of Ringwood. This includes two new playgrounds, as well as a community hub, which will provide new community space and library facilities.

The revitalisation of Ringwood must be accompanied with community facilities that create a sense of place and strengthen the level of community.

Furthermore, while the new State Government has committed to redeveloping Ringwood Station in its entirety from 2014 it is imperative that works on the station forecourt are also included to create new public realms and improve the amenity of Ringwood.

Maroondah Leader: Charity acts to the fore

Posted on 23 November 2010 by alex

The Rotary Club of Ringwood has held an annual golf charity day since 2009 to raise funds for worthwhile community causes. This year Rotary Club of Ringwood has chosen to support the installation of security cameras at Ringwood through proceeds raised through the day.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the partnership formed between the Rotary Club of Ringwood, Eastland and Maroondah Council through supporting the charity golf day.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the efforts of the council, community, Eastland and the government would benefit Ringwood.

The introduction of security cameras will provide improvements to the amenity of Ringwood and Council is supporting this initiative through its sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Ringwood’s charity golf day. The installation of security cameras will provide immediate safety improvements While the Maroondah community awaits a State Government commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.

Handing over Council’s Petition calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station

Posted on 19 November 2010 by alex

Maroondah City Council’s petition calling for the upgrade of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange concluded today with the handing over of copies of the petition to representatives of the Australian Labor Party, the Victorian Liberal Party and the Victorian Greens.

Alex with a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

Throughout this afternoon I handed copies of the petition to Chris Padgham, the Greens Candidate for Warrandyte, Brian Tee, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport and Ryan Smith, the Member for Warrandyte. Each copy contained approximately 3000 signatures all confirming the need to redevelop Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.

Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Chris Padgham, Greens Candidate for Warrandyte.

The Maroondah community has clearly demanded the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and as such all political parties should be supportive of this campaign. The redevelopment of Ringwood Station will enhance amenity, improve safety and ensure that the station will be accessible for people with disabilities.

Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Brian Tee, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport.

The current Station fails disability compliance standards due to the steepness of the ramps and is unfriendly and due to its outdated design. Ringwood’s importance as Central Activities District should in itself highlight the need for an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange that encourages sustainable transport and social inclusion.

Alex handing over a petition of approximately 3000 signatures calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station to Ryan Smith, Member for Warrandyte.

All three parties accepted the petition and while both the Greens and Liberal Parties have supported the full redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the Maroondah community is still awaiting a similar commitment from the Labor Party. The redevelopment of Ringwood Station is clearly the top priority of the Maroondah community and all political parties should act to ensure an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange for Ringwood.

Maroondah Leader: push for commitment

Posted on 12 October 2010 by alex

Ringwood is one of six urban centres identified as a Central Activities District through State and Local Government planning policies. Throughout this year I have worked with my Mayoral counterparts in Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Hume, Maribyrnong and Whitehorse to highlight the need for an ongoing funding and implementation commitment for our respective Central Activities Districts.

Box Hill, Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Footscray, Frankston and Ringwood have all been identified as Central Activities Districts, but yet only Dandenong has received an implementation plan and ongoing investment from the State Government.

The State Government’s ten year funding commitment for Dandenong, which will see $550 million invested into the revitalisation of the urban centre, demonstrates what can be achieved when there is joint commitment between State and Local Governments.

All of Melbourne’s Central Activity Districts deserve a similar commitment and the Maroondah Leader has reported on this regional cooperation, which stretches across Metropolitan Melbourne:

“With the exception of Dandenong, there’s been no long-term funding or planning commitment to the CADs,” Cr Makin said, noting that Greater Dandenong Council was backing the other CAD councils’ call for funding.

Ongoing investment and commitment to Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts will provide amenity improvements and deliver a range of educational, employment and community opportunities throughout Metropolitan Melbourne.

This will provide mini-cities within Melbourne and complement the the role of CBD throughout these urban centres. The City of Melbourne has also been working with the Mayors of the Councils containing Central Activities Districts and it has been fantastic to see an ongoing commitment to this unique alliance.

Unlike Dandenong, where there is a 10-year implementation plan for the investment of about $550 million, just one major project in the Ringwood Central Activities Districts has been allocated money – the $39 million bus interchange.
Cr Makin said plans for other parcels of government-owned land in the area, including the railway station and surrounds remains unclear.

While the Central Activities Districts are dispersed throughout Metropolitan Melbourne there are common issues that unite each of the urban centres, including the need for an ongoing commitment and implementation plan from the State Government.

Cr Makin said government departments have done a lot of work but there hadn’t been the necessary “political buy-in” and leadership was necessary to send a stronger signal to investors.

Each of the Central Activities Districts Councils have identified key projects that would deliver improved facilities and services, with transport interchanges being common across each of the urban centres.

It is clear that public transport improvements, both in regard to interchanges and service frequencies, are critical for the success of each Central Activities District. There is a need for greater level of community facilities with Ringwood Station and the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre forming Council’s two key priorities.

The formation of regional partnerships has been one of the highlights of my year as Mayor, each of Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts has its own strengths and it is imperative that the State Government support these centres through an ongoing implementation plan and funding certainty.

Ringwood Lake Lighting Demonstration

Posted on 8 September 2010 by alex

The Creek to Lake Project will connect the Mullum Creek shared path to Ringwood Lake, providing a connection between Ringwood’s major recreational reserve and the walking and cycling paths connecting Ringwood and the Mullum Trail.

The Creek to Lake Trail incorporates streetscaping works to Larissa Avenue, including water sensitive urban design and a continuation of the shared path. The Creek to Lake Trail will reinforce Ringwood Lake’s focus as a destination for local residents and includes improved lighting at the Lake to enhance its amenity.

This evening I attended a demonstration of lighting effects at Ringwood Lake, which will improve the amenity of the Lake and enhance several features, including the bridge and several trees within the park. The lighting upgrades will enhance Ringwood Lake and strengthen its role as a major recreational reserve within Ringwood and Maroondah.

Delegates’ Report: Thanking our volunteers, supporting cultural diversity and youth and reducing greenhouse emissions

Posted on 16 August 2010 by alex

On the 31st of July I attended an evening hosted by Maroondah’s Sudanese Community, where they shared traditional Southern Sudanese cuisine with the wider Maroondah municipality. Maroondah is home to almost 200 people from Sudan who share similar aspirations, in regard to employment and housing, like many other members of our community.

The food included lamb and cous cous combined with traditional Southern Sudanese cooking and ingredients and it is great to see all members of our community welcoming each other into Maroondah. Our municipality consists of people from a range of backgrounds and cultures and it is diversity that enriches our community and provides opportunities.

I congratulate the Sudanese community for bringing Maroondah’s communities together for the meal and for sharing their aspirations within the municipality.

On the 4th of August I had the pleasure of hosting the Community Volunteers Luncheon, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the work undertaken by the many volunteers within our community. Maroondah is fortunate to have many people committed to volunteering and working together to improve the wellbeing and amenity of our municipality.

The Community Volunteers Luncheon is Maroondah’s way of acknowledging and thanking the efforts of our volunteers and I would like to congratulate the many people who devote their time, energy and resources into improving our community.

On the 5th of August I attended a meeting organised by Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), the managers of the affordable housing cooperative in Larissa Avenue, Ringwood. The meeting provided an opportunity to meet prospective tenants of the development and to discuss Council’s plans for the Ringwood Central Activities District and the need for a State Government commitment towards Ringwood Station. It was great to see such enthusiasm towards the vision for Ringwood from the participants at the meeting. While Council was understandably concerned over the State Government’s removal of Council’s planning powers over the development, it is critical that we now work towards ensuring that the tenants of the development are a part of our community and able to partake in the same opportunities that we are all able to enjoy within Maroondah.

On the 6th of August I attended the launch of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action’s Solar Hot Water Program. The Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action is formed through six Councils within Eastern Melbourne, including Boroondara, Whitehorse, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, Knox and Monash. The program will provide assistance in reducing household greenhouse emissions through solar hot water systems. An information session is scheduled for Thursday the 9th of September at 11am at Maroondah Federation Estate in Ringwood, where members of our community can learn more about this program.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.

Heatherdale Community Action Group – 2010 Annual General Meeting

Posted on 11 August 2010 by alex

The Heatherdale Community Action Group was formed as a residents based group to preserve and enhance the amenity of Heatherdale, a locality located within the municipalities of Whitehorse and Maroondah.

This evening I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Heatherdale Community Action Group, where committee members were elected for the upcoming year. In addition, the evening featured a presentation from EACH a community based health provider located within the eastern region of Melbourne and beyond.

EACH, which was formally known as Eastern Access Community Health, has grown extensively since its formation over 30 years ago and now includes over 600 staff who deliver a range of health and community support services. In addition to its active presence in Maroondah, Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, EACH also covers most of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, as well as having a presence in regional Victoria and Western Sydney.

EACH has a focus on preventive health and provides services covering dental care, mental health, disability assistance, gambling assistance, counselling and career assistance. For further information on EACH please visit www.each.com.au.

Maroondah Leader: Property owner charged over tree poisoning

Posted on 3 August 2010 by alex

Tree poisoning is an offence and any instances are investigated by Maroondah City Council. Recently Maroondah City Council has declared legal action in regard to 33 trees that were poisoned in Bayswater North.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on this incident:

Cr Makin said the Council was aware of at least seven more trees poisoned across Maroondah in the past year. He said the council could issue fines and direct offenders to replant advanced trees, adding to costs.
“If you need to remove a tree on your property it’s a requirement that you contact council to discuss your plans first,” Cr Makin said. “Poisoning is definitely the wrong way to go about things.”

Maroondah City Council will pursue matters relating to tree poisoning to help protect our local environment. Maroondah’s Local Laws Department can be contacted on 1300 882 233 to report any instances of tree poisioning within the municipality.

Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail – National Green Jobs Corps Team

Posted on 23 July 2010 by alex

The Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail is located between Warrandyte Road and Highland Avenue and is part of the Mullum Creek Trail, which provides a remnant bush trail along the Creek, through Ringwood and Croydon.

The Cultural Heritage Trail includes interpretative signage, identifying the remnant bush and the significance the valley had for the Wurunjderi, the first inhabitants of what is now the City of Maroondah. The trail also features carvings of native fauna, as well as garden beds that include some of the native plants used by the Wurundjeri.

Alex speaking with members of the Green Corps Team along the Mullum Mullum Trail

This afternoon I was invited to be part of the launch of the National Green Jobs Corps for the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail. The project involves 16 young people, aged between 17 and 24, for a six-month duration. The participants will undertake revegetation and signange works along the trail, between the Mullum Mullum Reserve and upstream to Oban Road.

The project aims to provide both employment and educational pathways for its participants and is a partnership between several organisations including:

Mission Australia,
Maroondah City Council,
Melbourne Water,
Waterwatch Melbourne,
Swinburne TAFE,
Mullum Mullum Creek Bushcare Group,
CRISP Community Nursery
and the Platypus Conservancy.

Alex with participants of the Mullum Green Corps Team

The work undertaken by the participants will deliver significant benefits to the local community and the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail, as well as providing valuable employment skills and training in modules from the Certificate II Conservation and Land Management.

It is fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to improve not only the amenity of our natural bush trails but also to provide new skills and opportunities for younger people that have experienced unemployment.

Maroondah Journal: Heathmont woman fined over snappy dog

Posted on 20 July 2010 by alex

Pet ownership brings responsibilities and it is important that owners of pets respect their neighbours and the community. The Maroondah Journal has reported on a recent incident, whereby a woman was fined for letting her dog roam and intimidate people.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the prosecution was a strong reminder to pet owners that they must abide by relevant laws.
“That includes ensuring their animals are kept under effective control both on and off their property. Taking matters to court is a last resort but it is a step the council is willing to take when people have broken the law. Safe and responsible pet ownership is important and it is something the council encourages within Maroondah.”

The amenity of our community needs to be respected by everything within our municipality and Council will undertake court action when all all other avenues have been exhausted.