Tag: amenity

Launch of the Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program

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The Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program (VEIPP) is a youth alcohol diversion program, aimed to assist younger people at risk of alcohol abuse.

The program is a pilot project between Victorian Police, Department of Health, Eastern Access Community Health and Turning Point Alcohol and counselling and diversion programs to prevent ongoing criminal convictions.

The City of Maroondah was chosen as the location for the pilot program due to alarming trends that have emerged with teen drinking within the municipality. While these trends are concerning, it is encouraging that the Police and other organisations are taking a proactive role in trying to reverse these trends.

This morning I accompanied Kieran Walshe, Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police and Dr Karleen Edwards, Executive Director, Mental Health, Drugs and Regions Division of the Department of Health, in launching the Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program.

The speech delivered during the proceeds is included within this post:

Continue reading “Launch of the Victorian Early Intervention Pilot Program”

Launch of Community Art Project in Main Street Croydon

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This morning I was invited to launch mosaics that were created through a community art project in Main Street, Croydon. The mosaics were created by Swinburne VCAL students, through discussions with the Main Street Traders Committee and Maroondah City Council.

Alex launching mosaics created by VCAL students in Main Street Croydon
Alex launching mosaics created by VCAL students in Main Street Croydon

The community art project is an example of collaboration and partnership between various organisations, including students who worked closely with the traders to improve the amenity of Main Street. In addition, the project received a council grant of $1810, which was utilised to fund equipment, as well as a community artist to work with the students.

The Main Street Traders Committee is planning further community art projects to provide additional amenity improvements to Croydon’s Main Street, as well as delivering a unique identity to the shopping precinct.

Maroondah City Council Adopts 2010-2011 Draft Budget and 2010-2014 Council Plan

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This evening Maroondah City Council met to debate the 2010/2011 Draft Budget and the 2010 to 2014 Council Plan.  The Council Plan provides an overview of priorities over the next four years to ensure that objectives can be measured and achieved, while the Council Budget reinforces the objectives specified in the four year plan, through the allocation of resources.

Council adopted both the Draft Budget and the Council Plan, which means that both documents are placed on public exhibition. Unlike State and Federal Governments, community members can formally comment on Council’s draft budget and plan through a written submission process. Furthermore these submitters can be heard at a panel hearing that will be held on Wednesday the 23rd of June, with all submissions being taken into account prior to the finalisation of both documents.

Council’s Draft Budget supports a new long-term strategy for Maroondah City Council, whereby the Council will be delivering an operating surplus within the next two years.  Previously, Maroondah City Council was operating at a deficit and was forecast to do so for at least the next five years.  A Council is like any other organisation and cannot continually run at a deficit and would have severely restricted the Council’s ability to invest in community facilities in coming years.

While the Budget maintains existing levels of service to our community, it also includes several new initiatives, including the complete rebuilding of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre into a new $48 million leisure facility. This project, the largest in the history of the City of Maroondah and its predecessor councils, will deliver a a new level of facilities within the municipality, accommodating diving, swimming, fitness and recreational water usage.  The new Aquatic Centre will reinforce Ringwood’s status as  Central Activities District and demonstrate that Council is committed to a vibrant, sustainable and accessible urban centre.

In addition, Council will undertake a structure plan for Heathmont, to protect the amenity of the area and provide certainty for the community in regard to developmental pressures.  Furthermore Council will be undertaking an assessment of community facilities, which will be completed by October.  This assessment will make it easier to identify the availability of community facilities for groups within the community, as well as any shortages of space.

The median rate increase has been estimated at $1.88 per household and while no one likes raising rates, it is critical that we have a Council that has the capacity to deliver positive outcomes for the community both now and into the future.  The Draft Budget delivers a financially sustainable and socially responsible municipality and I encourage the Maroondah community read through these documents.

Media Release: Moving returns to Ringwood with new selection of artworks

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The vacant shop windows of central Ringwood are now home to a new exhibition of artworks as part of the Moving project.

The project aims to transform these vacant shop windows into works of art as Ringwood makes the transition into a vibrant Central Activities District (CAD).

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin, said the success of the first round of artworks – displayed from November  2009 to March 2010 – had given Council confidence of receiving an equally enthusiastic response to the second phase of the Moving project.

“The show of community interest in the first round of works was staggering so we’re hopeful even more people will take time out to appreciate the newest art installations on show,” Cr Makin said.

“This second exhibition can now be seen in central Ringwood’s vacant shop windows and features the works of 12 artists and art groups,” Cr Makin said.

“If this exhibition is as popular as its predecessor Council may consider facilitating a third instalment of the Moving project. Artist interest is already high,” Cr Makin said.

The project aims to improve the amenity of the area in the lead-up to major works in central Ringwood. Exhibition space in the shop windows has been provided by QIC.

– ENDS –

The Age: Locals call for say in $24m project

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While it is encouraging that the Federal and State Governments are investing in social housing, it is imperative that local communities and councils are able to follow proper planning processes to ensure the best outcome for these applications.

Last year the State Government approved a nine-level social housing development in Larissa Avenue bypassing consultation with the local community. The Age has reported on the lack of consultation in regard to Larissa Avenue:

The local Maroondah council said it welcomed social housing but was disappointed by the state’s failure to listen on issues including waste management and traffic.

The council held its own protest by lining up 160 wheelie bins on the nature strip of the site earmarked for the housing.

Waste management has been an issue in multi-unit developments and one which has received a lot of feedback from the community. Due to this feedback, Council typically requires a waste management plan for multi-use developments to reduce the number of wheelie bins on our streets, ensuring that neighbourhood amenity is protected. In the case of Larissa Avenue, Council was unable to place such conditions since the State Government took over our planning powers on the site.

”The Government effectively gave council two days to respond to the scheme. There was no community consultation,” said mayor Alex Makin.

”It is disappointing because history shows that, in all cases, community input leads to better planning outcomes.”

There is a shortage of social housing across metropolitan Melbourne and in particular within the eastern suburbs. While it is definitely encouraging that social housing is being expanded it is imperative that planning processes are not diminished.

Maroondah City Council undertakes its planning powers responsibly and we should be given the opportunity to ensure the best outcomes for our community through following proper planning processes.

Media Release: Maroondah receives Walktober Award

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Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin accepted the 2009 Walktober Highest Level of Community Engagement (Melbourne Metropolitan Council) award this week at a ceremony held at the Department of Transport.

“During the month of October, Maroondah City Council encourages the community to get out and get active during the annual Walking to Fitness month,” said Cr Makin.

“Last year Walktober organisers sent out a challenge to all Council’s, community groups and organisations to “set the pace” by being the local Council area with the most walking events registered with Walktober. Over 600 events, 70 organisations, and 69 local Councils were involved in the Community Challenge,” said Cr Makin.

“I’m extremely proud of our efforts in winning this inaugural award. Council staff and the Maroondah community are to be congratulated for their support of this program which saw 55 walks registered in the 2009 Walking to Fitness program,” said Cr Makin.

“The walks, organised by both Council and community groups, catered for a wide range of interests and capabilities, and included pram walks, bush walks, historical walks, and
all-abilities walks,” said Cr Makin.

“The Walking to Fitness Program directly aligns with Council’s Leisure Services Strategic Plan endorsed in 2009 which aims to support and encourage community involvement in physical activity,” said Cr Makin.

“Walking is a safe, cheap and easy way to get exercise and a great way to get to know members of your local community as well as the Maroondah area,” said Cr Makin.

People who walk regularly tend to feel more confident, happy and relaxed. They also control their weight better, have stronger bones and greater flexibility, have lower blood pressure and reduce the risk factors for developing heart disease and diabetes.

“If you’d like to explore Maroondah on foot or by bicycle, then there are two booklets, produced by Council, that offer plenty of suggestions and advice,” said Cr Makin.

Maroondah’s Parks & Paths brochure has a large scale map detailing walking and cycling paths throughout the city, with information on parks and facilities along the way.

Maroondah’s Walks & Trails brochure has information on twelve specific walks and trails throughout the city, providing information on level of difficulty, access, distance and time, as well as facilities and detailed walking maps.

Both brochures can be found at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or are available from Council’s Service Centres.

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Maroondah Journal: Good riddance to rubbish

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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day and the Maroondah Journal has highlighted the community’s efforts for this event:

Mayor Alex Makin reminded helpers to keep safe by wearing sturdy footwear, gloves, sunscreen and a hat, and by bringing refreshments and a rubbish bag or bucket.

Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday the 7th of March between 9.30 to 11.30 am. Council nominating two sites within Maroondah; Croydon Wetlands in Norton Road and the Dandenong Creek in Heathmont.

“The Maroondah community has always shown strong support for Clean Up Australia Day, and we value the many volunteers who keep coming back to help clean our parks, reserves and roadsides.”

Community groups are also able to register clean up sites by visiting www.cleanup.org.au.

Maroondah Journal: Central planning under fire

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One of the core responsibilities of local government is planning, through assessing development applications and defining the desired characteristics of an area through planning schemes and local policies.

Local government, being the closest form of government to people and the community, is best placed to make decisions in regard to planning issues, to ensure a balance between development and amenity.

The State Government is currently proposing radical changes to Victoria’s planning system, with legislation currently before Parliament. These changes will erode the ability of local government to make planning on behalf of the local community.

Mayor Alex Makin said the proposed changes would “disenfranchise local communities”.

Particularly worrying is the State Government’s proposal to enable individuals and developers to amend local planning schemes. A planning scheme outlines the preferred character of an area and provides guidelines in terms of amenity and suitable development. Council’s submit amendments to planning schemes after extensive community discussion ensuring a range of views are reflected.

“The significant increase of the involvement of the State Government in local planning matters facilitated by these changes will undermine community and broader industry confidence in the planning system, as the decision-making system becomes potentially more political and uncertain.”

Local government, like all forms of government, has its challenges and while there may be examples of poor planning decisions, Maroondah is a responsible and responsive planning authority. Legislation should not legislate for the lowest common denominator and penalise the community’s ability to provide input.

Heatherdale Communtiy Action Group Meeting

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The Heatherdale Community Action Group exists to preserve, protect and enhance the amenity of Heatherdale Road and neighbouring areas. Heatherdale is in a unique situation where the locality is divided between Maroondah (the eastern side of Heatherdale Road) and Whitehorse (the western side of Heatherdale Road).

The Action Group is able to provide a voice for Heatherdale residents to ensure that the two councils are aware of their concerns.

The Heatherdale Community Action Group often includes an impressive range of speakers covering topics such as planning, transport, the environment as well as health and safety issues.