Tag: budget breakfast

Federal Government 2010-2011 Budget Breakfast

Posted on by alex

This morning I attended the Federal Government’s Budget Breakfast, where the recent Federal Budget was presented by the Treasurer Wayne Swan.  The Treasurer outlined the economic conditions within Australia, as well as discussing the outcomes from the recent Henry Review into Taxation.

One of the initiatives through the economic stimulus package was the investment in community infrastructure, through partnerships with Local Government.  The redevelopment of the Ringwood Soccer Pavilion is an example of this program and demonstrates the outcomes that can be achieved when multiple levels of Governments work together.

I asked a question in regard to the need for an ongoing program of infrastructure funding that should be available for local government projects.  While the Treasurer did not provide a definitive answer, he did suggest that further announcements would be forthcoming in this regard.

It is imperative that all levels of Government work together to provide the best possible facilities for the community and Council will be discussing projects, such as the redevelopment of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, with the Federal Government.

State Government 2010-2011 Budget Breakfast

Posted on by alex

The State Budget was delivered on Tuesday, and while several funding streams have been announced, including further funds for sporting and community facilities, there little new initiatives allocated specifically to projects within Maroondah.

The Budget Breakfast has hosted by James Merlino, the Member for Monbulk and the Minster for Sport, Recreation, Youth Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, with the Treasurer John Lenders providing an overview on the Budget.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Budget was the lack of further funding towards the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. The Treasurer spoke extensively about how the State Government is implementing its various plans and while this is certainly positive, it is disappointing that there is not a long-term plan involving the Central Activity Districts across Melbourne.

I asked the Treasurer a question requesting that the Government deliver a plan for Melbourne’s Central Activities District, which would provide confidence and investment certainty within these areas. While Councils, like Maroondah, can deliver Masterplans and Precinct Plans to envisage the desired character of the area, there is a need for State Government investment to provide much needed infrastructure for the designated Central Activity Districts.

The top priority for Ringwood is the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station, a project that thus far has not been identified in the State Government’s Transport Plan or its planning initiatives. While the State Government has committed #39 million to the redevelopment of the bus interchange and station forecourt this will not resolve the fundamental issue of accessibility and the lack of passenger amenities.

Maroondah Council and the community support the transformation into Ringwood as a Central Activity District, it is now time for the State Government to demonstrate its commitment towards this vision through funding the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station so it becomes an accessible, integrated and safe transport interchange.