Tag: community infrastructure

Upcoming Council Elections

Posted on by alex

Thank you to the many individuals and community organisations that have shared their time over the past seven years. It has been an absolute honour to represent the Loughnan’s HIll Ward and the Mullum Wards in the City of Maroondah.

We accomplished a lot over these years, including new investment in community infrastructure, a focus on public transport advocacy and a Council that responds to needs in the community. During my time as Mayor I reversed twelve years of budget deficits and improved the accountability of Councils by encouraging debate and discussion during Council meetings.

I was the first elected Councillor to regularly maintain a blog, documenting my Council activities and to engage communities through social media. I provided a range of contact options to ensure that constituents were able to easily make contact with an elected representative.

After seven years I will not be renominating at the upcoming Council elections. I would like to thank the many people who have offered support and encouragement for providing the opportunity to respond to their concerns.

We have a great seven years together but it now time for me to focus on my career and other pursuits. I like the people of Loughnan’s Hill Ward and the Mullum Ward for the opportunity to serve as their elected representative.

The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce – February meeting

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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.

Meeting with the Mayors of Knox, Manningham, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges

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The City of Maroondah is one of several Councils located within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and it is imperative that we work collaboratively to best represent the needs of our community.

Issues such as transport, planning and community facilities are common concerns across these Councils and the ability to deliver positive solutions is enhanced if we work together. This evening, we continued our previous discussions, where I met with my counterparts within Knox, Manningham, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges to discuss shared priorities across the region.

It is encouraging that each of the Mayors recognises the significance of Maroondah’s vision, particularly in regard to the Ringwood Central Activities Districts. For example, letters of support will be provided from each of these councils to encourage State funding assistance for the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The ad-hoc planning of community infrastructure that was far too evident in the past is not sustainable and it is critical that a regional view is taken into account.

It is encouraging that these Mayors and their respective Councils appreciate the vision undertaken by the City of Maroondah to provide regional facilities that strengthens the eastern region through providing facilities to residents of Maroondah and beyond.

Media Release: Soccer pavilion takes shape

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The Ringwood Soccer Reserve’s multipurpose sports pavilion is starting to take shape with the first of the steel beams being lifted into place last week.

In May 2009, the Federal Government provided $2.9million of funding for the project as part of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Maroondah Councillor Mayor Alex Makin welcomed Federal Member for Deakin MP Mike Symon and to the site last Wednesday to oversee the continuance of works.

“The old stadium and grandstand have been cleared from the site for some time, so it was amazing to see the crane lifting all of the steel beams into place,” Cr Makin said. “As the pavilion take shapes over the next couple of months the community will be able to start seeing the benefits of the new facility.”

“The redevelopment includes a multi-purpose shared sports pavilion with a boxing gymnasium, office space for the Ringwood District Cricket Association, male and female change facilities, car parking, spectator viewing areas and lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“The facility will also feature many environmentally friendly initiatives including the installation of solar hot water units, bladders will be placed under the building to catch storm water runoff which will be used to flush the toilets, solar panels will be used to generate enough power to light and heat the facility,” Cr Makin said.

The playing field will also be upgraded to an all weather synthetic surface. This project was jointly funded by $650,000 of funding from Maroondah Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria.

The completed venue will be home to the Ringwood City Soccer Club, Ringwood District Cricket Association and the MVC Boxing Club. It will also supplement the other major facilities at Ringwood’s Jubilee Park, including the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility.

The pavilion works are expected to be completed in January next year with car parking sealing to commence in February and the synthetic surface to be installed in March 2011.

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Ministerial visit to the Ringwood Aquatic Centre Co-generation plant

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This afternoon I joined Peter Garrett, the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, as well as Mike Symon, the Federal Member for Deakin, in observing the new co-generation plant at Ringwood Aquatic Centre.

The co-generation plant was jointly funded through a $250,000 Federal Government grant complementing Council funding of $200,000. The plant includes two 70kW gas generators, which creates enough electricity to run the centre and to maintain heating for the pools at the Ringwood Aquatic Centre.

Alex with Peter Garrett, the Minister for Environment Protection and Mike Symon, Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre co-generation plant
Alex with Peter Garrett, the Minister for Environment Protection and Mike Symon, Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre co-generation plant

The co-generation plant will be stored off-site during the construction of the proposed multi-purpose Ringwood Leisure and Aquatic Centre and will be returned to the site once the new facility is operational.

The speech I delivered during the visit is included within this post:

Continue reading “Ministerial visit to the Ringwood Aquatic Centre Co-generation plant”

Media Relase: Co-generation plant attracts attention

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Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin welcomed the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, the Honourable Peter Garrett to Ringwood last Wednesday.

Hon. Garrett inspected the co-generation plant at the Ringwood Aquatic Centre which was jointly funded by the Federal Government in January last year.

The funding was part of the $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. The $450,000 project saw funding of $250,000 from the Federal Government with the remainder allocated from Council’s sustainability budget initiatives.

Cr Makin said the co-generation plant enabled the aquatic facility to generate heat and power simultaneously, and from a single fuel source.

“The plant runs on two 70kW gas generators which create enough electricity to run the centre and to maintain the heat requirements of the pool,’’ Cr Makin said.

“By installing the plant Council is estimated to save approximately $110,000 this year on its gas and electricity bills at the Ringwood Aquatic Centre. It is also estimated to reduce Council’s ecological footprint by 917 tonnes of greenhouse gas, the equivalent of taking 166 cars off the road,’’ Cr Makin said.

With the expected closure of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre in May next year the co-generation plant will be stored off-site and recommissioned for use at the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility.

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Media Release: Council welcomes funding announcement for Croydon Youth Space

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Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Alex Makin has welcomed the $265,000 of Federal Government funding through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“Council welcomes the ongoing partnership with the Federal Government, and the $265,000 will go towards the establishment of a new Youth Space as part of the Croydon Parklands Future Directions Plan.

“Council is currently undergoing extensive community consultation in relation to a new skate park within the Youth Space. The area could also include a half basketball court, stage and shelter and fitness equipment.

“To date we have surveyed young people at secondary schools, at Maroondah Festival, during Youth Week in May, at 3-Ply skateboarding events, we have held workshops with Swinburne students and there is an online survey on Council’s Youth Services website.

“As part of this consultation two locations have been identified – the site of the current skate park in Norton Road or the site of old playground near tennis courts in Croydon Park.

“Council will undergo further consultation with the community before announcing the preferred location.”

Maroondah City Council’s Budget 2010-2011 has allocated $372,000 in 2011-2012 towards the project.

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Maroondah City Council adopts 2010/2011 Budget

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Unlike other levels of government, local councils are required to place their draft budgets on exhibition to enable comment from the public, prior to the budget being formally considered by Council. This evening Council formally discussed the 2010/2011 Budget, with Councillors resolving to adopt the budget as per the draft that was released last month.

Adopting a budget is never an easy decision and unfortunately Maroondah City Council has been operating with a deficit for twelve out of the past 14 years, including a staggering loss of over $8 million in the 1998/1999 financial year and $1.8 million in the 2004/2005 year. Like any organisation, delivering consecutive losses is not sustainable and diminishes the ability to invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs.

Maroondah has long required community groups to demonstrate financial sustainability and Council should follow this same advice. As a Council there is a need to deliver operational surpluses to enable investment in community infrastructure and much needed facilities, but this is only possible if Council operates with financial stability.

As a consequence Council had to make the difficult decision of increasing rates by 9.8%, or approximately $1.88 per week, to provide a sustainable foundation for the City of the Maroondah. While this may appear to be large increase in percentage terms, Maroondah has the seventh lowest rates when compared with Victoria’s 79 councils. Furthermore, a review of operations will be undertaken over the 2010/2011 financial year to control cost pressures into the future.

Importantly, the 2010/2011 Budget reverses almost a decade and a half of Council living beyond its means by restoring financial stability, through delivering an operational surplus from the 2012/13 financial year. As a result Council will be in a position to invest in much needed community facilities and will reduce pressures on rates in future years.

The first facility to be improved is the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, which has reached the end of its functional life and as a consequence has faced declining patronage and rising maintenance costs. The 2010/2011 Budget facilitates the construction of a new multi-purpose Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre to be operational by the end of 2013. The Budget supports this vision through the funding of detailed design work and community consultation for the proposed facility, which equates to 1.1% of the overall rating strategy.

The adoption of the 2010/2011 Budget has not been an easy decision and it has been one of the most stressful experiences during my time as Mayor. Ultimately its adoption was the right choice to make, as it ensures a sustainable future for the City of Maroondah by delivering a Council that can live within its means while investing in much needed community infrastructure.. I applaud the five of my Council colleagues who supported the Budget, particularly since it will reduce rating pressures in future years, resulting in lower costs and better facilities for our community.

Opening of the Glen Park Pavilion

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Glen Park, located in Bayswater North, is home to Glen Park Community Centre, as well as sporting facilities, including an oval, which is used by the Croydon South Cricket Club and the Ringwood East Junior Football Club.

Alex with Mike Symon, the Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Glen Park Pavilion
Alex with Mike Symon, the Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Glen Park Pavilion

Glen Park is part of the Bayswater North Neighbourhood Renewal Project and as a result Council Future Directions Masterplan, which identifies community improvements within the precinct. The new pavilion provides dedicated facilities for the sporting clubs and provides additional space for the Glen Park Community Centre.

Alex at the opening of the Glen Park Paviliion
Alex with Mike Symon, the Member for Deakin, at the opening of the Glen Park Pavilion

This evening I joined Mike Symon,the Member for Deakin, in officially opening the new pavilion. The speech I delivered is within this post:

Continue reading “Opening of the Glen Park Pavilion”

Media Release: Golf course upgrade tees off at Dorset

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A major upgrade to Dorset Golf Course has been completed in a partnership between the Commonwealth Government and Maroondah City Council.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin welcomed the new facilities at the official launch on Tuesday 8 June.

“This project, which is a partnership between Maroondah City Council and the Federal Government includes new community facilities, a golf shop and practice facilities,” said Cr Makin.

“The project was made possible thanks to a $295,000 grant from the Federal Government under the Department of Infrastructure’s Community Infrastructure Program, and a $56,000 contribution from Council,” said Cr Makin.

“The works will enhance the experience of those who use Dorset Golf Course, with an accessible entry to the building, all-access amenities, and an increase in the size of the community meeting room, with improved community facilities,” said Cr Makin.

“The old driving range has been renovated and remodelled providing improved practice bays and hitting nets,” said Cr Makin.

“Additionally, the works have included the installation of water harvesting from the roof into a water tank, which in turn is connected to the toilet facilities for flushing,” said Cr Makin.

“Adding to the environmental credentials of the upgraded building will be the installation of a series of solar panels to generate electricity for on- site use,” said Cr Makin.

“Maroondah is home to many top class sporting facilities. The upgrade works to be undertaken at Dorset Golf Course are a great example of the commitment of Council to continue providing high quality recreation opportunities for the community’s enjoyment,” said Cr Makin.

Dorset Golf Course is owned and operated by Maroondah City Council and is one of six major leisure facilities offering leisure and recreational opportunities to the Maroondah, and wider, community.

Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, Dorset Golf Course was built in the early 1980s and opened to the public in 1983. Golfers can enjoy a picturesque par 69 course, over 5000 metres in length, with practice green and nets.

For more information on Dorset Golf Course or the other five major leisure facilities visit www.maroondahleisure.com.au.

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