Tag: election commitments

Tour of Community Houses

Posted on by alex

As part of the sub-committee exploring the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, we visited other new and relocated community centres to learn about the processes involved and the cooperation they received from all levels of government.

We first visited The Avenue Community House, which was re-located to Eley Park in Blackburn in refurbished and extended community facilities. The house shares the facilities with the Eley Park Community Association and we discussed the partnerships that have been formed to improve services to the community. The Avenue has a number of similarities with North Ringwood Community House, including that it was formerly located on church land and a new premises was required to allow the house to expand its courses and services.

The second house we visited was The Pines Learning Centre, which includes a community house and Manningham U3A. The building is just over twelve months old and provides comparable rooms and facilities for both groups, although they operate on a largely autonomous basis.

The tour and discussion will assist North Ringwood Community House in planning for its relocation and new facilities. As a councillor and a member of the community of management I am committed to securing a sustainable future for the house and I look forward to working with all levels of government to ensure that this occurs.

Maroondah Journal: Forum to gauge candidates' support

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North Ringwood Community House is holding a candidates’ forum tomorrow evening to provide an opportunity for the public to question candidates’ for the Mullum Ward in the upcoming council elections.

The Maroondah Journal has assisted in publicising the upcoming candidates’ forum, where it is expected that questions will be asked about support for the relocation of North Ringwood Community House. While Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney, Nora Lamont, Adam Pepper and myself have all confirmed our attendance there has been no confirmation received from the other six candidates.

It is unfortunate that one candidate in particular has chosen to claim that the forum will be biased because I am on the committee of management of North Ringwood Community House. I have been a strong supporter of the community house during my time on council and I have been entirely open about my involvement on the committee of management, since I believe that councillors should take an interest in their community.

As I mentioned to the house on a number of occasions, it is important that they engage as many candidates as possible to seek support for the relocation and a new community centre for Ringwood North. The candidates’ forum is being organised entirely by the management of the community house and I have had no input into the proceedings.

It is unfortunate that we have some candidates that do not understand that being a local councillor involves the need to take an interest in the local community.

Maroondah Illegal Graffiti Policy

Posted on by alex

Council adopted Maroondah City Council’s Illegal Graffiti Policy at the public meeting this evening. The policy which is available for viewing at Council’s customer service centres aims to reduce the prevalence of illegal through a multifaceted and strategic approach.

The Policy incorporates seven core elements:

  • Removal;
  • Enforcement;
  • Prevention;
  • Diversion;
  • Education;
  • Monitoring, and,
  • Strategic initiatives.

(Source: Maroondah City Council Meeting Agenda, 4th of September 2006)

In moving that the policy be adopted I stated the following recommendations:

  1. That Council endorses the Maroondah Illegal Graffiti Policy;
  2. And, that Council investigate the usage of special charge schemes to expedite the removal of graffiti where supported by the community.

The provision of the second recommendation will provide scope to hasten the removal of graffiti if consent is given for a special charge scheme. I proposed this addition upon requests from local traders who wished to contemplate such options.

Council carried the motion, which contained both recommendations, unanimously.

The review, strengthening and adoption of Maroondah’s Illegal Graffiti Policy honours a commitment I made to the people of Loughnan’s Hill in regard to anti-graffiti measures.

Instances of graffiti can be reported to Maroondah City Council by contacting the customer service centre on 1300 88 22 33.

Please let me know if you have any feedback in regard to the removal of graffiti within Maroondah.

MAV Melbourne 2030 Councillor Reference Group

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The Melbourne 2030 Councillor Reference Group organised under the auspices of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) provides the opportunity for councillors to collate and voice issues in relation to Melbourne 2030, the State Government’s Planning Framework and metropolitan strategy for the next 24 years.

Given the recently held Melbourne 2030 discussion forum the reference group focused on the feedback provided which will be collated to form a list of actions required for election commitments in the upcoming state election.

The MAV as the peak organisation representing local government within Victoria is well poised to adapt this feedback to form a call for action from the major political parties.

Maroondah Leader: More work still to be done

Posted on by alex

The local media plays a critical role through monitoring local and ensuring accountability for residents and ratepayers. It is therefore fitting that the campaign promises made by newly elected councillors are periodically reviewed to ensure that elected representatives are honouring their commitments.

This week the Maroondah Leader reviewed the campaign commitments by the three newly elected councillors:

LOUGHNAN’S HILL: Alex Makin

Promises: Stop the rot and listen to the community.

Results: Cr Makin said he listened to the community when he attended meetings of the Croydon Conservation Society, Maroondah Bushlinks and the Heatherdale Rd Action Group.

Promise: Stop inappropriate development.

Results: The Ringwood Transit City project is the main tool Cr Makin said he would use to halt unsuitable development.

Promise: Strengthen anti-graffiti laws.

Result: Cr Makin said he wanted Maroondah to follow the zero-tolerance stance of the City of Casey, a council that takes it on itself to remove graffiti off all buildings. With the council’s graffiti policy currently being reviewed, Cr Makin said this was the perfect opportunity for his input. He said that after the review was released, he planned to initiate programs to use spray cans in a productive way, like competitions for students or mentor programs.

While I believe I am continuing to honour my election commitments it is imperative to remember as the there is definitely more work to be done.

Maroondah Journal: pupils back on the 'buses'

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The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah City Council’s decision to continue the Walking School Bus Program:

Community pressure has led to a backflip by Maroondah Council to extend its Walking School Bus program

Last week, the council agreed to resinstate program for another 18 months. Under the program, pupils are led by an adult to school in a bid to reduce childhood obesity and increase community safety.

Cr Alex Makin said there was a need to encourage walking to build a sense of community.

It has been demonstrated that walkability (the ability to walk easily, conveniently and safely within a community) is a key factor in revitalising urban areas and in helping to reduce looming health issues such as obesity. It is imperative that a culture of walking is established to ensure a vibrant and healthy future for Maroondah.

The Walking School Bus program will help provide for this and I would like to thank the many community members who have advocated for the continuation of the program.

Walking School Bus Finds New Feet

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I am pleased to announce that Maroondah City Council has resolved to continue the Walking School Bus program to assist in combating childhood obesity and to encourage walking.

Continue reading “Walking School Bus Finds New Feet”

Maroondah Leader: Push for progress at station

Posted on by alex

The Maroondah Leader has this week reported on the continued calls for the State Government to commit the funding necessary to redevelop Ringwood Station into a safe and accessible transport interchange.

The much anticipated Transport and Liveability Statement will include a number of election commitments from the State Government has been silent on the need to redevelop Ringwood Station.

The calls follow reports Ringwood station may not be on the Government’s priority list in its yet-to-be-released transport and liveability statement.

Loughnan’s Hill Ward councillor and Public Transport Users Association branch convener Alex Makin said Ringwood needed a significant boost in public transport services and infrastructure for its Transit City vision to be achieved.

“The design and concept for a new Ringwood station is well advanced; it is now time for the Government to provide a firm funding and timeframe commitment,” he said.

Ringwood Station in its current state fails to comply with accessibility laws (due to the steepness of the existing ramps) and is perceived the be the most unsafe area within Maroondah.

It is imperative that the redevelopment of Ringwood Station is seen as a priority with funding allocated in the upcoming State Budget and the Transport and Liveability Statement.

Walking School Bus Petition

Posted on by alex

At the first council meeting for 2006 I presented a petition on behalf of residents calling for the restoration of funding for Walking School Bus.

I personally support the program and the aims of reducing traffic near schools and encouraging children to walk in a safe and friendly environment.

Reducing the number of cars on our road during school hours will help protect the safety of school children and avoid the constant traffic jams that occur during school hours. Furthermore with cases of obesity on the increase it is imperative that activites such as walking are encouraged.

I will keep residents informed on the progress of this petition. A report will need to prepared for council to re-consider the Walking School Bus program.

Much Needed Ringwood to Frankston SmartBus Welcomed

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FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Media Release – Wednesday, 27 April 2005

Much Needed Ringwood to Frankston SmartBus Welcomed

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed the announcement of SmartBus services connecting Ringwood, Knox, Dandenong and Frankston.

“The PTUA has long been advocating for more frequent and longer running bus services along Stud and Frankston-Dandenong Roads. Rectifying the dire state of these bus services was a clear priority for the Outer East Branch in 2005,” PTUA Outer East Branch Convener, Alex Makin said.

The future SmartBus to be implemented by 2008, will incorporate Melbourne’s seventh most patronised bus service (route 665) which connects Ringwood, Knox, Rowville and Dandenong via Stud Road. Despite its popularity this service does not currently operate during evenings or on public holidays.

“The enthusiasm of Peter Lockwood, Member for Bayswater towards this SmartBus cannot be underestimated. As Outer East Branch Convener I was immediately impressed by Mr. Lockwood’s dedication towards the goal of securing this service,” Mr. Makin said. “Likewise the support received from Knox and Greater Dandenong Council through their proactive vision for public transport was vital”.

The SmartBus program provides significant bus improvements including 15 minute weekday frequencies and half hourly frequencies on weekends. SmartBus services operate from 6am to midnight six days a week and include traffic priority measures to ensure faster travel times.

“There is an immediate need for later weeknight and weekend services prior to 2008. This will provide an immense benefit for residents and businesses along this key bus route allowing relief against rising petrol prices and ensuring greater mobility within our outer eastern suburbs”, Mr. Makin concluded.

About the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA):

Founded in 1976, the PTUA is the recognised consumer organisation representing passengers of public transport. The PTUA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with no political affiliation, which lobbies governments and public transport authorities in the interest of all users of public transport.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEXANDER MAKIN ON 0409 136 213

ENDS