feasibility study Archives

Media Release: Funding pledge for North Ringwood Community House

Posted on 17 November 2010 by alex

Following an extensive study of options, Maroondah City Council has agreed to set aside space at Quambee Reserve as the future location for the North Ringwood Community House, subject to further consultation.

Council will provide $20,000 in the 2011/12 Budget towards the development of a master plan to further investigate a proposed relocation of the House to Quambee Reserve.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin said the community house has outgrown the current premises at the rear of Holy Spirit Parish in Oban Road.

“Council and the Department of Planning and Community Development funded a Relocation Feasibility Study which found that the current premises were aged, undersized, poorly situated, had no disability access and had traffic and parking issues,” Cr Makin said.

“Council investigated several sites in the North Ringwood areas, identifying Quambee Reserve as the most appropriate venue for the House to relocate,” Cr Makin said.

“Council will provide $20,000 in the 2011/12 Budget for the development of a master plan which will include consultation with Community House staff, user groups and local residents as well as traffic and parking assessments, a design scope of the facility requirements and further design works,” Cr Makin said.

“North Ringwood Community House is an important community hub which provides a range of activities for various groups and individuals within the Maroondah community. Council will continue to work with the House’s Committee of Management to ensure that it can continue to meet the changing needs of our community,” Cr Makin said.

North Ringwood Community House Manager Sue McDermott said all those involved with the House were absolutely thrilled with Council’s decision.

“This decision will ensure we will have a future after a long period of uncertainty. I thank the Mayor and Councillors for their support throughout this process,” she said.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Commitment welcomed for North Ringwood Community House

Posted on 30 July 2010 by alex

Maroondah City Council welcomes the funding commitment of $250,000 made by the Federal Opposition, through Phil Barresi, Candidate for Deakin and Kevin Andrews, Shadow Minister for Families, this morning towards the rebuilding of the North Ringwood Community House.

The Oban Road facility no longer meets the current or future needs of the community and Council is working with North Ringwood Community House Inc to find an appropriate site to relocate the House.

Alex with Phil Baressi, candidate for Deakin and Kevin Andres, Shadow Minister for Families, at North Ringwood Community House

A Relocation Feasibility Study, commissioned by North Ringwood Community House Inc, estimated that to cater for the future population of North Ringwood, the new facility would need to consist of two to three full-sized classrooms, a large multi-purpose activities room, meeting room, staff facilities, consulting space, crèche and associated amenities, outdoor areas and car parking.

Alex with Phil Baressi, candidate for Deakin and Kevin Andrews, Shadow Minister for Families, with the Manager at North Ringwood Community House.

Council welcomes any opportunity to work in partnership with all political parties on matters which deliver positive outcomes for the Maroondah community.

Delegates’ Report: Presenting the Monster Petition, NAIDOC week and support for our community

Posted on 19 July 2010 by alex

On the 24th of June I was part of a delegation through the Eastern Transport Coalition, that presented a petition of 13,000 signatures to the Parliament of Victoria.

The petition, which was accepted by Martin Pakula, the Minister for Public Transport, as well as Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport and Greg Barber, the Greens Spokesperson on Transport, requested public transport improvements for Melbourne’s outer east including:

A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster
A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

It is great that the eastern region recognises the importance of the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange. As the City of Maroondah and as part of the eastern region, we can only hope that the State Government and all political parties act on requests within this petition.

On the 8th of July I had the pleasure of launching the Maroondah Photographic Competition and announcing the winners amongst this year’s entrants. The competition has now been running for 14 years and it is great to see that it has sustained interest from both sponsors and the community. There were 121 entries this year and the judging decision was definitely a difficult one.
The diverse of photographic talents is to be commended and in particular it is great to see our schools supporting the arts and encouraging students to participate, with the two winners in the Intermediate category both being students from Norwood Secondary College

On the 9th of July I attended the Outer Eastern NAIDOC Ball, which was held at the conclusion of NAIDOC week. The ball recognises the many individuals and organisations that are involved with Indigenous communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements.

On the 10th I attended the opening of the redeveloped Glen Park Community Centre, which had extensive works to improve the accessible and inclusiveness of its facilities. One of the real accomplishments with Glen Park has been the partnerships that have formed with various organisations, as well as all levels of government working together to provide better facilities for our community.

On the 13th of July I had the pleasure of welcoming James Merlino as the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs at EVs Youth Centre in Croydon. The State Government has provided a $10,000 grant, which will be used for the purchase of new music equipment through the Youth Centre and also announced that EVs will be one of the venues for the state wide FReeZA Central Music program. This is a great achievement and would like to commend our Youth Services Team for raising the profile of EVs and the talents of our young people.

In addition, on the 14th of July I had the pleasure of receiving a grant for $8,800 from the State Government through the Victorian Multicultural Grants Commission to further the work of the Maroondah Interfaith Network. The funding will be used to strengthen the capacity of the group and to further encourage Maroondah’s faith based communities to become involved the Network. I would like to commend the Community Development Staff and the Maroondah Interfaith for their work in establishing the group and for achieving this great result for our community. The Maroondah Interfaith Network was formed in November last year and it is fantastic to see that its efforts have been recognised by both Council and the State Government.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.

Media Release: Monster petition to be presented to Parliament

Posted on 23 June 2010 by alex

The Eastern Transport Coalition’s (ETC) ‘monster petition’ will be presented on Thursday 24 June at 1.00pm on the steps of Parliament House.

The petition has travelled throughout Melbourne’s eastern region since 21 July 2009 and has been hosted by each of the seven members of the ETC – the municipalities of Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, Dandenong, Manningham, Knox and Yarra Ranges.

It has collected approximately 13,000 signatures from various Council offices, shopping centres, train stations, universities, community festivals and markets.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin, said the petition called on the State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to improve public transport in the eastern region.

“Public transport is an important issue for many people throughout Maroondah and beyond, so it’s vital that any gaps in its provision and planning are addressed,” Cr Makin said.

The petition will seek commitments from the State Government to modify the Victorian Transport Plan to include:

Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in Central Activities Districts – including Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill.
A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines.
A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville.
A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster.
Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles.

The ETC advocates for sustainable and liveable transport services to reduce the level of car dependency to secure the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Melbourne’s outer east.

Media Release: New regional aquatic and leisure centre for Ringwood

Posted on 12 May 2010 by alex

“This is the largest and most exciting capital works project in Maroondah’s history,” said Mayor of Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin.

These comments were made as plans for the new Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Ringwood were unveiled at Maroondah City Council’s Meeting last night.

“The new $48 million aquatic and leisure centre will be a landmark project in the region, bringing all that is great and new in aquatic learning, play and health facilities and combining it with a new two level leisure and gymnasium facility,” said Cr Makin.

The aquatic facilities will include a new 50 metre, 10 lane indoor pool, warm water program pool, dedicated learn to swim pool, extensive waterplay area including large water slides, play pool and toddler pool.

“With plans to open in late 2013, the facility is also planned to have a brand new high diving tower and unique dry diving training facilities offering diving athletes state and national level training opportunities,” said Cr Makin. “We are anticipating significant Federal and State funding to assist with this part of the project.”

The announcement for the new Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre follows extensive research undertaken by Council as part of the State Government funded Ringwood Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study.

Expert industry consultants, SGL Group, were commissioned to complete the study, which began in August last year and included extensive consultation with key user groups of the facility, wider community consultation, and aquatic trend reviews.

“Unfortunately, we cannot build the new without first demolishing the old. It is intended to close the current Ringwood Aquatic Centre and commence demolition in twelve months time, in May 2011, with plans to open the completely new facility late in 2013,” said Maroondah Chief Executive Officer, Mr Frank Dixon.

“It is important that Council looks to the future to ensure that we meet the expectations and needs of the Maroondah community. A new regional leisure and aquatic facility is an exciting project that will generate enormous community benefit, and ensure significant leisure and aquatic facilities for the Maroondah community into the next 50 years,” said Mr Dixon.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Leader: Plan to put new hub at reserve

Posted on 13 April 2010 by alex

North Ringwood Community House, is based at 120 Oban Road in Ringwood North and is currently not situated on council land. This limits its ability to secure grants and has resulted in facilities that are unable to meet modern needs.

The Community House recently completed a feasibility study into its relocation, with the report suggesting Norwood Reserve, along Warrandyte in Ringwood North as the preferred location.

The Maroondah Leader has provided an update on the feasibility study and the next steps for this project:

Mayor Alex Makin said council officers would assess the proposed relocation and consult with user groups and report to the council in July.
State and federal funding would be needed, he said.

The community hub proposal will cost several million dollars and as such requires a partnership between local, state and federal governments. The location of Norwood Reserve, would mean that the needs of the existing community groups, including North Ringwood Seniors, Enjoying Planned Retirement, Ringwood U3A, Ringwood Historical Society, Ringwood Arts Society and the North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre, could all be addressed through this project.

Council will be further discussing this proposal in July once an initial assessment has been undertaken. This assessment will consider traffic and building ramifications, as well as initial consultation with existing user groups that are already on the site.

North Ringwood Community House 2010 AGM

Posted on 23 March 2010 by alex

North Ringwood Community House is located at 120 Oban Road, located at the rear of the Holy Spirit Primary School in Ringwood North. The North Ringwood Community House is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and offers a range of accredited courses, as well as adult education and social groups.

As a community based organisation, North Ringwood Community House is overseen by a voluntary committee of management and this afternoon the organisation held its annual meeting to elect committee members for the next twelve months. While I was previously a committee member of the North Ringwood Community House, I have chosen not to seek re-nomination and have resigned from the committee.

While I enjoyed being a committee member of North Ringwood Community House, changes to the Local Government Act, prevent a Councillor from formally discussing matters involving an organisation, where they are part of its decision making body. As a consequence, this has meant that I was unable to discuss the community house within formal council meetings.

Given these changes to the Local Government Act, I believe I will be better able to advocate for the community house if I was no longer a member of the committee of management.

During the past twelve months North Ringwood Community House prepared a new business plan and completed the feasibility study exploring potential sites for the organisation and its services. The study identified Norwood Reserve along Warrandyte Road as the preferred site and Council will now able undertaking an assessment of this location, including consultation with existing users and exploring the traffic implications.

This assessment is expected to be completed by July, when Council will discuss the findings with the North Ringwood Community House.