Tag: federal government

Media Release: Council motions supported at MAV State Meeting

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Six out of the eight motions tabled by Maroondah City Council were carried at the 26 May Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council meeting.

The successful motions related to improving information technology for customer service, general valuations, unfunded superannuation liability, road reserves owned by VicRoads, Tax deductibility for election expenses and building and planning fees.

Councillor Alex Makin, Council’s representative on the MAV, said the State Council Meeting provided an opportunity for each member council in Victoria to submit motions which have significance on a state level for all Victorian municipalities.

“The motions presented are viewed as being of significance across the Victorian Local Government sector, including the Maroondah community,” Cr Makin said.

“Council has a proven record of leading the way in highlighting issues faced by the Victorian Local Government sector. This is reflected by the favourable response to previous motions submitted by Maroondah and passed, often with unanimous support, at the MAV State Council Meeting,” Cr Makin said.

“At its meeting of Monday 18 April, Council approved eight motions to be submitted to the MAV State Council meeting which was held on Thursday 26 May,” Cr Makin said.

“The motions were developed by Council following interaction with the community in the form of various forums, consultation and strategies,” Cr Makin said.

Of the eight motions presented by Council, six were carried.

The motions carried included:

  • That the MAV State Council calls of the State Government to remove the requirement for Local Government to have superannuation cash backed, given the inconsistency between the three tiers of government and given that both state and federal governments carry these amounts on their balance sheets as unfunded liabilities.
  • That the Municipal Association Of Victoria State Council calls on the State government to extend the frequency of general valuations from two to three years.
  • That the MAV State Council calls on the State Government to abolish the prescribed Statutory Annual Increments for both planning and building fees and enable Councils to set their own fees.
  • That the MAV State Council calls on VicRoads to review current funding allocated for the maintenance of arterial roads and associated infrastructure, roadsides and central medians, and if necessary advocate for increased levels of funding.
  • That the MAV convene a working party comprising of Councillors and Information Technology Officers to explore the technological opportunities to provide a one stop shop customer service approach for Local Government communities.
  • That the MAV State Council writes to the Australian Tax Office seeking an urgent review of the current ceiling of $1000 for election expenses that can be claimed by candidates for Council elections.

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Attendance Report: Celebrating Maroondah’s Arts and Cultural Events

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On the 26th of February I attended the Picnic in the Park hosted at Maroondah Federation Estate, which coincided with the celebrations for its 10th anniversary. Maroondah Federation Estate was established in partnership between local, state and federal governments on the site of the former Ringwood Primary School

The foresight that resulted in the establishment of Maroondah Federation Estate, delivered a premiere arts and cultural centre for Maroondah and Melbourne’s outer east, with a gallery that attracts a wide variety of exhibitions and space for community organisations. The festivities included photographs from the former school reflecting the historical value of Maroondah Federation Estate.

On the 18th of March I was back at Maroondah Federation Estate where I had the pleasure of opening the Kaleidoscope Exhibition at the Long Gallery located in the former class rooms. The exhibition, which is organised by Scope, celebrates the artistic skills of people with disabilities by focusing on their talents. The exhibition, which is one of several through Kaleidoscope showcased artworks under the theme of Inspiration Works and several participants travelled considerable distances to be able to attend.

Accompanying the exhibition was music provided by members of Scope, highlighting the diverse range of artistic and musical talents that exist. Kaleidoscope is a celebration of these talents and it was a pleasure to meet many of the exhibiting artists at the opening of the exhibition.

Public meeting with the Ringwood Pool Action Group

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The Ringwood Pool Action Group was formed this year amid concerns in regard to the future of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre.

The facilities at Ringwood Aquatic Centre are ageing and faces escalating maintenance costs and declining patronage. In addition, the Centre lacks the wellbeing and gym facilities that compliment the aquatic activities.

Council’s plan for a regional level facility has been scaled back due to a lack of commitment from the State and Federal Governments and is therefore pursuing a district level facility.

While the final configuration of the Centre is yet to be determined, Council is committed to the future of the Ringwood Aquatic Centre and the Ringwood Pool Action Group will serve as an important conduit with the community as Council discusses options for the Ringwood Aquatic Centre.

Maroondah Leader: Maroondah and other CAD councils unite for action

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The Maroondah Leader has reported on the newly formed alliance between Councils that include Central Activities Districts and the City of Melbourne. This alliance will ensure that Councils will be able to collectively advocate for the needs of these central activities districts, to ensure that they become vibrant, accessible and sustainable urban centres.

Former Maroondah mayor Alex Makin said the councils had identified common issues across the CADs: mainly the need for investment in transport interchanges and next-generation community facilities.

“With Melbourne quickly becoming a city of many cities, we want to ensure certainty for the respective CADs,” Cr Makin said.

The alliance will be focusing on three priorities, including transport, housing and employment opportunity for the Central Activities Districts and will be advocating for a shared vision between State and Federal Governments for funding to support the implementation of these urban centres. The alliance will continue to meet throughout 2011 and a meeting will be held on the 20th of December to officially hand over the group to the newly elected Mayors of each Council.

Policy Development and collaboration between Central Activities Districts

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This afternoon the City of Melbourne hosted a forum on policy development focusing on the Central Activities Districts of Ringwood, Dandenong, Frankston, Box Hill, Broadmeadows and Footscray. The forum, which was an outcome of the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Mayors of Maroondah, Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Whitehorse, Hume, Maribyrnong and the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, aimed to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge on each of the Central Activities Districts.

Today’s session provided an overview on the changes experienced within the City of Melbourne, including strong residential growth and a strategy of differentiation to attract commercial tenancies to counteract competition from Australia’s other capital cities. Similarly, there is a need for each Central Activities District to identify unique strengths to deliver a diverse range of housing, employment and community opportunities.

Further work and collaboration will be undertaken by each Council to ensure a cohesive approach to Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts and to assist in providing a shared vision between Local, State and Federal Governments.

Graduation of participants in the National Green Corps Program at Mullum Mullum Creek

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The National Green Corps Program is a Federal Government initiative that provides education and employment skills for young people that are unemployed and enjoy working in the outdoors. The City of Maroondah has been involved in the Green Corps Program through re-vegetation work along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The program is delivered through two rounds and this afternoon I attended the graduation ceremony of the first group of participants who have completed the six month program. Participants within the Green Corps Program gained formal qualifications through Swinburne TAFE, as well as practical employment skills in conservation and land management.

Alex with participants graduating form the National Green Corp Program at the Mullum Mullum Creek.
Alex with participants graduating form the National Green Corp Program at the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The program has been possible through a partnership between education and employment providers, as well community groups and Maroondah City Council. I extend my congratulations to the participants of the program and I look forward to the next round of students who will be participating and improving the biodiversity and amenity of the Mullum Mullum Creek.

Media Release: National Green Jobs Corps graduation

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After six months of working to improve the Mullum Mullum Creek area the National Green Jobs Corps crew will graduate from the program today.

National Green Jobs Corps is a Federal Government funded youth development program which offers young people a chance to gain quality experience and training while participating in community based projects of significant environmental and cultural heritage.

The Maroondah-based team worked in partnership with Council, Mission Australia Employment Solutions, Melbourne Water, Waterwatch Melbourne, Mullum Mullum Creek Bushcare Group, CRISP Community Nursery and Platypus Conservancy.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin, who attended the graduation today, said the participants had gained a lot of experience during the program.

“The program is structured in such a way that the participants receive the right balance of work experience, skill development and accredited training,” Cr Makin said.

“During the course of the program the participants in the Maroondah team assisted in the extension of the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail, undertook extensive weed removal and revegetation works, and conducted water monitoring and flora and fauna surveys,” Cr Makin said.

“The new paths around the reserve are looking fantastic and I urge those who haven’t seen the works to head down and experience one of the most tranquil and beautiful areas that Maroondah has to offer,” Cr Makin said.

“It is great to know that the Mullum Mullum area is being preserved and enhanced, given its importance to the biodiversity of the area,” Cr Makin said.

Each of the participants will graduate with a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management from Swinburne TAFE, a Level II First-aid course and herbicide use training.

“So in the six months each of these participants has risen to the challenge and their efforts will be rewarded with nationally recognised qualifications and workplace experience. I wish them all the very best in their future careers,” Cr Makin said.

A second round of National Green Corps participants will now join the program, also working in the Mullum Mullum Creek area.

To be eligible for the National Green Jobs Corps program you have to be aged 17-24, unemployed and receiving the Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance or Parenting Payment.

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Media Release: Push to turn Maroondah’s street lighting green

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Maroondah residents were among more than 3500 people to support a Municipal Association of Victoria petition calling on an upgrade to energy efficient street lighting.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin thanked those Maroondah residents who pledged their support to the Give Our Streets the Green Light campaign.

“The petition was calling on the State and Federal governments to partner with local councils to fund the $114 million upgrade costs which come with the switch to energy efficient street lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“The Municipal Association of Victoria delivered the community petitions to the Premier and Opposition Leader ahead of last Friday’s Local Government Climate Change Summit,” Cr Makin said.

“The Municipal Association of Victoria are confident the strong support by 46 councils and their communities will result in a commitment ahead of the state election to contribute some funding to fast-track the changeover to energy efficient street lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“Securing a combined contribution of $45million over four years from the Federal and State Governments would mean that councils could change about 330,000 street lights from 80W mercury vapour lamps to energy efficient globes at a low cost and in a quicker turn around,” Cr Makin said.

In Maroondah the upfront costs of replacing more than 5500 mercury vapour globes currently lighting Maroondah’s streets is about $2million.

Cr Makin said the reason for changing to more energy efficient globes was to reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions and create a greener more energy-efficient future.

“Council estimates that 31 per cent of its green house gas emissions and 22 per cent of its electricity costs are generated by lighting Maroondah’s local streets,” Cr Makin said.

“Electricity is predominately generated by burning brown coal which results in significant green house gases. By making the change to energy efficient globes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and work towards mitigating the effects of climate change,” Cr Makin said.

“The sooner the change over the sooner we start making a difference,” Cr Makin said.

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Media Release: Proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure on display at Maroondah Festival

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Maroondah City Council Mayor Councillor Alex Makin congratulates the 14 Ringwood Diving Club members who have qualified for the National Competition next year.

“It is a fantastic effort from our local club to have so many divers representing the state at such an elite level,” Cr Makin said.

“The news of the club’s success timed in perfectly with Council’s proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility information expo at Ringwood Aquatic Centre on Saturday October 23,” Cr Makin said.

“The expo gave the community a chance to find out more about the proposed facility which includes the state diving centre. The proposed state diving centre would provide Ringwood Diving Club and other diving clubs with a state of the art training facility,” Cr Makin said.

“The proposal has been strongly supported by Diving Australia, Diving Victoria and Ringwood Diving Club. If we can secure state and/or federal government funding, the facility would include unique dry driving training facilities and a FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool,” Cr Makin said.

“The recent success of former Ringwood Diving Club members at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games level proves that we have the talent to compete on the world stage,” Cr Makin said.

“A facility like the proposed state diving centre would offer these athletes a chance to train in a world class venue, perfecting their skills and putting them in a better position to compete at an international level,” Cr Makin said.

Council is hosting another proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility information expo at Maroondah Festival on November 7.

Members of the Ringwood Diving Club will provide an interactive display as part of the festival with divers performing on the portable springboard, mini trampolines, and kinder dive activities.

The expo will also highlight the types of exciting aquatic and leisure activities the new Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure facility would provide for families and individuals,” Cr Makin said.

“There will be a variety of information, images and concept plans on display and an opportunity for people to provide feedback on their thoughts of the proposed facility,” Cr Makin said.

“For those who want to discuss the proposal further there will be leisure experts, representatives from aquatic clubs and council staff on hand to answer all of your questions,” Cr Makin said.

The proposed facility is accessible for all, and includes warm water pool; dedicated learn to swim pool; 50 metre pool; and extensive water play and large indoor water slides. It is also proposed to include an extensive gymnasium with multipurpose exercise rooms and a wellness centre.

“With all of this under the one roof the proposed facility will offer exciting aquatic and leisure activities for everyone,” Cr Makin said.

What: Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure information expo
When: Sunday November 7
Where: Maroondah Festival, Town Park, Croydon
When: 10am to 5pm

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Media Release: Divers congratulated on medal tally at Commonwealth Games

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Maroondah City Council Mayor Councillor Alex Makin has congratulated former Ringwood divers Grant Nel, Anabelle Smith and Jaele Patrick for their outstanding performances at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“In the weeks before they left for Delhi I had the opportunity to meet all three divers at the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, where they started their careers as members of the Ringwood Diving Club,” Cr Makin said.

“It was fantastic to see the divers competing on the world stage and I congratulate them on their performances,” Cr Makin said.

Jaele Patrick won two bronze medals, one in the Women’s 3m Springboard and the other in the Women’s 3m Synchronized Spring Board. She also finished fourth in the Women’s 1m Springboard.

Grant Nel won a bronze medal in the Men’s 3m Spring board event and Annabelle Smith won a bronze medal in the Women’s Synchronized 10m Platform and finished fourth in the Women’s 3m Springboard.

“These divers are the latest champions who have emerged from the Ringwood Diving Club over the years, following in the footsteps of Olympic gold medallist Chantelle Newbury,” Cr Makin said.

“In speaking with the divers and the Club in relation to the proposed Maroondah Aquatic Centre, they have highlighted the benefits which would come with the proposed dry diving training facility and the FINA standard 10 metre diving tower and pool,” Cr Makin said.

“These aspects of the proposal are still subject to significant state and federal Government funding, but with state-of-the-art facilities like these on offer we could see more and more Victorian based divers competing at an international level,” Cr Makin said.

“In the past few months Council has hosted several community expos giving people an opportunity for to see how the proposed new facility would provide exciting aquatic and leisure activities for them and their family,” Cr Makin said.

“The next community expo will be held at Maroondah Festival on November 7. The expo will feature a variety of information, images and concept plans as well as providing an opportunity for people to provide feedback on their thoughts on the proposed facility,” Cr Makin said.

“For those who want to discuss the proposal further there will be leisure experts, representatives from aquatic clubs and council staff on hand to answer all of your questions,” Cr Makin said.

“The proposed facility is accessible for all, and includes warm water pool; dedicated learn to swim pool; 50 metre pool; and extensive water play and large indoor water slides. It is also proposed to include an extensive gymnasium with multi-purpose exercise rooms and a wellness centre,” Cr Makin said.

What: Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure information expo
When: Sunday November 7
Where: Maroondah Festival, Town Park, Croydon
When: 10am to 5pm

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