Tag: integrated transport

Media Release: Mayor makes the switch to myki

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Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin is moving with the times, this week upgrading to the new myki ticketing system.

In December last year when Cr Makin was elected Mayor he decided not to drive the Mayoral vehicle, and generally relies on public transport or walking to attend Council appointments.

“Normally the Maroondah Mayor would have the use of a Mayoral car but I wanted to highlight the importance of sustainable transport within Maroondah and to demonstrate that is possible to utilise public transport to undertake commitments as Mayor,” Cr Makin said.

“While there is room for improvement, we are very fortunate in Maroondah to have good access to rail and bus transport making it a viable form of travel within the municipality,” Cr Makin said.

“As someone living in the heart of the Ringwood Central Activities District I know how important public transport is to ensuring a vibrant, accessible and sustainable municipality,” Cr Makin said.

“As a Central Activities District, Ringwood has been identified by the State Government as a vital public transport hub. While the imminent upgrade of the bus interchange at Ringwood will see improved public transport infrastructure, we urgently require a commitment to the upgrading of Ringwood Station to deliver a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.”

“It is critical that the State Government works in partnership with Council to achieve the vision of the Ringwood Central Activities District. A commitment to the redevelopment of Ringwood Station is essential in achieving this vision,” Cr. Makin concluded.

– ENDS –

Discussing the Transport Inegration Act

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The Transport Integration Act aims to provide an integrated framework to assist in the planning and delivery of Victoria’s transport networks. The Act took effect on the 1st of July and aims to ensure that all decisions affecting the transport system support the same consistent objectives.

This morning I attended a presentation on the Act jointly convened by Tim Pallas, the Minister for Roads and Jim Betts, Secretary for the Department of Transport. The presentation covered the objectives of the Act and the framework in which the transport system will be operating within.

While the Legislation is certainly an improvement, it is still too early to be able to assess its impact on Victoria’s transport system. The framework should in theory elevate the importance of transport projects, like the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, which would deliver an integrated transport network through public transport, walking and cycling.

Ultimately the effectiveness of Legislation rests in its implementation and it is imperative that the State Government and its respective agencies support a sustainable and integrated transport network within Melbourne and Victoria.

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

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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.

Presenting the Eastern Transport Coalition’s Monster Petition

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The Eastern Transport Coalition consists of Melbourne’s seven eastern councils and advocates for public transport improvements across Melbourne and the region.  The monster petition was formed to demonstrate community support for public transport improvements and was held at each of the member Councils, including Maroondah, where it was featured at last year’s Maroondah Festival.

Alex with the Eastern Trasnport Coalition's Monster Petition
Alex with the Eastern Trasnport Coalition's Monster Petition

This afternoon I accompanied Mayors and members of the Eastern Transport Coalition to formally present the petition to Martin Pakula, the Minster for Public Transport.  In addition, the petition was also accepted by Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport, as well as Greg Barbers, the Greens spokesperson on public transport.

The petition calls for public transport improvements across Eastern Melbourne 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

Now that the petition has been presented, it is incumbent on all political parties to respond to the need for public transport improvements.  Residents across Melbourne’s eastern region are clearly calling on the State Government to deliver improvements to public transport, including an accessible and integrated transport interchange at Ringwood, as well as more frequent and more reliable services.

Maroondah Journal: push on for station funds – election provides ‘second go’

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While the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station was ignored yet again in last week’s State Government Budget, the State election in November provides a further opportunity to advocate and secure funds for this vital project.  The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah City Council’s desire to seek funding for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station:

Mayor Alex Makin said while he was disappointed no further funding had been included in this year’s budget, he assured residents that  the council would work with each political party to ensure it received a commitment in the coming state election.

Maroondah City Council will be advocating for the redevelopment of the Station so that it becomes an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.  The complete development of the station is essential to achieving a vibrant, sustainable and accessible future for Ringwood.

“The State Government is going to start works [for stage one] in July and we see that as the first stage of the complete redevelopment and  overhaul of Ringwood Station.  This is where it is timely that we receive that second stage commitment so that once stage one is completed, works can immediately begin on stage two.  This is essential to ensure that we’re continuing that momentum and the community sees that Ringwood is becoming a vibrant community.”

Stage one of the Ringwood Station redevelopment includes works for the bus interchange and station forecourt but excludes the station itself.  While these works will provide an improvement to bus facilities and the station forecourt, it is essential that the station itself is redeveloped to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

“We’re fortunate with the state elections in November that this is not our only opportunity to receive that commitment.”

Council will be calling on all political parties to commit to the complete redevelopment and overhaul of Ringwood Station.  It is essential that a commitment is secured during the State Election so that we can achieve our shared vision for Ringwood as a vibrant, accessible and sustainable urban centre.

Maroondah Leader: Ignored yet again

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One of the key priorities for the Maroondah City Council and our community is the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station so that it becomes a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.  While the State Government is planning to begin works on the bus interchange and station forecourt in July, no commitment has been received for the redevelopment of the station itself.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on Ringwood Station being ignored in the State Government Budget that was unveiled last week.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the council was disappointed the railway station, which does not comply with disability standards was ignored.

“The council views the redevelopment of the station as our top community advocacy priority,” Cr Makin said.  “It is a central vision as part of the Ringwood central activities district, and we’ll be calling on all political parties to commit to this before the station election.”

Ringwood Station currently fails disability compliance standards with some residents resorting to the use of a bus service to Box Hill, which takes an hour to complete its journey, just to avoid the steep, dark and narrow ramps at Ringwood Station.  It is clear that Ringwood Station is in need of a complete redevelopment and Council will be advocating strongly for a commitment for a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange in the lead up to the State Election.

Maroondah Leader: Council hopes Ringwood station cash is on track

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The State Government will release its budget on the 4th of May, whereby it will be hoped that funding towards the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station will be committed.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the desired redevelopment of Ringwood Station, which is Maroondah’s number one priority for State Government funding.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said that with work expecting to start on the $39.1 million bus interchange and town centre facelift in the next few months, now was the time to act.

“The council is asking that stage two of the redevelopment be funded so it can be done concurrently, instead of having two distinct projects,” he said.

While works on the redevelopment of the bus interchange and station forecourt are expected to begin this July, the current funding excludes the Station itself, meaning that Ringwood Station will still not meet accessibility standards.  It is essential that funding is committed for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station so that Maroondah is provided with a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.

The City of Maroondah is calling on the State Government to pledge the required funding for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

42nd Annual General Meeting for the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau

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The Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau has offices in Ringwood and Croydon within Maroondah, where they provide referral services and emergency relief.  The organisation is operated largely through volunteers, who need to complete a training course before they can provide assistance to people in need of their services.

This afternoon the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau held its 42nd Annual General Meeting, electing committee members for the upcoming year and to provide an overview of changes within the organisation over the past twelve months.  Like many community organisations, the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau has had to adapt to changing community needs and as a result has focused on developing a range of policies to outline roles and responsibilities.

I re-nominated as a committee member at the AGM and was invited to discuss current issues within Maroondah,   including the redevelopment of Eastland, the former Ringwood Market site and Ringwood Station.  Works on the Station forecourt and bus interchange are expected to begin towards the middle of this year and will help in improving the appearance of the Station.  These works however will not resolve the issue surround the lack of disability compliance standards for Ringwood Station and further funding is required to ensure the creation of a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.

Priorities for the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau include an upgrade of their computer systems to improve connectivity between the two offices and ensure that information is maintained and up-to-date.  The Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau requires additional volunteers, please visit www.mcab.org.au for further information.

Maroondah Leader: Going backwards

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The Melbourne Transport Forum (MTF), is a grouping of local Councils and community organisations, involved in advocating for public transport improvements.

The MTF has launched a series of online polls through its pt4me2 campaign, which aims to highlight public transport issues across Metropolitan Melbourne. The first of these surveys, aims to gauge community views on rail stations, with respondents choosing the worst stations in Melbourne.

With 4000 respondents to the survey, Ringwood has been rated as the second worst rail station within Metropolitan Melbourne, second only to Richmond, which serves as a busy junction for Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern rail network.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the results of the survey and the implications for Ringwood Station:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the station’s low ranking was not a surprise.

“It is well known that the station is not disability discrimination act compliant,” Cr Makin said. “What is surprising is how poorly regarded it is to all of Melbourne.”

Many respondents stated that Ringwood Station is difficult to access and perceived to be unsafe.  The steepness of the ramps at Ringwood Station means that it fails disability compliance standards.  Furthermore the Station fails to function as an integrated transport interchange, through difficult pedestrian, bus and bicycle access.

“When you compare how many people must pass through Richmond compared to Ringwood it shows just how severe issues at the Station are.”

While the State Government has committed to redevelop the bus interchange there has been no funding announcement towards the essential redevelopment of the Station itself.  Ringwood, as a Central Activities District, and junction to the Belgrave and Lilydale rail lines, needs a transit interchange that is safe, accessible and integrated with pedestrian, bicycle, rail and bus facilities.