Tag: maroondah journal

Maroondah Journal: Have card, will travel: mayor

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One of the first acts I undertook as Mayor was to give up the mayoral car and instead promote sustainable forms of transport, including public transport and walking.

My metcard expired in July and as a result I purchased a myki to undertake my travels as Mayor for the remainder of the year. The Maroondah Journal has reported on the use of myki in my capacity as Mayor of Maroondah:

Following his election as mayor last December, Cr Makin decided to take up a more environmentally friendly travel option.

He now relies on public transport or good walking weather to attend most of his council appointments.

Cr Makin said the validation of the myki card for trams and buses reinforced the public transport vision the council had for Ringwood’s central activities district (CAD).

“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.”

The provision of public transport is critical to providing an alternative to car dependence and thus mitigate traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions. Further improvements are required within Maroondah, including more frequent off-peak rail services and bus improvements.

Cr Makin said the state government had identified Ringwood as a vital public transport hub.

“While the imminent upgrade of the bus interchange at Ringwood will see improved public transport infrastructure, we still 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 Maroondah Council to achieve the vision of the Ringwood CAD – a commitment to the redevelopment of Ringwood station is essential in achieving this vision.”

Maroondah City Council will be undertaking a campaign later this year calling on the State Government to deliver a safe, integrated and accessible transport interchange for Ringwood. The vision for Ringwood as Ringwood as a Central Activities District (CAD) will only be achieved if public transport services are improved.

Maroondah Journal: Heathmont woman fined over snappy dog

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Pet ownership brings responsibilities and it is important that owners of pets respect their neighbours and the community. The Maroondah Journal has reported on a recent incident, whereby a woman was fined for letting her dog roam and intimidate people.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the prosecution was a strong reminder to pet owners that they must abide by relevant laws.

“That includes ensuring their animals are kept under effective control both on and off their property. Taking matters to court is a last resort but it is a step the council is willing to take when people have broken the law. Safe and responsible pet ownership is important and it is something the council encourages within Maroondah.”

The amenity of our community needs to be respected by everything within our municipality and Council will undertake court action when all all other avenues have been exhausted.

Media Release: Top marks for happy snappers

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JUDGES in the annual Maroondah City Council’s Photo Competition had their work cut out for them this year with more than 70 photographers entering 121 photographs.

The winners were announced by Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin at a special ceremony on Thursday night at Maroondah Federation Estate.

“It was always going to be difficult judging what is a variety of subjects and a high standard of works,” Cr Makin said.  “This year the entries featured everything from some of Maroondah best known landmarks to our native flora and fauna.”

First place in the open section (18 years and older) was awarded to Roger Frost, for his piece Under the Gum Trees, which captured the contrasting scenes of the Mullum Mullum Valley and the EastLink tunnels. Mr Frost won a $300 gift voucher courtesy of Croydon Camera House.

Second place went to Ciaran Magee for her piece Quiet Autumn, which shows a tranquil moment outside Ringwood Library. She won three Hoyts Eastland La Premiere double passes.

The intermediate section (13 to 17 years) was won by Stephanie Lillis, for Reflections in the Lake, a striking piece showing the beauty of Ringwood Lake at night. She was awarded a $200 gift voucher courtesy of Croydon Camera House.

Second place was awarded to Stephanie Lamb, for Friends and fun, which shows a group of friends enjoying each other’s company. She won four movie passes and a La Premiere double pass courtesy of Hoyts Eastland.

The junior section (12 and under) was won by Courtney Blythe, for Don’t Think I Should be Sitting Here. She won a $100 gift voucher courtesy of Croydon Camera House.

Mia Sango won four Hoyts Eastland movie passes for her second placed entry, Little Brother Drawing.

The Mayoral Encouragement Award was awarded to Marryl Vaughan for Shimmering Reeds. She won a $200 Eastland shopping voucher.

Cr Makin said he chose the photograph because of its creativity and use of colour.

“I thought it was a wonderful piece, it had so many artistic elements and captured the reflection and the contrasting colours of the sky and the lake perfectly.”

Cr Makin said the competition had really highlighted the photographic skills of the community.

“We have received some superb shots from all ages in the community,” Cr Makin said.  “I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and see the creative works of our residents on display. While they you there don’t forget to visit the J.A. Turner room to see selected works from the Maroondah City Council Art Collection. On display are pieces from acclaimed artists Larry Jenkins, Gayle Maddigan, Kate James, Konrad Winkler and Jill Orr.”

The Maroondah City Council Photographic Exhibition is open until July 24 at the Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 12pm – 4pm. Details: 9298 4545.

The event is sponsored by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts Cinemas Eastland, Maroondah Journal and Eastland Shopping Centre.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Photographic Competition Awards Evening

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The Maroondah Photographic Competition is an annual event open to all residents, employees and visitors of Maroondah. The competition showcases the photographic talents of the community and highlights landmarks and features within the municipality.

Entrants are able to submit two A4 sized photographs for the competition, which are displayed at an exhibition at The Maroondah Art Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate. There are three categories for the competition, including junior (up to age twelve), intermediate (13 to 17 years) and open (all ages).

This year’s competition saw 121 entries and this this evening I had the pleasure of launching the exhibition and announcing the winners for each category, including the Mayors Encouragement Award.

Alex with the winners of the 2010 Maroondah Photographic Competition
Alex with the winners of the 2010 Maroondah Photographic Competition

All submitted photographs will be on exhibition until the 24th of July at the Maroondah Art Gallery.

The speech I delivered, including the awards recipients for the evening, is available within this post:
Continue reading “Maroondah Photographic Competition Awards Evening”

Maroondah Journal: Spring Street sees signs

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The Eastern Transport Coalition’s Monster Petition, was a sixty metre long list of signatures from residents in Melbourne’s outer east calling for public transport improvements.  The presentation was presented to Martin Pakula, as the Minister for Public Transport and was also accepted by Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport and Greg Barber, the Greens spokesperson on Transport.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the Monster Petition and the Eastern Transport Coalition’s aim to improve public transport:

Maroondah Mayor and former deputy chairman of the ETc, Alex Makin said public transport was an important issue for many people throughout Maroondah and its surrounding areas.

“Maroondah residents want public transport improvements. They are crying out for a solution and for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an integrated and accessible transit interchange.”

The inclusion of Ringwood Station on the Monster Petition demonstrates its importance not just within Maroondah but throughout the entire eastern region.  It is incumbent on all political parties to commit to the redevelopment of the

Maroondah Journal: Ready to let games begin

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The Glen Park Sports Pavilion was one of several projects identified through the Glen Park Future Directions Masterplan, which aimed to improve the amenity of the Glen Park Precinct and provide facilities for the Bayswater North community.

Projects within the Masterplan have been completed through a mixture of Local, State and Federal funding and the Maroondah Journal has reported on the recently completed works at the Pavilion,:

Mayor Alex Makin said the new multi-purpose pavilion was home to the East Ringwood  Junior Football Club, catering to 200 families of all backgrounds and currently fielding eight teams ranging in ages from under 8s to under 16s.  The park is also home to the South Croydon Cricket Club with two senior teams and four junior teams, one of them a female team, using it during the cricket season.

Glen Park is being revitalised into a multi-purpose community hub, complete with new sporting, recreational and educational facilities.  This project complements recent works including a Men’s Shed, tennis court upgrades and the soon to be re-opened Glen Park Community Centre.  The need for sustainability improvements has been embedded into the pavilion providing both energy and water efficiencies.

Cr Makin said the pavilion would harvest water from the roof to be stored in a water tank for flushing toilets.  Solar hot water has also been installed.

Further projects will be delivered shortly at Glen Park, including the completion of the redeveloped Community Centre, which is scheduled for the next weeks and a new play space, which will be completed later this year.  These projects have been possible through a partnership approach between all of government, ensuring that the community receives positive outcomes, through new and improved facilities.

Maroondah Journal: photo contest put in focus

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The Maroondah Photo Competition has returned for 2010, with junior, intermediate and open categories.  In addition there is a Mayor’s Encouragement Award, which includes a prize of a $200 Eastland Shopping Centre voucher.

Just a week remains before entries close for the competition and the Maroondah Journal has reported on this year’s competition:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Main said people’s favourite places, special landmarks, sporting shots and artistic creations all made for great photographs.

“Whether you’re a keen photographer or simply enjoy taking photos, the annual photo competition is a great opportunity to showcase your create skills and highlight the many fantastic areas of Maroondah.”

All entrants to the the Maroondah Photo Competition are shown at the Maroondah Art Gallery during July, with the opening being held on the 8th of July.  For further details on the competition please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Maroondah Journal: Community centre gets second wind

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Central Ringwood Community Centre is located in Bedford Park in Ringwood and provides courses, as well as meeting space for community groups.  The Centre received a $200,000 grant to provide accessibility improvements and a new activity room through a partnership between Maroondah City Council and the Federal Government.

Cr Makin said the upgrades came as wonderful news for families of the 105 children who attended the centre’s playground each week and community groups who used the venue.

“They have given the centre a new lease on life and ensure that user groups will continue to enjoy high quality facilities.”

Central Ringwood Community Centre has a strong focus on social inclusion, including migrant communities and people with disabilities and the completed building improvements will assist in better meeting the needs of the Maroondah community.

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 Journal: Council burden may increase

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Local government has extensive reporting requirements to a myriad of State Government departments and agencies.  Recently however, the State Government has requested that the Essential Services Commission consider additional indicators and reporting requirements for local government.

The draft report from the Essential Services Commission has suggested an additional 65 indicators, which would cost up to an additional $40,000 in Council’s budget.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the impact these indicators would have on local Government:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the proposal would “add nothing” to Maroondah in terms of service delivery or extracting the best value from ratepayers’ dollars.

“While Maroondah appreciates the necessity and benefits of compliance, it’s come to a stage where enough is enough, as costs spiral out of control.”

The City of Melbourne in conjunction with Councils across the state has developed an alternative framework to the recommendations made by the Essential Services Commission. Maroondah City Council is currently considering supporting this alternative, as it would provide a measurable and relevant set of indicators for the local government sector.

“If the council is forced to work within the Essential Services Commission’s proposed reported framework then money to enable compliance would have to be sourced from Maroondah’s budget,” Mr Makin said. “These funds could be better directed to providing vital infrastructure projects and services for the Maroondah community.”

It is important that any performance indicators are relevant and measurable across the sector and it is hoped that the Essential Services Commission will revise its recommendations in response to the feedback from local government.