Tag: maroondah leader

Maroondah Leader: Station safety plea

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Maroondah’s campaign to secure a commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange is continuing, with many members of the community dedicating their time to encourage signatures on the petition calling for the upgrade.

One of the areas of concern of Ringwood Station is safety, due to the outdated station design and narrow ramps and walkways, which also fail to meet disability compliance standards.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the ongoing safety concerns at Ringwood:

Maroondah’s Mayor says people are bypassing Ringwood railway station because they feel it is unsafe. Cr Alex Makin said he had spoken to people who chose to use another station rather than wait alone at Ringwood.

While the Police have been proactive in increasing patrols at Ringwood Station, the Station design, which has not been updated in over 50 years, does not create a safe atmosphere.

Cr Makin said many people had highlighted safety concerns.

“Ringwood is a safe area but people have commented on their sense of insecurity at the station at night,” he said. “The proposed upgrade to the station would open the whole area up to scrutiny and act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.”

The City of Maroondah and the eastern region deserves a Station that is safe, accessible and integrated with facilities. Our community should feel confident and safe in using Ringwood Station and sustainable forms of transport and it is incumbent on all political parties to commit to delivering this improvement.

Maroondah Leader: United stand on issues

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Throughout this year I have been focused on working cooperatively as a region to provide a regional perspective on issues and challenges facing Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

As Mayor, I have been working with the Mayors of Knox, Manningham, Whitehorse and the Shire of Yarra Ranges to deliver a cohesive approach to advocacy and priorities. An agreement for regional cooperation, has been signed between these councils and the Maroondah Leader has reported on this pledge:

Maroondah Mayor said the pact put the council in a better position to tackle issues affecting the region, such as transport and housing.

“Our aim is ensure that all levels of government are well aware of the issues we face in the eastern suburbs,” Cr Makin said.

The agreement, which is a first for Victoria, will deliver a collective voice for regional issues, through working together on activities that have common interest throughout the region.

Maroondah Leader: Video ramp struggle

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Maroondah Council is continuing its campaign to secure an upgrade of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transit interchange through a video that highlights the accessibility issues that exist with the Station.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on Council’s innovative approach to this campaign:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the video, recorded last Wednesday by Maroondah Council, revealed how bad the station was for people with disabilities to access.

The video highlights the personal experiences of people with disabilities and mobility aids experience in using the station.

“In one case the station’s ramps were so steep that the rear support wheels on the wheelchair lifted two to three centimetres off the ground”, Cr Makin said. “Others can’t stop on the ramps because the brakes are not strong enough to cope with the gradient.”

The video clearly demonstrates the critical need to upgrade Ringwood Station, particularly given its status as a Central Activities District.

Cr Makin said the video showed the personal impact on people tying to use a station that does not meet the Disability Discrimination Act.

“The amount of feedback the council has received has been phenomenal,” he said. “Many people have expressed their fear of using the station because of its access issues.”

To view the video or to sign the petition, please visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSKJvKKnwoo[/youtube]

Maroondah Leader: Petition junction

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Maroondah City Council has begun its advocacy campaign to secure a commitment for Ringwood Station in the lead up to the State Election. The City of Maroondah is calling on all political parities to commit to providing a safe, accessible and integrated transit interchange for Ringwood.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the start of this campaign:

Mayor Alex Makin said the continued lack of action made a mockery of the government’s aim to make transport accessible to all.

“Wherever I go in Maroondah I am guaranteed to get a question about the station’s condition,” Cr Makin said. “It is important that the council works with the community to highlight the concerns that we have in regard to the condition of Ringwood Station.

The petition can be completed at Council’s customer service centres or online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Maroondah Leader: poultry fines

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One of council’s responsibilities is the administration and enforcement of local laws, including responsible pet ownership. Maroondah has requirements in regard to the amount and types of pets that can be kept without a permit.

While many residents understand the Council requirements, there are unfortunately instances when these are not complied with.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on a recent incident where a resident was fined for keeping more than 50 hens and roosters on their property.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said it was important that people be aware of pet permit requirements. “It is imperative that residents do cooperate with council so that we can ensure our community lives in harmony with pets,” he said.

Details on Council’s requirements regarding pets is available from www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/KeepingAnimals.aspx or contact 1300 882 233

Maroondah Leader: Bike path in state of limbo

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The provision of sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport and cycling, is required to ensure alternatives to car travel, thereby mitigating traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse emissions.

Whitehorse Cyclists have launched a proposal for Box Hill to Ringwood cycling trail adjacent to the existing rail corridor. This would provide a safe and direct cycling route connecting the Box Hill and Ringwood Central Activities Districts, connecting the two municipalities to jobs and community facilities.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the launch of the proposal:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the council also backed the plan, and wanted to work with Whitehorse Council, and the state and federal governments on the project.

Maroondah Council welcomes the proposal as this is a project that aims to strengthen the linkages between Box Hill and Ringwood. For further details on the Box Hill to Ringwood Rail Trail Project please visit www.bhrrt.org.

Maroondah Leader: Polls pledge on station CCTVs

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One of the common issues shared by the Maroondah community is the lack of safety at Ringwood Station and this is an issue that has been raised in the context of the Federal election.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on commitments from both Mike Symon, the Federal Labor Member and Phil Barresi, the Liberal Candidate for Deakin, towards security cameras at Ringwood Station, which will be interlinked with the Ringwood Police.

Similar cameras have successfully reduced crime around Lilydale and Croydon Stations, with Police able to respond quickly to any incidents that may occur. While these cameras have been successful it is clear that a similar solution is required for Ringwood.

Maroondah Leader: Property owner charged over tree poisoning

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Tree poisoning is an offence and any instances are investigated by Maroondah City Council. Recently Maroondah City Council has declared legal action in regard to 33 trees that were poisoned in Bayswater North.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on this incident:

Cr Makin said the Council was aware of at least seven more trees poisoned across Maroondah in the past year. He said the council could issue fines and direct offenders to replant advanced trees, adding to costs.

“If you need to remove a tree on your property it’s a requirement that you contact council to discuss your plans first,” Cr Makin said. “Poisoning is definitely the wrong way to go about things.”

Maroondah City Council will pursue matters relating to tree poisoning to help protect our local environment. Maroondah’s Local Laws Department can be contacted on 1300 882 233 to report any instances of tree poisioning within the municipality.

Maroondah Leader: Most like Council

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Each year the State Government undertakes a survey measuring community satisfaction levels across each local government within Victoria. The survey, which was distributed through the State Government in February and March, asks 350 residents their thoughts on their relevant council.

The surveys measure community satisfaction across a number of different Council areas and were tabled at the July Council meeting. Council will use this information to assist in identifying areas of improvement, such as advocacy, which is an area Council needs to enhance.

One of Maroondah’s strengths is its recreational facilities, as well as health and human services, where Maroondah has consecutively scored highly as reflected through these results. The proposed new Maroondah Leisure and Aquatic Centre will further enhance the municipality’s performance in this area.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the outcomes of the community satisfaction survey:

Mayor Alex Makin said the results for recreational facilities showed the city had a “wealth of top-class sporting and leisure opportunities”. He said he was pleased with the ratings, which generally remained unchanged, but that the council would use the feedback to prioritise resources.

One of the areas requiring improvement is advocacy and Council will be embarking on a significant campaign seeking a commitment towards the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station in a safe, integrated and accessible transport interchange.

Maroondah Leader: Cash boost for musicians

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The Maroondah Leader has reported on the $10,000 State Government grant that will be provided through EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon to ensure youth musicians will be able to utilise music equipment for rehearsals and performances.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the announcement recognised the dedication of the council’s youth services team.

“It is great to see EV’s and Croydon on the map for the services they provide,” Cr Makin said.

EV’s Youth Centre will be hosting the FReeZACentral gig on the 27th of August, featuring musicians from around the country. This event will serve to reinforce the importance of EV’s Youth Centre in providing a safe environment for younger people to be able to enjoy live music.