Tag: melbourne 2030

Media Release: The Lord Mayor joins forces with CAD Mayors to enhance city centres

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between City of Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, and Mayors from the State Government’s six designated Central Activities Districts (CADs) – Frankston, Maroondah, Greater Dandenong, Hume, Maribyrnong and Whitehorse – on Monday 22 November at 9.30am in the Frankston City Council Chambers to officially cement their unanimous commitment to seek State Government support and funding to create the most productive, liveable and sustainable city centres. 

The MOU acknowledges that mutual benefit can be derived by these municipalities through measures of mutual support, collaboration and by providing a united voice and joint approach to lobbying.

Frankston City Council Mayor, Cr Christine Richards said these six metropolitan hubs have been selected to attract people, investment and jobs and it is pivotal they remain supported to achieve the objectives of the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 and Melbourne @ 5 million strategies.

“This is a historical political event – the joining of Mayors to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. The CAD municipalities are ready, willing and able to face the challenges ahead together to make our CADs thriving metropolises. However, we cannot do so without a whole-of-government commitment to CAD planning,” Cr Richards said.

Maroondah City Council Mayor, Cr Alex Makin, said despite the CADs individual differences, synergies do exist between the municipal city centres.

“This alliance means we can work co-operatively to provide a united voice with more weight that will give greater strength to plans and solutions to state-wide issues. We need a State Government supported implementation plan to ensure our city centres can achieve their designated potential,” said Cr Makin.

The Mayors’ will further discuss how to best achieve the objectives set out in the State Government’s Planning Policy Framework. The Mayors’ are unanimous that at a minimum CADs must:  

  • have a functioning transit interchange – to enable comfortable, quick and efficient journeys by buses and trains throughout each municipality – in some CADs substantial infrastructure funding is still required to make this vision a reality
  • create more local jobs – CADs need to expand their base of employers to create a greater range and number of local jobs available to local residents
  • create more affordable housing.

“This Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Activities District Mayors and the Mayor of the City of Melbourne will allow for increased co-operation between our municipalities and allow us to jointly advocate for our key priorities,” Cr Makin said.

“Our main priority at a state level is to secure a long term funding commitment for the CADs. With Melbourne quickly becoming a city of many cities, we want to ensure certainty for the respective CADs, as well as bolstering the opportunity for all levels of governments to provide more services across greater metropolitan Melbourne”, Cr. Makin concluded.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Local artists Moving into central Ringwood

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A staggering response has been received to Council’s call for artists to exhibit works in the vacant shop windows of central Ringwood as part of an exciting new art project.

The Moving project aims to transform these shop windows into works of art as Ringwood makes its transformation into a vibrant Central Activities District (CAD).

Councillor Alex Makin said 54 entries had been received by artists eager to exhibit and produce a work reflecting the theme of change in Ringwood.

“This massive show of interest means there will now be more than one set of artworks exhibited during the coming months,” Cr Makin said.

“The first exhibition will feature the works of 14 artists and will be gradually installed throughout central Ringwood in November,” Cr Makin said.

“It’s expected than a second exhibition of another 14 works will go on display some time in the new year,” Cr Makin said.

“The enormous response reflects the health of the arts community in Maroondah and the interest generated by the changes about to take place in central Ringwood,” Cr Makin said.

“The Moving art installation aims to ensure these vacant shop fronts become eye-catching attractions while development work begins in the area,” Cr Makin said.

The $40,000 project, funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development and managed by Council, aims to improve the amenity of the area in the lead-up to major works in central Ringwood. Exhibition space in the shop windows has been provided by QIC.

Background on Ringwood Central Activities District

The State Government has committed $39 million to transform Ringwood into a CAD. Funding will go towards construction of a new town square on the station side of Maroondah Highway, improved safety and amenity works around the highway, a new bus interchange, and other works to foster investment opportunities.

“This will ensure the Maroondah community will soon enjoy a completely revitalised Ringwood town centre – one that offers a modern, attractive and pedestrian friendly community space,” Cr Makin said.

“The works will provide an upgraded Maroondah Highway and reinstate its role as Ringwood’s main street,” Cr Makin said.

“We will also see an upgrade to the public transport facilities, which will ensure the provision of a safe, high quality space for public transport users and other members of the community. At the same time it will make public transport a key focus for the Ringwood town centre,” Cr Makin said.

Ringwood has been classified as a CAD under the Melbourne 2030 Update: Melbourne @ 5 million. This policy update responds to higher-than-anticipated population growth and requires a change to the structure of metropolitan Melbourne from its reliance on one major centre towards multiple major centres to reduce congestion and maintain Melbourne’s liveability.

Media Release: Ringwood CAD Stage 2 Parking Strategy adopted

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Maroondah City Councillors on Monday night adopted the 13 policies outlined in the Ringwood Central Activities District (CAD) Stage 2 Parking Strategy Report.

Councillor Alex Makin said the strategy would be an important tool in addressing many of the potential parking challenges in the Ringwood CAD by providing a range of principles and policies that will guide the direction of both the provision and management of parking in that area.

“The accommodation and management of future parking demand within the Ringwood CAD will present many challenges and will play a fundamental role in both transport and land use planning,” Cr Makin said.

“Council understands that parking cannot be viewed as a stand-alone issue, which is why it has developed the Ringwood CAD Stage 2 Parking Strategy. The strategy includes a range of policies and actions that address the future parking needs of residents and visitors to the Ringwood CAD,” Cr Makin said.

The strategy, which contains 13 strategy policies, has four main aims:

  • Improve management of on-street car parking to achieve optimum use and turnover of car parks.
  • Maximise the availability and awareness of existing parking by better managing demands and encouraging alternative transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport.
  • Manage the provision of off-street parking for new and existing land uses.
  • Encourage good design principles to minimise the amount of land used by car parking at ground level.

Stage 2 of the Ringwood CAD Parking Strategy Report was completed in September. It follows the completion of the report’s first stage, which provided a snapshot of existing parking within the CAD, established occupancy levels, assessed commuter parking, identified areas to tackle and manage parking as the CAD develops, and provide the platform and direction for the development of a parking strategy.

Ringwood is one of six designated CADs in the State Government’s strategy, Melbourne 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth. The CAD program aims to create a vibrant and sustainable town centre encompassing retail, commercial, residential, leisure, entertainment and community activities, which will be accessible from surrounding areas by an integrated transport network.

For more information on Ringwood’s transformation into a CAD, visit www.ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au

Media Release: Key planning documents on public exhibition

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The community has the chance to give feedback on two key planning documents that will contribute toward Ringwood’s evolution into the Central Activities District and regional centre for Melbourne’s outer east.

The Ringwood Commercial Precinct Plan and the Ringwood North West Residential Precinct Plan provide the framework for achieving some of the goals set out in the Melbourne 2030 Update: Melbourne @ 5 million. This policy update responds to higher-than-anticipated population growth and requires a change to the structure of metropolitan Melbourne from its reliance on one major centre towards multiple major centres to reduce congestion and maintain Melbourne’s liveability.

Councillor Alex Makin said the precinct plans would ensure that all applicable future development would be undertaken in a manner consistent with the objectives of the Ringwood Transit City Urban Design Masterplan and Melbourne 2030 Update. Cr Makin said they would also provide a higher level of certainty for future outcomes to the local community and to developers.

“Both precincts were identified in the Ringwood Transit City Urban Design Masterplan as requiring additional planning work to stimulate appropriate development and to enable the provision of the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing city,” Cr Makin said.

“Potential currently exists to upgrade the image and presentation of Maroondah Highway and allow for a new regime of frontage showroom buildings and landscape treatments that can project a sense of pride along the route. This potential is harnessed by the Ringwood Commercial Precinct Plan,” Cr Makin said.

The Commercial Precinct is one of several precincts within the Ringwood Central Activities District area and is bound by Heatherdale Road to the west, Bond Street to the north, Mt Dandenong Road to the east and the Belgrave/Lilydale rail line to the south.

“The Commercial Precinct is considered important because of its location and role as a gateway between Melbourne’s Central Business District and the Yarra Valley,” Cr Makin said.

The Ringwood North West Residential Precinct has been identified as an area to accommodate a substantial level of change in the coming years.

“It will be one of very few locations in the outer east to develop higher density housing,” Cr Makin said.

This precinct comprises all residential land encompassed by Bond Street, New Street, Ringwood Street, the Ringwood Bypass and Eastlink. It also takes in the western side of Ringwood Street, north of Bond Street.

Both precinct plans are on exhibition until Friday 7 August. The plans are available for public inspection during office hours at the following locations:

Council Service Centres:

  • Braeside Avenue Service Centre, Ringwood
  • Eastland Service Centre, Level 2 Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood
  • Civic Square Shopping Centre, Civic Square, Croydon

Libraries:

  • Croydon Library, Civic Square, Croydon
  • Ringwood Library, Ringwood Plaza, Ringwood

Online:

Submissions can be made in writing until Friday 7 August and sent to:

Mr Phil Turner
Director City Development
Maroondah City Council
PO Box 156
Ringwood 3134

Submissions must be made in writing, stating the submitter’s name, address and daytime phone number, and including views on the precinct plan the submitter wishes to be put before Council. All submissions are public documents.

For more information phone Council on 1300 88 22 33.

Maroondah Leader: Ringwood station on fast track

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The State Government has recently released an update to its Melbourne 2030 planning strategy in recognition of the need to prioritise investment in locations such as Ringwood.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the potential benefit this would provide in enhancing the case for the redevelopment of Ringwood station.

Councillor Alex Makin, a member of the Eastern Transport Coalition, said the Government’s recognition of Ringwood’s importance was encouraging.

The planning strategy, which has was complemented through the launch of the Victorian Transport Plan, has identified Ringwood as a Central Activity District with the aim of facilitating infrastructure investment.

“What this does is underpin the need for the upgrading of Ringwood station,” Cr Makin said.  “What we need now is a commitment in the Government’s transport plan to build upon the one made earlier this year.”

While $39 million has been allocated as ‘stage one’ of the Ringwood Station redevelopment, the current funding excludes works to the station itself.  This means that the current funding will not improve the accessibility of Ringwood Station, which currently fails disability compliance standards.

In recognition of Ringwood’s importance to the State Government’s transport and planning strategies, it is imperative that further funding is announced so that Ringwood Station becomes an accessible and safe transport interchange.

Media Release: Ringwood Station announcement only half-complete

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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Thursday, 25 September 2008

Station Announcement only half-complete

Alex Makin, Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill Ward and public transport advocate, has welcomed the $39 million State Government announcement for Ringwood Station but expressed concern over the failure to fund accessibility improvements

“After years of public pressure and campaigning the State Government has finally delivered $39 million to begin the redevelopment of Ringwood Station”, Cr. Makin said. “While the State Government deserves congratulations for this belated announcement, their commitment is only half complete and further funding is required.”

Ringwood has been identified as a Transit City under the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 planning framework. The transit city policy aims to create urban centres with diverse housing and employment opportunities, interlinked by frequent and efficient public transport services.

“This announcement will provide improvements to the station forecourt and bus interchange and it must be accompanied by pedestrian improvements across Maroondah Highway”, Cr. Makin said. “It is extremely disappointing that the current funding will not provide accessibility implements for Ringwood Station itself.”

“The steep gradient of the ramps at Ringwood Station means it fails disability compliance standards. It is critical that further funding is announced so that people of all ages and abilities can partake in our community. I will continue to campaign for an accessible Ringwood Station to ensure that we can create an inclusive and sustainable community”, Cr. Makin concluded.

About Alex Makin:
Alex Makin was elected in November 2005 as the Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill ward in the City of Maroondah. Alex is focused on accessibility, sustainability, public transport, planning and community engagement.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: CR. ALEX MAKIN ON 0408 311 645

– ENDS –

Eastern Transport Coalition Public Transport Summit

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The Eastern Transport Coalition represents one million residents across the seven eastern metropolitan councils within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Today’s summit highlighted the need for public transport improvements within the eastern suburbs to become sustainable and accessible through providing transport choice for residents facing worsening traffic congestion and rising petrol prices. The theme includes the infrastructure needs of the region and included presentations on the need for new rail lines serving Rowville and Doncaster, as well as required improvements to the Belgrave and Lilydale rail lines.

The keynote speakers, Professors Peter Newman and Graham Currie, spoke about the importance of public transport in reducing greenhouse emissions and mitigating the effects of rising petrol prices. Both speakers reiterated the trend of rising petrol prices and demonstrated quite clearly that such increases were only going to continue.

While the Premier was unable to attend, Rob Hudson, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport, stated that the Government would release a new transport plan by the end of the year. While the State Government released Meeting Our Transport Challenges in 2006, the plan was widely condemned as being inadequate and failed to plan for any infrastructure improvements in the eastern suburbs. It is hoped that the government’s next plan will rectify these shortcomings.

The Opposition Leader, Ted Baillieu, spoke about the government’s litany of public transport plans and the increasing cost of inaction. While the opposition leader did not make any commitments, he did highlight the need for rail lines to Doncaster and Rowville.

The summit was extremely well attended by community members, as well as local councillors, State MPs and members of local environment and transport groups. Time was provided to allow attendees to discuss the needs of the eastern region and during this time the need for accessibility improvements on public transport was mentioned.

Alex speaking at the ETC Public Transport Summit

I spoke on the needs of the Belgrave/Lilydale lines and Ringwood with Cr. Samantha Dunn from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, who spoke about the need for rail duplications to improve the reliability of the line.

My presentation focused on the need for rail improvements between Box Hill and Ringwood and the importance of Ringwood as a regional centre within the eastern region. The expectations of eastern Melbourne and its 1 million residents were conveyed at this summit. The State Government must act and deliver the much needed public transport infrastructure, including the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, that is urgently required for the region

Please continue reading to view a copy of the speech I delivered at the summit.

Continue reading “Eastern Transport Coalition Public Transport Summit”

Melbourne 2030 Reference Group

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The Melbourne 2030 Reference Group provides a forum for councils to discuss the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 planning policy and its ramifications for local government. The group has focused on activity centre development, public transport and sustainability to ensure that local councils are empowered and supported by the State Government in the aim of creating sustainable communities.

Ultimately the State Government must lead by example and implement its own planning policies. Ringwood, where Maroondah Council has been advocating for an upgrade of Ringwood Station, is an example of where State Government commitment is required to ensure the creation of a vibrant and sustainable urban community. While Maroondah has been strengthening its planning schemes to encourage sustainable urban design, these efforts will be difficult without a newly redeveloped Ringwood Station or a stronger statewide emphasis on accessible and sustainable urban design.

The Melbourne 2030 Reference Group provides an avenue to discuss these concerns and to seek improvements into the implementation of Melbourne 2030. I have been Maroondah’s delegated representative to this committee since being elected in November 2005.

2007 in review: standing up for the community

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As we enter the final year of this current council term, it is important to reflect on the last twelve months so as to shape the priorities for 2008:

Improving Accessibility

Improving Sustainability

Advocating for Sustainable Transport

Standing up for the community

Over the course of this year I plan on continuing to stand up for the community, including through my involvement in the Committees of Management for the Maroondah Citizens’ Advice Bureau and North Ringwood Community House. I am also Maroondah’s representative on the Eastern Transport Coalition and am continuing my involvement to the Maroondah Tourism and Heritage Advisory Board. I should also be continuing as chair of the Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee, although this will be dependent on the outcome of the notice to review that I issued for February’s council meeting.

It is critical that Maroondah becomes a leader in sustainability and accessibility. The vision for the Ringwood Transit City and Croydon Activity Centre will result in changes that will remain with us for at least 20 or 30 years. It is imperative that we get things right from the very beginning, so as not to repeat past mistakes.

I would like to thank the many people who have contacted me during 2007 to discuss issues within Maroondah. It is your calls and emails that provide me the opportunity to stand up for the community.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make Maroondah a better municipality throughout 2007.

Cr. Alex Makin

Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill Ward
City of Maroondah

Maroondah Journal: Experience needed

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The Maroondah Journal this week included a letter from Carol Hunter on behalf of the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association in regard to my decision to nominate for the position of Mayor.

The letter is included below:

IT has been suggested in the Journal (November 13) that a younger person should be mayor.
While the opinions of young people should be heard and considered, they lack the life skills and experience to properly appreciate and understand the needs of a community whose ages range up to more than 100.
Also, it requires someone whose interest and comments are not apparently limited to the issue of public transport, which is a state government, not a council responsibility.
While councils can and should present the community’s concerns to all levels of government it is more effective for the council as a whole to do so, not individual councillors.

Carol Hunter
Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association

While the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association refused to specifically name me within the letter, it is clear that as Maroondah’s youngest councillor and someone who is passionate about sustainability, that I am the target of these ill informed comments.

While public transport advocacy is an issue that I have and will continue to be involved in, it is incorrect to assert that this is my only interest. Representatives of the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association, including Carol Hunter, attend council meetings and would have heard me speak about a diverse range of topics through my delegates’ reports and in regard to council motions.

As an example, I spoke about the following as part of my delegates’ report tabled at the council meeting held on the 19th of November:

  • Enjoying Planned Retirement’s Art and Craft Exhibition
  • October’s Eastern Transport Coalition Meeting
  • Maroondah’s Forum for People with Disability and Carers
  • Meeting with Eastland Centre Management to discuss accessibility and sustainability issues
  • October’s Melbourne 2030 Councillor Reference Group meeting
  • EV’s FReeZA program
  • Campaign Enable

I will be writing a letter to the editor to challenge these remarks and the denigration of younger people within our community.