Tag: scoot wheel n move

Accessibility groups discussing public transport issues

Posted on by alex

The Disability Action Group Eastern Region (DAGER) is a community based group focused on improving accessibility within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including the City of Maroondah.  The group meets on a monthly basis and often has guest speakers at its meetings.  This morning the group held a combined meeting with Scoot Wheel n Move, a community group which is focused on the needs of people with mobility aids, to discuss public transport issues relevant to Maroondah and the broader eastern region.

The meeting included presentations from Brian Tee, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport, as well as representatives from Metro.  Brian spoke about the Government’s Victorian Transport Plan, as well as the bus reviews, where he outlined some of the network wide improvements that are planned for Melbourne’s public transport system.  In particular, the Ringwood to Frankston SmartBus will be extended from Ringwood from 2011 to provide another orbital route across Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs, similar to the recently upgraded orbital services from Box Hill and Nunawading.  Other improvements include extending route 670, along Maroondah Highway, to Swinburne University in Lilydale, as well as more frequent services which are due to begin in July.

While these upgrades are definitely welcomed, there are still further improvements required for the Maroondah community, including the need for commitment to the long-term recommendations in the bus service reviews.  These improvements include new and more frequent services and it is imperative that the Government commits to their implementation.

In addition there is the need for a commitment to the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station, with many members of the group sharing their adverse experiences with Ringwoood Station.  The steep and narrow ramps at the Station fail disability compliance standards making it difficult to access for people with disabilities and mobility aids.  This lack of access hampers the ability to create a sustainable and inclusive urban centre and it is imperative that the State Government fully commit to the redevelopment of the Station.

The combined meeting between the Disability Action Group Eastern Region and Scoot Wheel n Move demonstrates the passion and strength that exists within Maroondah for an inclusive and accessible community.  Both groups meet on a monthly basis and have proved to be strong advocates for creating a more inclusive municipality.

Delegates’ Report: Environmental Sustainability and Achievements by People with Disabilities

Posted on by alex

On the 23rd of August I attended the launch of the North Ringwood Tennis Club’s water sustainability project. The club, through a combination of Federal and Council grants, has installed water tanks to assist the watering of its courts and reduce dependence on our limited water supplies.

Like many of our sporting clubs, North Ringwood Tennis Club is committed to environmental sustainability and it was great to hear their members discussing the ongoing need for sustainability, including the investigation of potential energy conservation projects.

I commend the club for its ongoing foresight and commitment to sustainability.

I attended the Ringwood Spiders Trophy Presentation Night on the 28th of August.

The atmosphere was understandably jubilant given the strong success of the team, including winning the Premiership Cup for the first time in 14 years, with the club already planning for next year’s season. Each year the number of attendees at the Ringwood Spiders Trophy Presentation Night increases, so much so that they had outgrown the clubrooms at Jubilee Park and instead held their function at the Ringwood Bowls Club.

With the football season drawing to a close, the Ringwood Spiders are preparing a range of off-season activities, including partnerships with other sporting clubs such as the Ringwood Bowls Club.

The Ringwood Spiders demonstrates what can be achieved within our community and it is fantastic to see the ongoing partnerships that have been formed within the Club, including the Ringwood Redbacks, the Ringwood Bowls Club and businesses such as Lakeside Cafe.

Lastly, this morning I attended a combined meeting of Scoot Wheel n Move and the Maroondah Disability Action Group. The two groups are both focused on accessibility, with Scoot Wheel n Move having a particular interest on mobility aids and the Disability Action Group focusing on advocacy.

This morning the groups were at a joint meeting to hear Bill Shorten, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children Services, who attended the meeting at the request of the Disability Action Group.

It is quite an achievement for any community group to secure the presence of a senior Government Member and it is great to see an example of a community group advocating on behalf of its community.

The discussion this morning was productive and I commend the two groups for their advocacy within the community.

Maroondah Disability Action Group and Scoot Wheel n Move Joint Meeting

Posted on by alex

This morning the Maroondah Disability Action Group (also known as the Disability Action Group Eastern Region) and Scoot Wheel n Move held a joint meeting with the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

The meeting allowed members from the two groups to raise issues they have had with taxis directly with the State Government’s regulator for the taxi industry.

One of the most common complaints was the lengthy waiting time in ordering a wheelchair accessible taxi and it is hoped that plans to provide an additional 330 maxi-taxis will assist in reducing these excessive delays.

The taxi booking system is also expected to improve with pre-ordered taxis becoming more responsive to customer requests.

Many participants also cited concerns over the poor handling of complaints and the Directorate outlined its complaint handling system. Any passenger with concerns over a taxi or driver are advised to contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate who is obligated to pursue complaints about the service.

The joint meeting demonstrates the cooperation that exists between the many groups focused on accessibility within Maroondah. While the two groups may have a differing focus, there are many common areas of interest.

Scoot Wheel n Move meeting

Posted on by alex

Scoot Wheel n Move is a community organisation, which is operating under the auspice of Eastern Access Community Health (EACH).

The group aims to improve accessibility for residents within Maroondah and Melbourne’s outer east, particularly for people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and motorised scooters.

Scoot Wheel n Move works closely with Maroondah City Council to achieve these aims and has organised events such as a mobility expo and forum to encourage wider community participation.

Scoot Wheel n Move – representing people with mobility aids

Posted on by alex

Scoot Wheel and Move is a local community group under the auspices of Eastern Access Community Health. The group aims to improve accessibility within Maroondah, particularly for people that use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters and walking frames.

Today’s meeting discussed Maroondah’s recently adopted Principal Pedestrian Network, with members supporting the need for more footpaths. Footpaths were recently constructed within central Ringwood and footpaths will be extended around Maroondah Hospital.

The need for a Disability Advisory Committee was also discussed and this is currently being explored through the Maroondah Disability Policy. A Disability Advisory Committee would augment the quarterly forums for people with disabilities and carers, through advising council on policy initiatives that would improve accessibility within Maroondah.

While based within Maroondah Scoot Wheel n Move does include members from Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, ensuring that the group is able to focus on the accessibility needs across Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs.

Scoot Wheel n Move October 2008 meeting

Posted on by alex

This morning I attended the October meeting of Scoot Wheel n Move, a group that aims to improve mobility and accessibility for people with mobility aids.

Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) is now the auspice for the Scoot Wheel n Move so that the group can operate with some autonomy to council. This enables Scoot Wheel n Move to openly discuss council’s priorities and to advocate for accessibility improvements.

The group’s priority continues to be the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible and safe transit interchange, as well as ensuring an accessible town centre. Work on the redevelopment of Ringwood will commence next year and it is imperative that we create an accessible and sustainable urban centre to ensure an inclusive society.

Groups like Scoot Wheel n Move have the expertise and first-hand experience to appraise proposals to ensure that they do achieve a vision of accessibility and inclusiveness.

Scoot Wheel n Move meeting – Introduction to Eastern Access Community Health

Posted on by alex

Scoot Wheel n Move was a council initiated group that aims to improve accessibility for people with mobility aids.

Since it’s inception two years ago, the group has organised a number of successful initiatives, including the recharge program where local businesses provide recharge facilities for people with motorised mobility aids, a booklet on mobility aids as well as an expo and public forum on accessibility.

Today’s meeting focused on the future direction of Scoot Wheel n Move so that it continues to be an effective advocate for accessibility improvements within Maroondah. In this regard Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) has expressed an interest in providing administrative support so that Scoot Wheel n Move can operate with greater autonomy from council.

Greater autonomy will enable the group to strengthen its advocacy efforts particularly in regard to securing accessibility improvements to Eastland and the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. The meeting today provided an opportunity to meet Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) and to discuss the future priorities for the group. It was encouraging to see Scoot Wheel n Move members support the transition to EACH and this will be further developed at the next group meeting.

In addition, the group expressed its interest in the State Government’s bus service reviews for Maroondah and it is important that Scoot Wheel n Move is provided with an opportunity to participate in this process. This will enable members to raise their concerns with bus services, including the need for more low floor buses and improvements to frequencies and service spans.

Similarly, I was able to discuss with the group a proposal put forward by 13 CABS via the Eastern Transport Coalition. 13 CABS wishes to establish an outer eastern taxi zone covering Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and would provide a more responsive taxi service for people beginning or completing their journey within the zone.

This means that there should be an increase in taxis readily available for shorter journeys within the region, as well as at least 60 maxi taxis available for use within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

13 CABS are currently developing the plan with assistance from Maroondah, Whitehorse, Manningham, Knox and Yarra Ranges Councils. It is hoped that the State Government will agree to the proposal and allow the creation of the outer eastern taxi zone.

The lack of readily available transport is continually raised as a major issue for people with disabilities. It is critical that advocacy for transport improvements, such as the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and better bus services, continues so that we can improve the mobility of Maroondah residents and people with disabilities.

Scoot Wheel n Move – discussing the workshop findings

Posted on by alex

Today’s Scoot Wheel n Move meeting discussed the future direction of the group, including the possibility of involving Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) as an auspice for the group.

While Scoot Wheel n Move has operated under the umbrella of Maroondah City Council, increased autonomy would strengthen the group’s ability to advocate for accessibility improvements, particularly in regard to Ringwood Station and the redevelopment of Eastland.

Scoot Wheel n Move has had tremendous success in previous years, through the establishment of a recharge program providing recharge points for motorised mobility aids, a mobility booklet and hosting a forum to discuss mobility issues within Maroondah. It is critical that this success continues so that we can further improve accessibility within Maroondah to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people with disabilities.

Eastern Access Community Health will present at the next meeting of Scoot Wheel n Move to discuss its ideas and vision for the group.

Delegates' Report: Community sustainability through involvement

Posted on by alex

On the 18th of March I attended the North Ringwood Community House Annual General Meeting. North Ringwood Community House, located at 120 Oban Road, provides a remarkable facility for our community. Sue McDermott is the new coordinator of the house and she spoke extensively about their services into the future.

North Ringwood Community House is in a unique situation where the facility is located on parish land within the Holy Spirit Primary School. The fact that the house does not own either the building or the land they are on curtails their growth and the ability to offer services and courses to Maroondah residents. North Ringwood Community House is a unique community asset and has moved beyond the traditional role of community houses by offering TAFE accredited courses in areas such as Palliative Care and Aged Care. It is it critical that the house is able to secure a solid future within Maroondah.

On the 25th of March I attended one of Enjoying Planned Retirement’s bocce afternoons. Bocce, which is conducted between December and April, is one of the many activities organised by EPR. This afternoon marked a special occasion since it included the unveiling of a new barbecue for the group. This barbecue was donated by a local Croydon resident, who is a Sales Manager for Rinnai after EPR’s original barbecue was stolen on the 12th of February and subsequently featured in a local newspaper. The strength of a community is always demonstrated during negative times and it was great to see our community rallying behind EPR to provide this new barbecue.

On the 4th of April I attended the Scoot Wheel n Move workshop. This workshop provided an opportunity to plan the future of this highly successful group, which is focused on the needs of people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and scooters. Scoot Wheel n Move has had a range of achievements over the past few years, including the highly successful recharge program and a number of public forums. With initiatives, such as the redevelopment of Eastland, it is imperative that accessibility is built into these projects and not merely considered as an afterthought. The feedback from the workshop will assist the future direction of Scoot Wheel n Move and ensure that these successes continue into the future.

On the 5th of April I attended a local version of the Rudd Government’s 2020 Summit as the Deputy Chair and Maroondah’s representative of the Eastern Transport Coalition. This event which was held at Monash University in Clayton provided an opportunity to include input for the summit that was held in Canberra. I attended the economic infrastructure, digital economy and future of our cities session, where the need for Federal leadership in regard to urban sustainability and public transport infrastructure was readily agreed upon. In fact, the need for public transport improvements was stressed in a number of different forum topics as it became clear that people require mobility and transport choice in accessing educational, employment and health services.

In fact, the ETC and hence by extension the City of Maroondah’s stance on public transport improvements has garnered respect far and wide, with Kelvin Thomson, the Federal Member for Wills, speaking favourably of the ETC’s approach within Federal Parliament. I will be tabling the extract of the members speech. It is clear that the approach the ETC has taken is generating results, just like when the grouping of seven councils led the successful abolition of zone three.

On the 8th of April I attended the 40th AGM of the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau. The Citizens Advice Bureau is another one of Maroondah’s hidden gems who are focused on assisting people in need within Maroondah through providing advice, referral services and emergency relief. Being in existence for 40 years is a testament for any volunteer and community based organisation but it is an even greater achievement for an association that is dedicated to assisting others.

Lastly, on the 15th of April I attended the Know Your Parks function at Lockhart Road Reserve. Lockhart Road Reserve is a park situated in Ringwood North next to a kindergarten and it was great to see such a strong interest in our community with this park. Over 250 people and families enjoyed the festivities and children were able to partake in the jumping castle and face painting. The sausages and balloons were a tremendous success and it was great to be able to enjoy a sunny Autumn afternoon in one of our wonderful parks.

I will be tabling the rest of my report.

Scoot Wheel n Move Workshop

Posted on by alex

Scoot Wheel N Move is a council auspiced community group, which aims to improve the level of accessibility for people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and scooters. Initiatives such as the recharge program, the mobility booklet and public forums stemmed from Scoot Wheel n Move and it is is important to reflect on the priorities of the group to ensure that the group’s tremendous success continues.

Today’s workshop was facilitated by Access Audits Australia and provided an opportunity for participants to discuss Scoot Wheel n Move and ideas for future projects that the group can undertake. Discussions centred around extending the mobility booklet and further campaigning for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and public transport improvements including more frequent and accessible bus services. A number of pedestrian crossings, which do not provide enough time to cross the road, were also identified as an area needing further campaigning.

Scoot Wheel n Move is a community led group and this has been the primary reason for its success. I am certain that 2008 will bring further achievements for this group.