Tag: transit city

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”

Eastern Transport Coalition: Planning for the public transport summit

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This evening’s Eastern Transport Coalition meeting focused on the public transport summit planned for the 4th of July. This public transport summit will focus on the infrastructure needs of Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs and will include presentations on Doncaster rail, Rowville rail as well as Ringwood Station and the Belgrave/Lilydale lines.

While rising petrol prices have led to a reduction in vehicle usage within inner Melbourne, families in Melbourne’s outer suburbs are left struggling under the strain of rising prices due to the lack of readily available public transport.

The State Government must realise that it is time to move on from transport neglect and towards an era of major public transport expansion to provide transport choice for Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Only a significant boost to public transport will provide an alternative to rising petrol prices and reduce greenhouse emissions that are continuing to spiral out of control.

The summit includes a number of prominent transport and planning experts, including Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University and Professor Graham Currie, Monash University Chair of Public Transport.

Ringwood Station and the importance of Ringwood as a regional centre will feature as one of the topics to be discussed at the summit. I will presenting information on the Ringwood Transit City and the importance of public transport in providing a safe, accessible and vibrant environment at 10:45 am.

The summit entitled ‘It’s Time to Move On’ will be held on Friday the 4th of July from 8:30 am at the Maninngham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road in Doncaster.

For further details please visit www.etc.org.au.

The Launch of Youth Voice

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Youth Voice aims to develop a working group sourced from Maroondah schools and community groups to produce a Youth Magazine and provide a voice for students and younger people within Maroondah.

The project was launched at Ringwood Secondary College through an online interactive forum which allowed schools across Victoria to participate. A number of topics were discussed through the forum, including discussion around VCAL and VCE, cyber safety and the Ringwood Transit City and the redevelopment for Ringwood.

The launch also provided an opportunity to explore the Australian Technical College, which is located at Ringwood Secondary. The college provides practical skills development for students seeking a trade vocational career.

The forums, which were conducted via online chatroom functionality, provided an opportunity to receive input from younger people in regard to their vision for Ringwood. A number of younger people cited the need for increased entertainment and public transport, as well as sharing concerns about Ringwood Station. The discussion generated from these students will assist in planning for the future of Ringwood with Council and Queensland Investment Corporation (the owners of Eastland) both participating in the forums.

The Youth Magazine will provide an ongoing mechanism to demonstrate the positive contribution that younger people make. The publication will also encourage participation within our community through strengthening connections and highlighting issues relevant to younger people.

Maroondah Journal: Optimism on transit city funds

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Amid ongoing community anger over the government’s failure to announce funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the Maroondah Journal has reported on the growing rumours suggesting that an announcement may be delivered by the end of this year.

The State Government is expected to release its response to Sir Rod Eddington’s Inquiry into Melbourne’s transport needs by the end of this year. While the Eddington Inquiry looked solely at the travel needs of Melbourne within the inner eastern and western suburbs, the government will need to provide a whole of Melbourne focus.

Cr Alex Makin said there was an opportunity for the Governemnt to make a commitment to Ringwood.

Given that Eddington recognised the importance of Transit Cities there is an opportunity for the Government to rectify its neglect of the Ringwood Transit City. In particular the station redevelopment would ensure an integrated approach to the creation of a new accessible new town centre.

“There will most likely be a big injection of funds into transport as part of the Eddington Report. There certainly has been further discussion between council and government since the budget. I would be surprised if nothing came out of this.”

The Ringwood Transit City is a project of regional importance and is required to improve the transport choice and urban sustainability of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. It is critical that the Government delivers funding to demonstrate a commitment to Melbourne’s outer east.

Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee – discussing the Ringwood Transit City

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The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee includes a number of external agencies which advise council on health and safety initiatives within the municipality and provide feedback on council’s direction and policies.

Today’s meeting included a presentation on the Ringwood Transit City to provide committee members with an update on the planning undertaken for central Ringwood and the vision to create a new town centre. The plans include the creation of a public square and a new Ringwood Library with pedestrian access improvements to the Ringwood Station and Eastland.

For the Ringwood town centre to reach its full potential, the redevelopment of Ringwood Station must be funded by the State Government. The current station fails disability access requirements and is perceived to be unsafe. Furthermore the current difficulties in crossing six lanes of traffic between Ringwood Station and the retail and residential areas of Ringwood reduces the opportunity to provide a vibrant streetscape. Public transport will underpin the success of Ringwood’s revitalisation and it is critical that the State Government supports council vision for the future of Ringwood.

The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee expressed its support for the revitalisation of Ringwood to provide a pedestrian friendly environment and easily accessible public transport facilities.

Delegates' Report: Recognising our natural environment, volunteers, accessibility and the strength of partnerships

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On the 27th of April I attended the launch of the Mullum Mullum festival, which is now entering its tenth year. The Mullum Mullum Festival is a community led project, which is supported by Whitehorse, Manningham and Maroondah Councils and encourages conservation and appreciation of our natural environment.

The significance of the Mullum Valley has been long recognised with an appreciation dating back from the 1920s. We are fortunate in Maroondah to have this unique bushland at our doorsteps and I strongly advise anyone who is unfamiliar with our environment to walk through the Mullum Valley and take the time to appreciate its natural beauty.

On the 28th of April I attended a workshop in regard to the Maroondah Forum for People with Disabilities. Maroondah has held a successful quarterly forum for people with disabilities and carers, allowing the opportunity to exchange information and to raise issues with council in an informal manner. While the forum has been working well and feedback was generally positive, this workshop provides the opportunity to improve it even further and I must commend the many council staff who attended this workshop with the intent of listening to the community.

The were several main issues that were discussed within the workshop context, including the need to ensure wider involvement, particularly through involving younger people with disabilities and also ensuring that a diverse range of disabilities are covered. In addition there was some debate around the time and frequency of meetings with a strong preference towards bi-monthly forums to ensure quicker response and greater opportunity to provide input.

It has been estimated that almost one in five people in Maroondah has experience with a disability. It is imperative that we use the feedback derived from the workshop to ensure that we further ensure that this section of our community is being heard.

On the 13th of May I attended the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce meeting where the topic of the Ringwood Transit City was discussed. This provided an opportunity to further explore the Transit City concept and the opportunities it provides. It is unfortunate however that the State Government failed the Maroondah community, including its many businesses, by not delivering on the much anticipated upgrade of Ringwood Station. While this was a definite disappointment it was encouraging to see the business community rallying behind the need for the Station redevelopment and to improve the Maroondah Highway crossing for pedestrians.

On the 13th and 14th of May I attended two volunteer recognition functions. The first hosted by Eastern Volunteers, who as part of National Volunteer Week thanked its volunteers for the many hours of community service they provide. On the 14th I attended Maroondah’s Youth Volunteer Recognition Function which provided an opportunity to acknowledge and encourage younger volunteers within our community. It was great to see the widespread interest in volunteering at both functions. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community and without them the world would be a much harsher place. The slogan for this year’s volunteer week is: Volunteers change the world! This is definitely true since volunteers in whatever they serve collectively make this municipality and the world in general a much better place. My congratulations to the volunteers that were recognised at both functions and also to the youth services team for coordinating yet another successful event at Maroondah’s youth centre.

On the 15th of May I attended the Eastern Transport Coalition meeting. As I’ve mentioned previously the ETC involves the seven eastern council and represents one million residents. In light of the disappointing news in regard to Ringwood Station, I am pleased to say that the entire eastern region is rallying behind Maroondah Council. The ETC has provided critical support for the Ringwood Transit City and public transport improvements, including securing the removal of zone three and better bus services. It is easy for a State Government to dismiss the voice of one council, it is much harder to dismiss seven councils that stand united. Many of these public transport improvements would not have not been possible without the support of the Eastern Transport Coalition.

The ETC is preparing a public transport summit on the 4th of July at 10am. One of the topics that will be discussed is the need for public transport improvements to ensure the success of Ringwood, not just for Maroondah but for the entire eastern region. The group stands firm in recognising the significance of Ringwood and stands steadfast in its support for the redevelopment of the Station.

I hope that my council colleagues recognise the importance of Maroondah within this group. I will be tabling seven factsheets that the ETC produced, including a factsheet on the need for upgrades at Ringwood Station and separate factsheets on the need for rail improvements and bus service enhancements.

VEC to be congratulated for enhancing local democracy

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The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has released its final report in the representation review of Maroondah City Council. It is pleasing to see that the VEC has rejected council’s failed attempt to retain the status quo and has instead found that three multi-member wards electing three councillors each would provide a higher standard of democracy and representation for the City of Maroondah.

The model adopted by the VEC was the second alternative option within the preliminary report. This change, which will take effect from the Council elections in November this year, will see an increase to nine councillors.

The councillor for Loughnan’s Hill Ward argued that the current structure divided more than it united communities of interest. He cited the division between Loughnan’s Hill and Clocktower Wards as indicative of this, saying that this creates an artificial barrier and that the municipality had moved beyond simply dealing with ward-specific issues.

He stated that the communities around the Croydon activity centre and Ringwood Transit City are going to experience significant change and they will need good representation in preparation for this and as this occurs.

It is encouraging that the VEC recognised the importance of uniting our community. The new model with larger wards unites communities of interest and ensures that areas such as the Ringwood Transit City and Croydon Activity Centre will have consistent representation through being included within the one council ward. Likewise Ringwood south of Maroondah Highway, will no longer be divided along Wantirna Road, ensuring that Ringwood residents will have consistent representation within council.

He argued that since all three preliminary options presented significant change it was timely to recommend a structure that more broadly reflects both geographic and non-geographic communities of interest and is less sensitive to problems related to voter number deviations.

While Council chose to enter into petty arguments with the VEC over proposed growth rates, it is encouraging that the commission focused on the needs of the community. Under the new model, the ward of Loughnan’s Hill has been merged with Mullum and includes part of Clocktower and Yarrunga wards providing consistent representation throughout Ringwood and Ringwood North.

New ward structure for Maroondah City Council

The opportunity for fair and equitable representation is an important component of community support for and participation in the decision-making processes of the Council. The VEC considers it important that the community have the opportunity to elect a council that can reflect and represent the City’s diversity and local communities according to voters’ wishes.

The VEC is to be congratulated for seeing through the council’s attempt to maintain a structure that divides rather than unites communities. The new model will ensure a higher standard of democracy for Maroondah through combining communities with equitable representation.

Eastern Transport Coalition – standing united over the Ringwood Transit City

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Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) meeting included discussions with Gary Liddle (CEO) and Robert Freemantle (Executive Director – Network & Asset Planning) from VicRoads. A number of questions were directed towards VicRoads particularly in regard to management of an integrated transport network.

Specifically I asked about the VicRoads plans for Maroondah Highway given that the State Government failed to provide funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. While it was understood that VicRoads agreed to the need of calming Maroondah Highway in the context of the station redevelopment, it was unclear whether this would be undertaken separately.

Perhaps unsurprisingly VicRoads is unwilling to consider calming of Maroondah Highway without a commitment from the State Government in regard to Ringwood Station. This will severely impact on the ability to revitalise Ringwood and businesses along Maroondah Highway and while VicRoads stated that they will consider interim solutions no details were discussed as to what options would be considered.

While the government had a tremendous opportunity to ensure an integrated transport approach through its creation of the Department of Transport, it has failed to incorporate VicRoads within this structure. VicRoads will still remain a statutory authority with direct reporting lines to the Minister for Roads. This added advantage for VicRoads, with its own separate operating budget, leaves public transport as well as other forms of sustainable transport, such as cycling and walking, at a disadvantage.

Likewise there is still a disconnect between transport and planning. The failure to announce funding for Ringwood Station is indicative of this since it jeopardises the future of the Ringwood transit City and the creation of a vibrant town centre.

The Eastern Transport Coalition recognises the regional significance of the Ringwood Transit City and the importance of creating an accessible and safe station. The strength of the Eastern Transport Coalition, through its representation of seven councils and one million residents, will assist in ensuring funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

The strength of the Eastern Transport Coalition was recognised when it successfully led a campaign to abolish zone three and this influence will be recognise once again with the group standing united on the need for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

The Eastern Transport Coalition is preparing a public transport summit for Friday the 4th of July. This summit will include details on the public transport needs in the outer eastern suburbs.

Ringwood Chamber of Commerce – discussing the Ringwood Transit City

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The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce represents businesses and traders located in Ringwood and the surrounding district providing a critical voice for the business community. This evening the topic of the Ringwood Transit City was discussed with a presentation outlining the precinct plans for the Ringwood Town Centre (the area bound by Maroondah Highway, Bond Street, Ringwood Street and Warrandyte Roads).

It is abhorrent that the State Government has failed the Maroondah community by not delivering funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. It is imperative that Ringwood Station is redeveloped into a safe, efficient and accessible transport interchange to connect the town centre and facilitate the revitalisation of Ringwood.

While the business community, Queensland Investment Corporation (the parent company of Eastland) and council has invested heavily within Ringwood, it is disappointing that the State Government has failed the community. Members of the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce were collectively aghast at the State Government’s neglect of Ringwood and agreed on the need for public transport improvements, better pedestrian connectivity and a campaign to ensure that funding is forthcoming for Ringwood Station.

Media Release: Campaign for Ringwood Station must be revived

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MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Wednesday, 7 May 2008

MEDIA RELEASE: Government Leaves Ringwood to Rot

Cr. Alex Makin, the ward councillor for much of the Ringwood Transit City area, has slammed council’s ‘softly softly’ approach after the State Government failed to provide any funding for the Ringwood Transit City in the state Budget.

“The State Government’s repeated refusal to back the redevelopment of Ringwood Station is a slap in the face to Maroondah Council and every single resident within Maroondah and beyond,” Cr. Makin said. “This Government has such contempt that it even failed to provide the few measly millions we had seen in previous budgets.”

While previous State Budgets had allocated a few million for design and scoping works for Ringwood Station and associated areas, no funding was unveiled in the 2008 – 2009 State Budget. This was despite Ringwood’s status as a transit city and the fact that Ringwood Station does not meet accessibility standards.

“This government only acts in the face of public pressure. This was seen last year when the City of Maribyrnong launched a successful public campaign for the upgrade of Footscray Station”, Cr. Makin said. “Maroondah’s ‘softly softly’ approach has clearly failed, since absolutely nothing was allocated to Ringwood Station in the budget.”

The City of Maribyrnong campaigned heavily for the upgrade of Ringwood Station in the lead up to the 2006 State Election and beyond. Funding for the redevelopment of Footscray Station was announced in last year’s State Government budget.

“I will be calling on council to act decisively and publicly in denouncing the budget decision and launching a campaign to revive Ringwood. Should council fail to act then I am ready to lead a campaign so that Ringwood is not left to rot,” 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, currently the youngest councillor elected within the history of the City of Maroondah, has a keen interest in accessibility, sustainability, public transport, planning and community engagement.

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

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