Tag: transport improvements

Maroondah Leader: push for commitment

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Ringwood is one of six urban centres identified as a Central Activities District through State and Local Government planning policies. Throughout this year I have worked with my Mayoral counterparts in Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Hume, Maribyrnong and Whitehorse to highlight the need for an ongoing funding and implementation commitment for our respective Central Activities Districts.

Box Hill, Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Footscray, Frankston and Ringwood have all been identified as Central Activities Districts, but yet only Dandenong has received an implementation plan and ongoing investment from the State Government.

The State Government’s ten year funding commitment for Dandenong, which will see $550 million invested into the revitalisation of the urban centre, demonstrates what can be achieved when there is joint commitment between State and Local Governments.

All of Melbourne’s Central Activity Districts deserve a similar commitment and the Maroondah Leader has reported on this regional cooperation, which stretches across Metropolitan Melbourne:

“With the exception of Dandenong, there’s been no long-term funding or planning commitment to the CADs,” Cr Makin said, noting that Greater Dandenong Council was backing the other CAD councils’ call for funding.

Ongoing investment and commitment to Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts will provide amenity improvements and deliver a range of educational, employment and community opportunities throughout Metropolitan Melbourne.

This will provide mini-cities within Melbourne and complement the the role of CBD throughout these urban centres. The City of Melbourne has also been working with the Mayors of the Councils containing Central Activities Districts and it has been fantastic to see an ongoing commitment to this unique alliance.

Unlike Dandenong, where there is a 10-year implementation plan for the investment of about $550 million, just one major project in the Ringwood Central Activities Districts has been allocated money – the $39 million bus interchange.

Cr Makin said plans for other parcels of government-owned land in the area, including the railway station and surrounds remains unclear.

While the Central Activities Districts are dispersed throughout Metropolitan Melbourne there are common issues that unite each of the urban centres, including the need for an ongoing commitment and implementation plan from the State Government.

Cr Makin said government departments have done a lot of work but there hadn’t been the necessary “political buy-in” and leadership was necessary to send a stronger signal to investors.

Each of the Central Activities Districts Councils have identified key projects that would deliver improved facilities and services, with transport interchanges being common across each of the urban centres.

It is clear that public transport improvements, both in regard to interchanges and service frequencies, are critical for the success of each Central Activities District. There is a need for greater level of community facilities with Ringwood Station and the proposed Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre forming Council’s two key priorities.

The formation of regional partnerships has been one of the highlights of my year as Mayor, each of Melbourne’s Central Activities Districts has its own strengths and it is imperative that the State Government support these centres through an ongoing implementation plan and funding certainty.

Delegates’ Report: Presenting the Monster Petition, NAIDOC week and support for our community

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On the 24th of June I was part of a delegation through the Eastern Transport Coalition, that presented a petition of 13,000 signatures to the Parliament of Victoria.

The petition, which was accepted by Martin Pakula, the Minister for Public Transport, as well as Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport and Greg Barber, the Greens Spokesperson on Transport, requested public transport improvements for Melbourne’s outer east including:

  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster
  • A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
  • A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
  • Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  • Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

It is great that the eastern region recognises the importance of the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange. As the City of Maroondah and as part of the eastern region, we can only hope that the State Government and all political parties act on requests within this petition.

On the 8th of July I had the pleasure of launching the Maroondah Photographic Competition and announcing the winners amongst this year’s entrants. The competition has now been running for 14 years and it is great to see that it has sustained interest from both sponsors and the community. There were 121 entries this year and the judging decision was definitely a difficult one.
The diverse of photographic talents is to be commended and in particular it is great to see our schools supporting the arts and encouraging students to participate, with the two winners in the Intermediate category both being students from Norwood Secondary College

On the 9th of July I attended the Outer Eastern NAIDOC Ball, which was held at the conclusion of NAIDOC week. The ball recognises the many individuals and organisations that are involved with Indigenous communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements.

On the 10th I attended the opening of the redeveloped Glen Park Community Centre, which had extensive works to improve the accessible and inclusiveness of its facilities. One of the real accomplishments with Glen Park has been the partnerships that have formed with various organisations, as well as all levels of government working together to provide better facilities for our community.

On the 13th of July I had the pleasure of welcoming James Merlino as the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs at EVs Youth Centre in Croydon. The State Government has provided a $10,000 grant, which will be used for the purchase of new music equipment through the Youth Centre and also announced that EVs will be one of the venues for the state wide FReeZA Central Music program. This is a great achievement and would like to commend our Youth Services Team for raising the profile of EVs and the talents of our young people.

In addition, on the 14th of July I had the pleasure of receiving a grant for $8,800 from the State Government through the Victorian Multicultural Grants Commission to further the work of the Maroondah Interfaith Network. The funding will be used to strengthen the capacity of the group and to further encourage Maroondah’s faith based communities to become involved the Network. I would like to commend the Community Development Staff and the Maroondah Interfaith for their work in establishing the group and for achieving this great result for our community. The Maroondah Interfaith Network was formed in November last year and it is fantastic to see that its efforts have been recognised by both Council and the State Government.

I’ll be tabling the rest of my report.

Maroondah Leader: 13,000 sign petition

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The Eastern Transport Coalition consists of Melbourne’s seven outer eastern and launched a petition last year to collectively call on the State Government to provide public transport improvements across Melbourne’s eastern region.  The petition was recently presented to Martin Pakula, as the Minster for Public Transport and calls on all political parties to commit to the following:

  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster
  • A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
  • A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
  • Improed facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  • Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the presentation of the petition, including its request for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the minister’s acceptance of the petition acknowledged the gravity of the requests, including the redevelopment of the Ringwood railway station.

The Eastern Transport recognises the importance of the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into an integrated, accessible and safe transport interchange that will benefit not only Maroondah but Melbourne’s entire eastern region and it is imperative that all political recognise the importance of this project.

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

Media Release: Maroondah asks – Where is our transport policy?

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A sixty metre long petition demanding the Victorian Government revisit its transport policy was today presented to the Victorian Government.

Mayors and Councillors from Maroondah and six other Melbourne’s eastern suburban Councils – who represent about a quarter of Melbourne’s population – gathered on the Parliaments steps today to send a message to the Victorian Government that transport needs in the east are not being met.

Presenting the monster petition to the Minister for Transport, Martin Pakula, Eastern Transport Coalition Chairperson Cr Samantha Dunn said that Eastern suburbs residents have been neglected by Government for too long.

“It’s time this government looked seriously at providing sustainable transport options right across Melbourne rather than focussing on a few key electorates,” Cr Dunn said.

“The Eastern Transport Coalition represents seven councils in the East whose residents are crying out for more public transport. The petition we’re presenting today has over 13,000 signatures, each one of them a demand of Government to end the neglect,” she said.

Maroondah Mayor Cr Alex Makin said that the level of concern in Maroondah regarding public transport had been increasing for some time.

“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. This is why The City of Maroondah signed up to the ETC in the first place,” Cr Makin said.

Cr Dunn said that the ETC petition called on Victorian Government to address the significant gaps in the provision of and planning for public transport in Greater Dandenong, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, and Yarra Ranges.

The petition seeks commitments from the Government to modify the plan to include:

  1. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
  2. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster
  3. A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
  4. A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
  5. Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  6. Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

Cr Dunn said that there was still time for this government to make a commitment to Melbourne’s east.

“This election year provides a perfect opportunity for this government to show that it is listening to the million or so residents east of Warrigal road who are forced to drive their cars to work because they have few viable alternatives,” Cr Dunn said.

Cr Dunn thanked the Minister for Transport for receiving the petition.

“We’re pleased that all sides of Parliament are interested in our issues. Now it’s important that today’s gesture from the Victorian Government results in action,” she said.

– ENDS –

Presenting the Eastern Transport Coalition’s Monster Petition

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The Eastern Transport Coalition consists of Melbourne’s seven eastern councils and advocates for public transport improvements across Melbourne and the region.  The monster petition was formed to demonstrate community support for public transport improvements and was held at each of the member Councils, including Maroondah, where it was featured at last year’s Maroondah Festival.

Alex with the Eastern Trasnport Coalition's Monster Petition
Alex with the Eastern Trasnport Coalition's Monster Petition

This afternoon I accompanied Mayors and members of the Eastern Transport Coalition to formally present the petition to Martin Pakula, the Minster for Public Transport.  In addition, the petition was also accepted by Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport, as well as Greg Barbers, the Greens spokesperson on public transport.

The petition calls for public transport improvements across Eastern Melbourne including:

  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
  • A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster,
  • A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
  • A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
  • Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  • Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

Now that the petition has been presented, it is incumbent on all political parties to respond to the need for public transport improvements.  Residents across Melbourne’s eastern region are clearly calling on the State Government to deliver improvements to public transport, including an accessible and integrated transport interchange at Ringwood, as well as more frequent and more reliable services.

Day Two of the Local Government Ministerial Forum

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The Local Government Ministerial Forum continued today with an opening keynote address from the Premier, John Brumby.  The Premier discussed State Government policies relevant to Local Government, including the planning system and  Central Activities Districts.

The State Government, in conjunction with local councils, designated several urban centres as Central Activities Districts, including Ringwood, Box Hill, Dandenong and Frankston within the eastern region of Melbourne.

The policy aims to encourage mixed-use centres, with a range of residential, commercial and community facilities.  These urban centres need a whole of Government approach to achieve these objectives, particularly in regard to infrastructure investment.

For example, many of these centres, including Ringwood, require public transport improvements to encourage sustainable forms of transport and to support the development of these urban centres.

Furthermore, there is a need to ensure that community facilities are provided within these centres to ensure vibrant and active communities.  The City of Maroondah, supports Ringwood’s status as  a Central Activities District, but there is a need for a coordinated approach to ensure a vibrant and sustainable urban centre.

The Local Government Ministerial Forum provided an opportunity to enter into direct dialogue with the State Government.  It is hoped that the City of Maroondah will have the opportunity for further discussions with Ministers and the Government to achieve positive outcomes for the community.

The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayor’s Network

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The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayors Network is a meeting of Mayors across Metropolitan Melbourne, convened through the City of Melbourne.  The Network has a focus on issues common to Melbourne’s metropolitan councils, with today’s session discussing urban planning and infrastructure.

The session began with a presentation on the Commonwealth Government’s Major Cities Unit, which aims to provide Federal involvement in the way Australia’s cities develop and function.  Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world and yet the Commonwealth Government has typically had little involvement within urban planning and development.

The Major Cities Unit has been working with Infrastructure Australia to identify shortfalls in infrastructure across Australia and its cities.  Funding commitments from the Commonwealth is dependent on respective State Governments completing a metropolitan plan for its cities to ensure a holistic approach to projects.

The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayor’s Network aims to advocate to the State and Federal Governments for a holistic approach to Melbourne’s urban planning and infrastructure needs.  Many of the participants highlighted the need for public transport improvements as an example of this need for holistic planning.

Maroondah Journal: One step at a time for Mayor

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One of the first initiatives I implemented as Mayor was to return the Mayoral car, meaning I would continue to utilise sustainable transport, such as buses, trains and walking when undertaking Council commitments.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on my usage of sustainable forms of transport within my Mayoral term:

Maroondah mayor Alex Makin has put his money where his mouth is, returning his mayoral vehicle to use public transport to get to council appointments. The long-time public transport advocate, gave up the car when he became mayor in December, putting the money back into the budget to benefit ratepayers.

Traditionally the Mayor of Maroondah has been provided with a car, which is traded in every two years. As Mayor I gave in the car providing a saving to Council and reinforcing the importance of sustainable transport within Maroondah.

Cr Makin said he had decided to give up the mayoral car because he wanted to lead by example.

“I live within the Ringwood central activities district, an area where the council is encouraging sustainable forms of transport, such as public transport and walking. It would be hypocritical for the mayor to use the car when living in an area where we are encouraging sustainable transport.”

Cr Makin said he planned his travel in advance to arrive at his appointments on time, but the lack of links between bus and train services could cause difficulties at times.

However, he said time spent travelling was sometimes a bonus.

“I tend to do a lot of council work on the move, whether it be phone calls or emails, while using public transport, so this time is quite efficiently used in terms of catching up with work.

“Certainly there is a benefit in terms of fitness and seeing Maroondah first-hand on a street-by-street basis.

“Public transport and walking also provides a great opportunity to speak to residents and community members and helps convey the role of being mayor and a councillor,” he said.

Cr Makin said he hoped future mayors of Maroondah would follow in his footsteps by using public transport where they could.

The mayoral car was traded in and replaced with a travel allowance, which Cr Makin said had provided a saving.

“It also demonstrates that councils should consider flexibility when providing travel, rather than following the standard formula of providing a car for the mayor.”

The transformation of Ringwood depends on public transport improvements to encourage sustainable forms of transport. As a Mayor that lives within the Ringwood Central Activities District I believe it is important to lead by example and demonstrate that public transport can be a viable form of transport.

While frequency and operating span improvements are required, particularly for bus services and off-peak rail travel, Maroondah does have the foundations of an integrated and functional public transport system. Complemented by Maroondah’s walking trails, sustainable forms of transport should be encouraged within the municipality.

Maroondah Leader: Going backwards

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The Melbourne Transport Forum (MTF), is a grouping of local Councils and community organisations, involved in advocating for public transport improvements.

The MTF has launched a series of online polls through its pt4me2 campaign, which aims to highlight public transport issues across Metropolitan Melbourne. The first of these surveys, aims to gauge community views on rail stations, with respondents choosing the worst stations in Melbourne.

With 4000 respondents to the survey, Ringwood has been rated as the second worst rail station within Metropolitan Melbourne, second only to Richmond, which serves as a busy junction for Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern rail network.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the results of the survey and the implications for Ringwood Station:

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the station’s low ranking was not a surprise.

“It is well known that the station is not disability discrimination act compliant,” Cr Makin said. “What is surprising is how poorly regarded it is to all of Melbourne.”

Many respondents stated that Ringwood Station is difficult to access and perceived to be unsafe.  The steepness of the ramps at Ringwood Station means that it fails disability compliance standards.  Furthermore the Station fails to function as an integrated transport interchange, through difficult pedestrian, bus and bicycle access.

“When you compare how many people must pass through Richmond compared to Ringwood it shows just how severe issues at the Station are.”

While the State Government has committed to redevelop the bus interchange there has been no funding announcement towards the essential redevelopment of the Station itself.  Ringwood, as a Central Activities District, and junction to the Belgrave and Lilydale rail lines, needs a transit interchange that is safe, accessible and integrated with pedestrian, bicycle, rail and bus facilities.