Tag: urban amenity

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.

Media Release: Lend a hand during Clean Up Australia Day

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Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin is calling on Maroondah residents to pull on some gloves, grab a bag and help out at one of the Clean Up Australia Day sites located throughout the municipality on Sunday 7 March.

“Council has nominated the Croydon Wetlands in Norton Road as the clean-up site for residents who wish to help make their local environment more attractive on Clean Up Australia Day,” Cr Makin said.

“If you’re able to help, then we will look forward to seeing you between 9.30 and 11.30am,” Cr Makin said.

“Helpers are asked to be safe when participating by wearing sturdy footwear, gloves, sunscreen and a hat, and by bringing refreshments and a rubbish bag or bucket,” Cr Makin said.

The community can meet Council officers in the car park adjacent to Fred Geale Oval, Norton Road, Croydon (Melway reference 50 K5).

“To date there is one other site registered in Maroondah on the Clean Up Australia Day website, at Dandenong Creek, Heathmont,” said Cr Makin. “It’s worth checking the website for the details, and for other sites that may be registered.”

Alternatively, groups can register their own site on the Clean Up Australia website.

“The Maroondah community has always shown strong support for Clean Up Australia Day and we value the many volunteers who keep coming back to help clean up our parks, reserves and roadsides,” Cr Makin said.

“Last year approximately 225 people collected almost two tonnes of rubbish from across 13 sites in Maroondah, in addition to a number of schools participating on the Clean Up School Day,” Cr Makin said.

“It would be great to see new faces this year helping to make our community even more enjoyable to live in. So if you’re able, please come along – you’ll be warmly welcomed,” Cr Makin said.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day, which aims to encourage people to make a difference to their local environment by cleaning up set locations during the event. In 2009, almost 630,000 volunteers helped remove rubbish from about 7000 sites during Clean Up Australia Day.

For further information or to register your involvement visit www.cleanup.org.au or phone Clean Up Australia on 1800 282 329, alternatively contact Council’s Strategic Planning and Sustainability Team on 1300 88 22 33.

– ENDS –

Ringwood Chamber of Commerce – 2009 End of Year Function

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The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce aims to represent the business community within Ringwood and organises regular meetings for its members.

Tonight’s occasion was the final chamber meeting for 2009 and included discussion around the former Ringwood Market site, as well as an update on works for Ringwood Station, which are expected to begin from the middle of the year.

These developments, along with progress within the Eastland site should mark an exciting year as Ringwood begins its transformation into a vibrant urban centre.

In addition, VicRoads is undertaking consultation over Maroondah Highway, with consideration being given for the removal of clearways between Ringwood Street and Warrandyte Road. This would enable additional car parking to benefit shops along the Highway, as well as provide bicycle lanes and better access for buses.

Traders within the inner city are actively campaigning against clearways, given the detriment it has on shopping strips. The removal of clearways along Maroondah Highway and the encouragement of sustainable forms of transport will assist in revitalising the shops along Maroondah Highway.

In addition, this will also provide accessibility improvements for people with disabilities through making it easier to access Ringwood Station and its commercial district.

The VicRoads consultation concludes on the 1st of February, Maroondah Council will be supporting efforts that assist in the revitalisation of this part of Ringwood.

Handing over the Eastern Transport Coalition Monster Petition

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The Eastern Transport Coalition’s Monster Petition was located within Maroondah for the past three weeks and is calling on the Government 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,
  • Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
  • Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

Each member council has the opportunity to host the Monster Petition and today marked the final day of petition being located within Maroondah. I was present at its handing over to the Shire of Yarra Ranges, who will be hosting the petition throughout December.

Alex handing over the Eastern Transport Coalitions Monster Petition to Cr. Samantha Dunn from the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Alex handing over the Eastern Transport Coalition's Monster Petition to Cr. Samantha Dunn from the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Copies of the petition will still be available at Ringwood and Croydon Libraries for Maroondah residents that may not have had an opportunity to sign the petition.

The petition will be presented to the State Government next year.

Funding annoucement for the Ringwood Lake to Creek Project

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This afternoon the State Government announced $750,000 funding for the Ringwood Lake to Creek Trail, which will link bicycle and shared use paths from the Mullum Mullum Creek through to the Ringwood Lake.

The project which will be delivered in partnership with Maroondah City Council will improve the pedestrian and cycling networks along Larissa Avenue. The existing powerlines will be replaced with underground power, improving the amenity and aesthetics of the street.

In addition water urban sensitive design will be utilised to improve the quality of water entering our stormwater systems and reflect the history of the former Sandy Creek, which flowed through the area.

Unfortunately funding has not yet been announced for the installation of a pedestrian crossing along Maroondah Highway to provide a safe point to cross the Highway between the new path and Ringwood Lake. This crossing is required to complete the Lake to Creek Project and improve access to the recreational amenities within Ringwood Lake. It is hoped that once the Lake to Creek Project is complete that the importance of this crossing will be realised and delivered by VicRoads.

Construction on the Lake to Creek Project, is expected to begin early next year and will include the installation of underground powerlines along Larissa Avenue. This project will improve the amenity of the area and encourage walking and cycling through Ringwood and I welcome the announcement of this funding.

Maroondah Leader: Council wants fast-track for station upgrade

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The Maroondah Leader has reported on the need for the full redevelopment of Ringwood Station to be included within the upcoming 2009-2010 Budget.

Cr Alex Makin said the station upgrade would be a “catalyst for the transformation of Ringwood. We need the State Government to back up the commitment it made late last year.”

While the State Government committed $39 million for the redevelopment of the Ringwood station forecourt and bus interchange, this funding will not alter the station itself or improve accessibility for train users.

“It will stimulate local economic activity, create jobs within the region and encourage inclusion since the project would create a station that is accessible.”

The redevelopment of Ringwood Station would stimulate economic activity not just to Maroondah but throughout the outer eastern suburbs.

Furthermore, a commitment towards the station would demonstrate that the State Government has confidence in its policies for Ringwood and would therefore encourage further development to transform Ringwood into a vibrant ubran centre.

“Now is the ideal time for the Government to commit to the project in its entirety.”

A commitment towards infrastructure projects such as creating an accessible, inclusive and easy to use Ringwood Station and interchange would demonstrate a commitment to Maroondah and the regional economy.

The State Budget is due in early May.

Ringwood Precinct Open House

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The centre of Ringwood, has recently been identified as a Central Activities District and has been earmarked for significant urban revitalisation and aims to transform Ringwood into an accessible and vibrant urban centre.

Within the Ringwood Central Activities District is a significant residential area, such as the North Western Residential Precinct, which is bound by Ringwood Street, Nelson Street, Bond Street and Burwood Avenue.

This part of Ringwood has seen significant changes such as the construction of multi-storey developments and as a resident in Bond Street I have seen and experienced this first-hand.

This afternoon Council organised an Open House for residents and property owners within this area to discuss amenity issues and identify potential solutions. Residents and property owners were able to express their concerns and speak directly to council staff and myself as an elected Councillor.

Recently constructed footpaths have improved the accessibility of this area and a new playground is planned for the park on the corner of New Street. The playground will be connected through the Eastlink shared trail and will include play equipment, seating and shelter.

In addition, a bridge over Maroondah Highway will provide a continuous linkage for pedestrians and cyclists and is expected to be completed later this year.

Sustainability is at the forefront of Ringwood’s transformation with water tanks, energy efficiency, as well as bicycle facilities and footpath construction, being a part of new developments within this precinct.

Waste management is also being improved through conditions requiring body corporate involvement such as maintaining their own private garbage collection. This will reduce the number of rubbish bins located on nature strips during garbage collection days.

In addition parking issues are also being explored and council will shortly be releasing a strategy to address these concerns and reduce difficulties in travelling through streets within this area.

It was great to see the many people, including neighbours of mine, taking advantage of the Open Day and speaking directly to council.

The transformation of Ringwood presents challenges to Maroondah Council and the wider community. These challenges are being addressed to ensure that our amenity to achieve our vision of creating a more sustainable and accessible Ringwood.

Ongoing updates are critical to Ringwood’s revitalisation and a dedicated website www.ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au has been created to provide ongoing updates on projects undertaken within the Ringwood Central Activities District.

Media Release: Book first for hard rubbish collection

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Council’s new On Call Hard Waste Collection Service began in October last year and provides flexibility in the collection of hard rubbish.

“It is extremely important that residents contact Council to make a booking for collection before putting their hard waste out on the naturestrip,” said Cr Makin.

“Council staff will then be able to let you know when to place your hard waste out for collection, and when it will be picked up,” said Cr Makin.

“You will also receive a Booking Information Pack which includes information on what can and can’t be put out for collection, as well as a bright pink “booked” sticker to place on your hard waste pile,” said Cr Makin.

“There’s no change to the quantity that can be put out for collection, it is still up to two cubic metres of unwanted household items per collection booking,” said Cr Makin.

“To keep our streets tidy, we do ask that rubbish is placed in two neat piles, separating metals from other hard waste, placing smaller items in non-returnable boxes, and that it is placed on naturestrips on the weekend prior to your collection week, as advised by Council staff,” said Cr Makin.

Once collected, the material will be sorted at the transfer station and recycled where possible.

“The On Call Hard Waste Collection Service replaces the previous twice-yearly fixed calendar Clean Out Collection Service for the removal of hard waste in Maroondah,” said Cr Makin.

“It is very much a service that is available when required. Residents can choose when to have their hard waste collected – up to two times each financial year – at a time that is more convenient, and often more suitable to their personal needs,” said Cr Makin.

“Remember though, book first then place on the naturestrip on the date advised by Council staff,” said Cr Makin.

Bookings for Council’s On Call Hard Waste Collection Service can be made by contacting Council on 1300 88 22 33 or by visiting one of Council’s Service Centres.

Further information on Maroondah’s On Call Hard Waste Collection Service is available from Council’s Service Centres, online at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or please call on 1300 88 22 33.

– ENDS –

Maroondah Leader: Push for Maroondah to go carbon neutral

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The Maroondah Sustainability Strategy has reached draft status and was endorsed for public exhibition at the last Council meeting. Public comments and submissions can be made about the strategy up to the 1st of December, whereby this feedback will be considered when the policy is finalised at a future council meeting.

The Maroondah Sustainability Strategy will guide the council’s approach to energy, water, transport and resource usage for the next four years and it is therefore critical that the document sets proactive environmental targets.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the Draft Strategy, including its carbon neutral target of 2020:

Cr Alex Makin, who also voted to support the draft plan, said the council should set an interim target to ensure it reached its 2020 goal.

Currently there are no interim targets to measure council’s progress towards reaching carbon neutrality. While I personally believe that the target should potentially be brought forward to 2012, it is also imperative that interim goals are established to guide council budgets and to measure progress towards becoming carbon neutral.

Back in the year 2000 the then council set a target of reducing energy consumption by 20% by the year 2010. Unfortunately due to the lack of interim targets this was largely forgotten until public pressure along with myself, Jo-anne Taylor and Maureen forced the council to recommit to this goal.

It is therefore essential that any carbon neutral target includes appropriate interim goals to measure progress and keep council accountable for its performance in meeting this objective.

Rotary Club of Ringwood – discussing recycling

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The Rotary Club of Ringwood, one of the 51 clubs within Rotary District 9810 and part of Rotary International, meets each Wednesday evening at the Ringwood Club on the corner of Oban Road and Maroondah Highway.

Tonight’s meeting discussed council’s recycling program and the importance of correctly utilising the recycling bins that are provided. Victoria produces 9.5 million tonnes of waste per annum, with 5.07 million tonnes being recycled. Waste that is not recycled ends up in landfills and detrimentally impacts the environment.

Maroondah produces 53,167 tonnes of waste on an annual basis, with 12,932 tonnes being recycled using a mixture of hand and mechanical sorting. Maroondah provides a green waste bin and a blue recyclable bin for glass, cartons, paper and plastics. Contamination of these bins, that is where materials that cannot be recycled are placed in these bins, means that up to 20% of Maroondah’s waste in unnecessarily diverted to landfill.

Recycled waste cannot be contaminated with other waste as this means that the entire load cannot be re-used and instead must go into landfill. The major source of contamination is from plastic bags, which cannot be stored in either the green waste bin or the blue recyclable bin. The Maroondah garbage trucks have a 350 bin capacity. This means that even if one bin has inappropriate contents it can cause the entire contents of the truck to be diverted to landfill instead of being recycled.

Recycling minimises resource usage and improves our sustainability. Examples of recycled products include the new street furniture along the Mullum and Eastlink trails and the wheelie bins themselves.

It is great to see the Rotary Club of Ringwood involved in environmental issues and recycling. It is important that our community is able to correctly recycle waste and minimise our impact on the environment.