FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Media Release – Tuesday, 19 July 2005

Put The Community Back Into Ringwood

Putting the Community back into Ringwood was the central theme of the RTCCC’s Community Workshop, which was held on the 14th of July to discuss the community’s vision for Ringwood.

“Our public workshop has demonstrated a dire need for an openness in exchanging ideas and detailed community discussion regarding the Ringwood Transit City Project”, RTCCC Planning and Transport spokesperson Alex Makin said.

Topics raised during the public workshop included pedestrian issues, disability access standards, mobility within and around Ringwood and the issue of development both within and outside the delineated Transit City area.

“The very notion of the word ‘Transit City’ is invalid as this suggests that Ringwood will become nothing more than a suburb that people pass through rather than actually live within”, Mr. Makin said. “Ringwood is already a dormitory suburb, with more people living here than actually working here. Simply planning for higher density development alone will not create a vibrant and liveable suburb. Given that the property market is slowing and there is little that positively distinguishes Ringwood from other areas a radical re-think is required”.

“Both the State Government and Maroondah Council are obligated to create a liveable environment incorporating tangible pedestrian, public transport and open space improvements. While studies are only the first stage they absolutely must engage the community at the onset to create much needed discussion. Simply expecting higher urban densities to solve our problems is a farce”, Mr. Makin said.

The RTCCC has resolved to engage experts within the fields of planning, sociology and urban design to further the level of community debate within the Ringwood Transit City. Additional public workshops are currently planned.

“Ultimately the community of Ringwood knows what we need; Councils and Government must stop dictating and start listening. The community must be put back into Ringwood and no one knows how to do this better than our local community”, Mr. Makin concluded.

About the Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC):

The RTCCC was formed to strengthen community participation and stimulate open and honest discussion regarding the Ringwood Transit City project. For further details call 0409 136 213 or visit www.rtccc.info.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEXANDER MAKIN ON 0409 136 213

ENDS