One of the first acts I undertook as Mayor was to give up the mayoral car and instead promote sustainable forms of transport, including public transport and walking.

My metcard expired in July and as a result I purchased a myki to undertake my travels as Mayor for the remainder of the year. The Maroondah Journal has reported on the use of myki in my capacity as Mayor of Maroondah:

Following his election as mayor last December, Cr Makin decided to take up a more environmentally friendly travel option.

He now relies on public transport or good walking weather to attend most of his council appointments.

Cr Makin said the validation of the myki card for trams and buses reinforced the public transport vision the council had for Ringwood’s central activities district (CAD).

“While there is room for improvement, we are very fortunate in Maroondah to have good access to rail and bus transport, making it a viable form of travel within the municipality.”

The provision of public transport is critical to providing an alternative to car dependence and thus mitigate traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions. Further improvements are required within Maroondah, including more frequent off-peak rail services and bus improvements.

Cr Makin said the state government had identified Ringwood as a vital public transport hub.

“While the imminent upgrade of the bus interchange at Ringwood will see improved public transport infrastructure, we still require a commitment to the upgrading of Ringwood station to deliver a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.

“It is critical that the state government works in partnership with Maroondah Council to achieve the vision of the Ringwood CAD – a commitment to the redevelopment of Ringwood station is essential in achieving this vision.”

Maroondah City Council will be undertaking a campaign later this year calling on the State Government to deliver a safe, integrated and accessible transport interchange for Ringwood. The vision for Ringwood as Ringwood as a Central Activities District (CAD) will only be achieved if public transport services are improved.