Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) are the managers of the affordable housing development at 4-10 Larissa Avenue in Ringwood. The organisation has held a series of public meetings with prospective members of the 80 unit development and tonight’s session discussed the vision for Ringwood as a Central Activities District.

The presentation covered the plans for the transformation of Ringwood into a vibrant and accessible urban centre and also highlighted the pedestrian and cycling improvements, such as footpaths within Ringwood and the new Creek to Lake trail, which will connect Ringwood Lake with the Mullum Creek trail.

As part of the presentation I discussed the importance of public transport in providing an alternative to car dependence and to deliver sustainable forms of transport. In particular, I highlighted the need for ongoing advocacy to secure a State Government commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station into a safe, accessible and integrated transport interchange.

While the State Government will shortly begin works to create a new station forecourt and bus interchange, there is a need to redevelop the station itself, given that the ramps fail disability compliance standards and the platforms lack modern passenger amenities.

Maroondah Council will be undertaking a community based advocacy campaign calling on all political parties to commit to the creation of safe, integrated and accessible transport interchange for Ringwood. It was encouraging to this vision shared by the participants at the meeting and I look forward to them joining us in Ringwood.