The State Government has recently released an update to its Melbourne 2030 planning strategy in recognition of the need to prioritise investment in locations such as Ringwood.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the potential benefit this would provide in enhancing the case for the redevelopment of Ringwood station.

Councillor Alex Makin, a member of the Eastern Transport Coalition, said the Government’s recognition of Ringwood’s importance was encouraging.

The planning strategy, which has was complemented through the launch of the Victorian Transport Plan, has identified Ringwood as a Central Activity District with the aim of facilitating infrastructure investment.

“What this does is underpin the need for the upgrading of Ringwood station,” Cr Makin said.  “What we need now is a commitment in the Government’s transport plan to build upon the one made earlier this year.”

While $39 million has been allocated as ‘stage one’ of the Ringwood Station redevelopment, the current funding excludes works to the station itself.  This means that the current funding will not improve the accessibility of Ringwood Station, which currently fails disability compliance standards.

In recognition of Ringwood’s importance to the State Government’s transport and planning strategies, it is imperative that further funding is announced so that Ringwood Station becomes an accessible and safe transport interchange.