While the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station was ignored yet again in last week’s State Government Budget, the State election in November provides a further opportunity to advocate and secure funds for this vital project.  The Maroondah Journal has reported on Maroondah City Council’s desire to seek funding for the complete redevelopment of Ringwood Station:

Mayor Alex Makin said while he was disappointed no further funding had been included in this year’s budget, he assured residents that  the council would work with each political party to ensure it received a commitment in the coming state election.

Maroondah City Council will be advocating for the redevelopment of the Station so that it becomes an accessible, safe and integrated transport interchange.  The complete development of the station is essential to achieving a vibrant, sustainable and accessible future for Ringwood.

“The State Government is going to start works [for stage one] in July and we see that as the first stage of the complete redevelopment and  overhaul of Ringwood Station.  This is where it is timely that we receive that second stage commitment so that once stage one is completed, works can immediately begin on stage two.  This is essential to ensure that we’re continuing that momentum and the community sees that Ringwood is becoming a vibrant community.”

Stage one of the Ringwood Station redevelopment includes works for the bus interchange and station forecourt but excludes the station itself.  While these works will provide an improvement to bus facilities and the station forecourt, it is essential that the station itself is redeveloped to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

“We’re fortunate with the state elections in November that this is not our only opportunity to receive that commitment.”

Council will be calling on all political parties to commit to the complete redevelopment and overhaul of Ringwood Station.  It is essential that a commitment is secured during the State Election so that we can achieve our shared vision for Ringwood as a vibrant, accessible and sustainable urban centre.