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Cr Alex Makin: Councilor for Montague Ward, City of Port Phillip

Maroondah Journal: A little less conversation, a little more action wanted at station

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alex
in ,

The Maroondah Journal has been following the progress of the latest campaign to achieve a State Government commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said commuters were rightfully frustrated. “The No. 1 issue is the poor condition of the station and the poor image. It really is crunch for Ringwood’s transit city”.

While Ringwood has been earmarked as a designated Transit City, which means a supposed State Government focus on increasing public transport usage, the Government has been lacklustre in its support for Ringwood.

“This is like watching a slow and painful game of chess where everyone seems to be waiting for someone else to make the first move. It is up to the State Government now to lead by example and start the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.”

As the ward councillor over most of the Ringwood Transit City, I have been able to mandate the construction of footpaths for new developments, demonstrating a tangible commitment to encouraging sustainable forms of transport. Unfortunately without action from the State Government, the revitalisation of Ringwood, including the establishment of a new town centre and new walking paths, is likely to be delayed.

The redevelopment of Ringwood Station is not just a nicety but a necessity, given that the Station fails disability compliance and is often perceived to be unsafe. Sustainable transport and a newly developed Ringwood Station is critical to ensuring the much needed revitalisation of Ringwood.

The Ringwood and Maroondah community will be rightfully disappointed with the State Government if funding is not announced as part of the next State budget.

Comments

  1. marcus Avatar
    marcus

    Hi Alex,

    I definitely agree Ringwood Station needs upgrading, how can the government expect Ringwood residents to tolerate higher density living if they do not improve our facilities, such as Ringwood Station? Many elderly people and people in wheelchairs struggle with the Station and it must be upgraded!

    Cheers

    Marcus

    Reply
  2. Alex Makin Avatar
    Alex Makin

    Hello Marcus,

    Thank you for your comments, I certainly agree that the redevelopment of Ringwood Station is long overdue.

    Upgrading our public transport structure is crucial to encouraging higher public transport usage (which is a policy goal for Transit Cities such as Ringwood) and to provide a safe, friendly and comfortable urban environment.

    The fact that Ringwood Station is perceived to be unsafe and is difficult to use by people with mobility aids demonstrates that the station in its current form is a detriment to achieving a vibrant urban centre for Ringwood.

    The State Government must commit to the redevelopment of upgrading of Ringwood Station if it wishes to maintain any credibility over its transport and urban planning policies.

    Thanks,

    Alex

    Reply
  3. john Avatar
    john

    When will the State Government commit to upgrading Ringwood Station? It’s an eyesore and letting down the entire area, Footscray received funding why haven’t we?

    John

    Reply
  4. Alex Makin Avatar
    Alex Makin

    Hello John,

    Thank you for your comments, I certainly agree that the redevelopment of Ringwood Station is long overdue. Footscray received funding for a comprehensive redevelopment in this year’s State Budget, it is time the Government finally committed to Ringwood’s future by delivering the funding necessary to redevelop Ringwood Station.

    Ringwood Station fails disability compliance and is perceived to be unsafe, there is widespread support for its redevelopment and it is time that the State Government finally commits itself to ensuring a vibrant future for Ringwood.

    Thanks,

    Alex

    Reply
  5. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Alex,

    I’m in a wheelchair and I have to constantly struggle with the ramps at Ringwood Station, its also unsafe crossing Maroondah Highway to get to and from Eastland. Are there plans to make it safer for people to use the Station and cross the road?

    I hope you succeed in getting the station upgraded!!

    Mary

    Reply
  6. Alex Makin Avatar
    Alex Makin

    Hello Mary,

    Thank you for your comments, I share your concerns in regard to Maroondah Highway and the pedestrian crossing from the Station through to the retail precinct on the other side of Maroondah Highway.

    I have been attempting to get VicRoads to provide additional time for pedestrians and also to reduce the waiting time for pedestrians. VicRoads has been reluctant to provide enhanced pedestrian access despite the fact that this is Maroondah’s busiest pedestrian crossing and supposed State Government policy goals of encouraging walking within Transit Cities.

    The State Government has failed to provide a cohesive vision for Transit Cities such as Ringwood, despite the fact that as a Council I have been encouraging walking through footpath construction within developments that take place in the Transit City.

    It is time the State Government committed itself to Melbourne 2030 and its policy goals of encouraging sustainable transport. Maroondah has waited far too long for action from the State Government.

    Thanks,

    Alex

    Reply

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