Amid ongoing community anger over the government’s failure to announce funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, the Maroondah Journal has reported on the growing rumours suggesting that an announcement may be delivered by the end of this year.

The State Government is expected to release its response to Sir Rod Eddington’s Inquiry into Melbourne’s transport needs by the end of this year. While the Eddington Inquiry looked solely at the travel needs of Melbourne within the inner eastern and western suburbs, the government will need to provide a whole of Melbourne focus.

Cr Alex Makin said there was an opportunity for the Governemnt to make a commitment to Ringwood.

Given that Eddington recognised the importance of Transit Cities there is an opportunity for the Government to rectify its neglect of the Ringwood Transit City. In particular the station redevelopment would ensure an integrated approach to the creation of a new accessible new town centre.

“There will most likely be a big injection of funds into transport as part of the Eddington Report. There certainly has been further discussion between council and government since the budget. I would be surprised if nothing came out of this.”

The Ringwood Transit City is a project of regional importance and is required to improve the transport choice and urban sustainability of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. It is critical that the Government delivers funding to demonstrate a commitment to Melbourne’s outer east.