MARY WOOLDRIDGE MP - MEMBER FOR DONCASTER

Mary's Local Achievements

Since my election as the Member for Doncaster in November 2006 I have been able to help deliver better services and facilities and resolve a range of issues for constituents. Some examples include:

Public Transport

With public transport being a major issue in Doncaster I have devoted considerable time to advocating for improved services.

Working with residents we raised the profile of the standard of public transport in Doncaster and prompted the Government to bring forward its review of bus services for this area. I made a submission on behalf of residents to this review. We have been able to achieve some improvement to bus frequency and also the extension of the Nightrider service.

However the Brumby Government will not even consider rail services for Doncaster. I highlighted the local need for addiitonal transport options in my submission on behalf of the Doncaster community to the East West Link Needs Asseassment chaired by Sir Rod Eddington.

I have helped obtain taxi concessions for elderly residents and free transport for disabled children.

Education

In 2008 East Doncaster Secondary College received $6.4 million for new teaching spaces for science, technology and food technology upgrades.

In 2009 Doncaster Secondary College received $4 million towards redevelopment of school following successful advocacy

I strongly support the Liberal National Coalition’s campaign to improve funding for local Catholic schools and teachers.

I supported residents opposed to the Heatherwood School moving from Donvale.

Roads

Lights were installed at Springvale Road outside Donvale Retirement Village in February 2009 to assist residents to safely move across the road. This was a promise I made to the electoate in 2006.

A pedestrian median strip was installed in Mitcham Road making it safer for elderly residents to cross the busy road. This was a promise I made to the electorate in 2006.

I continue to advocate on behalf of residents for the full upgrade of King Street. So far the street has received funding for bus stops ($420,000), lights at the corner of Victoria Street (600,000) and minor resurfacing $161,000

I continue to advocate on behalf of residents to have upgrades on Springvale Road – new traffic lights currently being installed at the corner of Old Warrandyte Road and Springvale Road.

Worked with residents to try to reduce the impact of noise from Eastlink. So far we have been able to get additional noise testing at locations along Eastern Freeway and had the 80KM speed sign moved back towards Springvale Road to make motorists brake earlier.

Health

I have been involved in a successful and vocal community campaign for the Government to upgrade Box Hill Hospital. This will continue until the Government fulfils its election promise to fund the redevelopment. It is hoped the Government will make an announcement on this before the end of the year.

Following representations I have managed to obtain surgery for several constituents who had been waiting for some years.

Planning

Doncaster Hill has received more than $12.25 million towards the civic precinct and community centre.

I supported residents in a community campaign against closure of Safeway at Jackson Court – I presented a petition to Parliament, made a formal submission to the Liquor Licensing panel and am still working with residents, traders and council on options for an alternative supermarket facility.

I have also worked closely with residents in Donvale to stop the sub-division of semi rural land. This campaign will commence again, with a new planning applicaiton on the land.

Community Services

I have successfully advocated on behalf of residents with disabilities and their families for access to accommodation, respite services and funding.

I have successfully advocated on behalf of several residents to speed up their access to public housing.

I regularly advocate for local community organisations to obtain range of grants. Sucesses include funding for the installation of water tanks, new infrastrucuture and new programs.

Energy

Helped constituents with obtaining energy concessions.

Local Government

Helped constituent resolve issue with council regarding noisy late night deliveries.

Sport

Supported the Doncaster Rovers who received State Government funding of $60,000 for synthetic pitch at Anderson Park.

Successfully advocated for pedestrian crossing between the two football grounds in Noonan Way on behalf of the Donvale Magpies.

Successfully supported Veneto Club application for $300,000 synthetic soccer pitch.

Authorised by Mary Wooldridge MP, 2/1020 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East, 3109