Ballarat’s parking situation will now be in the public’s hands, as the city ponders how to proceed.
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But no measures floated in the City of Ballarat’s parking proposal – which included the removal of time limits and more paid parking – have been taken off the table.
The proposal, announced on Monday, included suggestions of three different price zones, the creation of 4,300 new paid parks and the introduction of number plate recognition for enforcement.
Councillors voted 8-1 for an amended motion at a special council meeting, calling for community engagement on a potential changed parking approach in the CBD and around the hospital precinct.
Drop-in sessions at a Sturt Street shopfront, which was preemptively leased for the consultation by City of Ballarat, are set to take place over the next month.
Residential parking permits are set for a shake-up.
City of Ballarat’s executive manager of regulatory services Amy Boyd told The Courier while each household will receive one permit free, further permits will be supplied based on the number of residents, registered vehicles, and off-street parking.
Some of the options suggested by the public to alleviate the city’s parking pressure included residential parking areas, park and ride services for large employers like the hospital, vouchers for visitors, parking allocations for businesses, and permits for volunteers and health workers.
CHECK OUT CITY OF BALLARAT’S ORIGINAL PROPOSAL
Preliminary ground works have begun on a Creswick Road site leased by council for three years as a 300 space car park, but no planning application has been lodged.
A report to be returned to council at the discretion of City of Ballarat CEO Justine Linley will discuss conclusions on paid parking across the CBD, residential permits, and necessary technology and the cost of roll-out.
Councillor Des Hudson told Thursday night’s meeting City of Ballarat “may have contributed” to the problem, by approving planning applications without car parks.
“In my 16 years on council, this is probably the most difficult issue to come before council, looking at it and trying to find a win-win outcome for all,” he said.
