RESIDENTS who attended a community workshop to discuss the City of Ballarat’s controversial parking plan say more public feedback is needed from homeowners and businesses before parking changes are set in stone.
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A four-hour round table discussion dissecting council’s plan for paid zoned parking was held on Saturday at Craig’s Royal Hotel with about 25 residents attending to provide feedback on the plan.
Among the issues of concern raised was the proposal to extend paid parking in Zone 1 to 7pm, which many believe would disadvantage families, the size of Zone 3 being too large and the need for better public transport to encourage more people to leave their car at home.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said she was concerned that not enough businesses were providing feedback on how changes to parking could affect them.
READ MORE: Ballarat’s parking proposed changes
“At the moment, there is a strong residential focus and the round table was mainly residents, but there are very few businesses that have so far been involved,” she said.
“The proposed system clearly allows for a person to park in one spot all day if they are prepared to pay the full cost. Surely the lack of traffic turnover outside retail premises is a real issue for retailers?”
One suggestion brought forward was for council to utilise its underused parking assets such as City Oval, Western Oval, White Flat Oval (second oval), Eastern Oval and the Ballarat Netball Centre in Barkly Street.
READ MORE: Parking plan to the people
“If these options were deployed and then two hour or three hour limits policed, it would automatically encourage more use of public transport and residential streets would be relieved of staff utilising regular parking,” she said.
Residents also said more work on public transport was needed and encouraged council to sit down with Public Transport Victoria and work out more frequent timetables which would discourage driving.
The full plan is now open for discussion, with a council vote expected in November.
Residents and businesses are asked to provide feedback via the My Say website here .
People who are unable to access the online platform can also have their say at a pop-up shop which will be set up at 315 Sturt Street from September 14-28 and open on Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm and Saturday, 10am-2pm.
To arrange an appointment call 5320 5500.
