Survey seeks direction for parking options
Business owners, retailers and community groups are being asked their opinion of how Baw Baw Shire should expand car parking in the Warragul central business district.
The survey, which closes on Thursday, is part of council’s initial consultation for a multideck car park in the CBD.
Full public consultation of car parking options will be undertaken early next year.
Outcomes of the survey will enable council to confirm expectations regarding the extent of car parking problems in Warragul; who is responsible for solving the problem and who will benefit from increased car parking. The survey asks: What priority should council give to solving public car parking problems in the Warragul CBD.
Who should supply new car parking – the public, CBD workers, CBD visitors, business owners or council.
The main benefits of more car parking.
The survey also asks how parking should be managed in the CBD such as short-term parking restrictions, introduction of paid parking and providing CBD perimeter parking on lower valued land.
Other solutions that could be considered include car share programs, a bush shuttle service and increasing public transport options.
The survey states council may consider partnering with a private developer to deliver public car parking assets for the CBD under a commercial arrangement.
Commercial arrangements could include a council contribution to the construction or purchase of a car park in which council will; retain ownership; or, an annuity style investment such as a rent or lease agreement.
The aim of the survey is to address and discuss key issues of car parking in the town centre and how best to solve them.
Council hopes responses will help to shape site analysis and assist to prepare a business case.
A man and woman were airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in critical conditions on Wednesday following a head on collision in Drouin.
Police said it appeared a vehicle had drifted onto the wrong side of the road on Princes Way near Robin Hood Way at about 10am, colliding with another vehicle.