Community input sought for parking

Community members are being sought to join an independent panel that will examine future parking options in Warragul.

Ultimately, the panel will help Baw Baw Shire Council determine how to make the most of current parking resources and plan for future parking needs.

The panel will be involved in researching, deliberating and reaching a consensus on a preferred solution to parking in the Warragul central business district.

Council aims to attract 40 community members to the panel and has offered a $250 incentive for community members who participate. Council hopes to attract a cross section of community members including local residents, business owners, local workers and visitors.

Panel recruitment will be carried out independently of council by Sortition Foundation.

Establishment of the panel is part of a review of Warragul’s car parking.

The purpose of the study is not to determine if more car parks are needed, but the best solutions that are both practical and financially viable.

A series of community workshops were held last month and community members also were encouraged to provide feedback through council’s have your say survey process.

Mayor Danny Goss said a diverse cross section of the community was invited to register their expression of interest to join the panel.

“This is an important opportunity to help shape the future of parking in the Warragul CBD.

“We want to know; how can we make the most of our current parking resources and plan for future parking needs?

“The panel will play a key role in deliberating community sentiments about parking in

Warragul and provide a consensus recommendation for council to consider,” he said.

The project timeline indicates recommendations will be presented to council for a decision by September this year.

Panel members will be required to attend three panel sessions to deliberate and discuss options and recommendations to present to council.

The three community panel sessions will be held online on: July 21 from 6pm to 9pm; July 25 from 9am to 4pm; and August 1 from 9am to 4pm.

Each panel member will receive $250 to acknowledge their time. To be eligible for payment, all sessions must be attended.

Following the online sessions, panel members will be required to form a position and present their recommendation to council.

Expressions of interest are now being accepted from anyone aged over 18-years-old who lives in the shire.

Community members can register their interest at www.sortitionfoundation.org/rsvp or by calling 1800 512364. Applications close on June 28.