Have your say on the future of Warragul CBD carparking

Have your say on the future of Warragul CBD carparking

Published on 27 February 2020

Council is seeking community input on the future of carparking in the Warragul CBD.

Known as the Warragul Parking Study, Council is undertaking a thorough community engagement process to improve car parking in Warragul. The requirement for additional parking is not being questioned, but rather how parking can be improved in ways that are practical, financially viable and in line with community preferences.

Historically, Council has undertaken two major studies into parking in Warragul. These studies have identified a number of recommendations to assist in the short, medium and long term – including investigating the feasibility of a multideck carpark. The first study occurred in 2015 and the second in 2018 following significant changes to parking including construction of a then-new carpark at the railway station providing 196 new all-day spaces.

Both the 2015 and 2018 studies identified the need to provide additional parking capacity for the long term.

In addition to recommendations that may emerge from the community during the consultation process, nine key recommendations identified by the studies will be available for consideration – each with varying costs and outcomes:

Revision of existing car parking restrictions including removal of permit parking. Cost estimate $10,000. Improvement of walking and cycling networks along Gladstone and Mason Street. Cost estimate $50,000. Improvement of wayfinding signage. Cost estimate $15,000. Expand the current parking overlay. Ost estimate $50,000. Implementation of a “cash in lieu” scheme for developments in the CBD. Cost estimate $30,000. Implementation of a community bus service. Cost estimate up to $120,000 annually. Implementation of paid parking. Cost estimate $100,000. Construction of a multideck carpark. Cost estimate $25 million. Implementation of parking enforcement. Cost estimate $100,000.

Over five stages between now and September, Council will work closely with the community to understand sentiments, desired outcomes and preferred funding models.

Stage Overview Description Time Stage 1 Community consultation 'Have Your Say' survey and community workshops.  Community members are invited to provide their feedback via an online or hard copy survey. Several community workshops will also be held for residents to find out more information, ask questions and provide feedback. Feb - Apr 2020 Stage 2 Collate and review community feedback Council officers will consolidate all feedback collected during the consultation period. An update will be provided to the community on the outcomes. May - Jun 2020  Stage 3 Community panel appointment  To ensure fair and adequate representation of various community views and input, an independent panel will be recruited. The panel will comprise of various local stakeholders and assist to provide recommendations to Council about parking in Warragul.  Jun - Jul 2020  Stage 4 Panel deliberation/ recommendations Council officers will work with the panel to deliberate recommendations for parking in Warragul, including a potential funding model. Recommendations will be reviewed and presented to Council for feedback at a briefing. Jul - Sep 2020 Stage 5 Council decision  A recommendation will be presented to Council for decision at a Council meeting. The meeting will be open to the community with all residents welcome to attend. Sep 2020   Have your say survey and workshops

A 22-question survey is now available for community input. The survey forms the first stage of the consultation process and will run for nine weeks, closing on Thursday 30 April 2020.

The survey can be accessed online or via hard copy at Council Customer Service Centre’s in Warragul and Drouin.

During this time, several community workshops will also be held, all community members are welcome to attend to ask questions and provide feedback. Seating is limited so RSVP is essential via the Eventbrite wesbite. Links and details to each session below:

Workshop 1: Thursday 19 March 2-4pm at The Goods Shed, Warragul Train Station Workshop 2: Monday 6 April 4.30-6pm at The Goods Shed, Warragul Train Station Workshop 3: Thursday 16 April 7-9pm at The Goods Shed, Warragul Train Station Workshop 4: Tuesday 21 April 7-9pm at The Goods Shed, Warragul Train Station

For full project details including a comprehensive overview of the nine recommendations, please go to www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/WarragulParkingStudy

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“We understand that parking in the Warragul CBD can be challenging at times. We’re focused on working with the community to find a way forward that is practical and financially viable.”

“There are nine key options to consider – they range from revision to parking restrictions, to implementation of a community bus, or construction of a multideck carpark – each with varying price tags and practical outcomes.” 

“We need to hear from as many residents as possible to ensure the community’s preferred way forward is clear. The initial consultation is open for nine weeks until the end of April, so get involved and have your say Baw Baw.”