Feedback Sought on Timed, Unpaid Parking in Main Street

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River are considering the introduction of timed, unpaid parking along Bussell Highway in the Margaret River Main Street Precinct, in response to requests from some local businesses.

Business owners and the wider community are invited to have their say, to assist the Shire to determine the level of support for timed, unpaid parking and in what shape and form.

Director Sustainable Development and Infrastructure Nick Logan said the aim was to free up the number of bays near shops and to encourage visitors and employees who are in town for long periods to park on adjacent streets and carparks.  

“The Shire is keen to gauge the level of support for this option from both business owners and the wider community,” he said.

“Timed parking could mean a blanket three-hour time limit in public parking areas throughout the town centre or specifically tailored time limits allowing individual businesses to cater to their customers’ requirements, for example, 15-minute parking at the front of chemists and newsagents.”

“The important thing at this stage is to get feedback from both local businesses and members of the public, so that we can ensure as far as possible that the decision reflects the needs and wants of the wider community,” he said.

Mr Logan said as part of the same consultation, the Shire is also seeking public opinion on suitable locations for a permanent and peak hour (Friday and Saturday nights) taxi rank.

“As a town with limited public transport, taxi services provide an invaluable community service and we need to ensure the rank location is easily located with adequate seating and shade for users,” he said.   

Business owners and community members are invited and encouraged to provide their views at yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/parking-on-the-main-street. Hard copy surveys are also available at the Shire offices in Margaret River.

Feedback will be collated and presented to Council with a recommendation for or against the inclusion of timed, unpaid parking within the town centre of Margaret River along with proposed locations for taxi ranks.

The consultation process is now open and will close on Monday 7 June 2021.

Ends

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is seeking feedback from community members and business owners on the prospect of timed, unpaid parking in the Margaret River Main Street Precinct. High resolution image available here.