News Alert |

Ballarat City Council will be presented with a revised Smarter Parking Plan progress report at its December 12 meeting, following one of the most extensive community and stakeholder consultation processes ever undertaken.

The consultation showed:

The community does not want any major extension of the Ballarat CBD’s paid parking network There is a need to address an unacceptable existing parking situation in residential areas on the CBD fringe There is a need for a very effective enforcement system

However, the State Government’s $14 million election commitment to 1000 free CBD car parks, announced mid-November, has resulted in the need to defer the full Smarter Parking Plan for action until further information is obtained.

It is recommended Council officers liaise with the State Government on the delivery, implementation and timelines of its car parking commitment, along with an action plan for enhanced public transport, park and ride options and sustainable transport initiatives.

Smarter Parking Plan consultation

In mid-May, the Ballarat City Council resolved to undertake a major community and stakeholder consultation process, including:

Attendance at the pop-up shop in Sturt Street – 552 people Individual consultation sessions with key stakeholders – 350 people Ward consultation sessions with individual councillors – 50 people Online survey – 1500 submissions Significant social media and media presence throughout the consultation phase The complete body of submissions received “verbatim” is about 500 pages and has been provided to councillors in full Additional research took place across other municipalities including Warrnambool, Maribyrnong and Brisbane City in Australia, and Auckland and Tauranga in New Zealand.

What does the progress report look like?

Problem: Lack of turnover of parked vehicles, particularly around the hospital precinct and some areas within the CBD.

Solution:  A 29 per cent expansion in the Ballarat CBD’s existing paid parking network

Problem: Impact of commuter parking on fringe residential areas

Solution: A combination of time restricted areas, with some all-day opportunities

Problem: The need for residents to park near their homes

Solution: A new residential parking permit scheme

Problem: Need for stronger enforcement of restricted time areas

Solution: New technology including number plate recognition vehicles

It is recommended further community discussion be conducted on the revised Smarter Parking Plan between December 2018 and February 2019.

The Smarter Parking Plan will be brought back to Council for consideration as soon as the appropriate information has been obtained from the State Government.