When can we expect additional parking?
The findings of the 2018 Parking Study(PDF, 10MB) suggests that Council needs to consider provision for additional parking in the Warragul CBD within the next six years (i.e. 2026). Initial investigations suggest that a multideck carpark incorporating retail space could cost around $25 million. Council expects that upon completion of this community engagement there will be a clear solution (that is accepted by the community) on how this additional parking will be funded. This will allow Council to program the construction of the additional parking as soon as practicable.
Where will the parking be situated? How many spaces will that provide?
The initial investigations suggest that the most suitable place for additional parking is No. 4 Barkley Street. It is within 5 minutes’ walk to the main CBD area and can provide 409 additional car spaces as well as floor space for shops. Other locations have also been considered as part of the DARMs Multideck Feasibility Study but No. 4 Barkley Street was their recommended site.
What about the Old Bonlac Site?
We understand the strategic importance of this site, however this site is privately owned. In order for the site to be developed, a planning application would need to be submitted by the landowner for assessment by Council. There is currently no planning application lodged with Council for the development of this site or a current planning permit.
Why is there permit parking in the CBD?
Permit parking has been in Warragul for many years and was reviewed as part of the parking study. The 2018 Parking Study recommended that Council remove the permit parking in the CBD area to increase parking space utilisation and allow more parking spaces for shoppers. Changes to permit parking arrangements will be considered as part of the community engagement process.
What about parking time restrictions in the main CBD? Can they be reduced/extended?
To improve turnover and availability of parking spaces in the main CBD area, the study suggests a reduction to the time limits of some of the parking spaces along Smith Street, Queen Street and Albert Street.
Where can I access the parking study report and associated documents?
How do I provide feedback on the reports?
You can provide feedback now by completing the online survey.
Alternatively, hard copy surveys can be obtained at Council Customer Service Centres. You may also download a printable version of the survey by clicking this link.
Hard copy feedback forms should be handed back at a Council Customer Service Centre or posted to Baw Baw Shire Council, PO Box 304, Warragul VIC 3820.
All collated feedback information shall be submitted to a recruited panel to review feedback and provide recommendations to Council for consideration.
How do I become part of the recruited panel that will be undertaking the deliberation on the community feedback provided?
There will be a random selection process to recruit the members of the deliberation panel. This will help ensure a transparent process and result in a true representation of the broader community. It is expected that twenty to thirty people will be recruited overall.
How long is the engagement process going to take?
The full community engagement process is expected to run until August. It will involve:
- Key Stakeholder engagement;
- Community Workshops;
- Panel recruitment and deliberations; and
- Council briefings and meeting updates.
When will we know about the final decision?
Council will review the recommendation from the Panel and make a final decision at a Council meeting in September. This decision will be immediately communicated back to the community.
Why are there one-way streets in the CBD now?
The one-way arrangement in Palmerston Street is designed to act as a giant roundabout, creating more efficient traffic flow through CBD intersections. Traffic from Palmerston Street flows into Smith Street, so that traffic can exit the CBD area through a safe and controlled intersection.
Sending traffic in the other direction would decrease the efficiency of vehicle movement through the intersection of Smith Street and Victoria Street. Vehicles travelling north on Victoria Street would have to wait for all west bound traffic on Palmerston Street to clear, causing traffic to bank up down Victoria Street and through the Queen Street roundabout. Also, Victoria Street is the main North-South arterial road and therefore was prioritised as such.