Kingborough Council considered a report at their most recent meeting on Monday, January 13, recommending the introduction of paid parking to the new car park located in Skipper Lane, Kingston Park which will soon be replacing the current, temporary car park near the Kingborough Community Hub.
The report recommended that a $5 fee be introduced for parking longer than three hours at the new facility in an effort to promote more widespread use of public transport and active transport options such as cycling or walking by those employed in central Kingston or accessing services in the area.
Concerns were raised prior to the meeting by many Kingborough residents that introducing a payment would lead to further congestion on the Southern Outlet and in residential streets surrounding central Kingston as drivers sought free alternatives.
There were also concerns raised that local businesses would be affected by the introduction of a fee as visitors chose alternatives such as Eastlands or Northgate instead of Kingston.
The high level of concern in the community was reflected by a larger than normal attendance in the public gallery at the council meeting.
The motion to introduce the fee at the new car park was moved however received no second at the meeting.
After this, a new motion was moved by the Deputy Mayor of Kingborough, Jo Westwood that the introduction of any parking fee be delayed until formal park and ride facilities are in place.
Deputy Mayor Westwood said that the quantity of feedback received from the public prior to the meeting was informative and helped her to form the revised motion.
“The amount of quality feedback I received from the community on this issue was outstanding,” said Deputy Mayor Westwood.
“I was really pleased so many people took an interest in the issue and made the time to contact me.
“The feedback and suggestions received helped to inform council’s decision making and the outcome reflects community sentiment.”
Councillors debated the motion and the implications for residents and workers of Kingston including the additional cost to workers at Channel Court and the central Kingston area, how to drive a change in habits surrounding public transport, the lack of convenient public transport services, adequate bus shelters, how best to serve the needs of the people in Kingborough and the financial implications for council.
Although the vote was not carried unanimously, councillors passed the motion to wait until established park and rfide services were in place before reconsidering the introduction of paid all-day parking in central Kingston.
The new motion will allow for free, park and ride car parking on the outskirts of Kingston and encourage more use of public transport, tying in with council’s long-term plan to make Kingborough a more active and eco-friendly municipality.
Discussions are currently underway to finalise a location for the dedicated park and ride facilities with a decision expected early this year.
Once formal park and ride facilities are developed, council will re-consider introducing paid parking for lots in the central Kingston area.
