By PEACE IJIYERA
STRUGGLING to find a carpark in Traralgon might be a thing of the past, with the new multistorey carpark facility on Kay Street now officially open.
The official opening was last Friday (June 3).
The facility has capacity to hold 596 cars all day, for free, an increase of around 442 spaces. This project is part of wider works, in collaboration with the state government’s Regional Car Parks Fund (RCPF), which will see 900 new car spaces across Traralgon, Morwell and Moe.
The five story facility was officially opened by Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing on behalf of Minister for Regional Development, Michaela Settle. Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson was also in attendance, as was Latrobe City Chief Executive Steve Piasente.
Due to less than desirable weather, formalities were held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC).
Ms Shing said the carpark facility was a great addition to the town and expressed how pleased she was to see it accomplished.
“This is the end of a process that so many of us began together on a construction site not that long ago and we were determined to make sure that we could provide a solution to one of the most pressing challenges for the Traralgon CBD as part of a broader investment in carparking across the Latrobe Valley,” she said.
“And anybody who’s been in gridlock trying to get to … anywhere really in the CBD knows only too well that it involves many blockies and a lot of stalking of people who might be going back to their car, just in case you might be able to snap up a spot.”
The carpark, in a strategic spot, is in close proximity to the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC), GPAC, Traralgon Centre Plaza and other retailers and services. Though new car parks may seem mundane, Ms Shing said this $25 million investment, “represents an opportunity for people to shop, access services and work locally”.
“This is about enabling that economic activity and participation to continue,” she said.
Ms Shing said she will be using the carpark “regularly” and encourages local to as well.
Cr Gibson was also invited to say a few words.
She expressed on behalf of Latrobe City Council, how “delighted” she was to see the finished product.
She added that the Latrobe Valley was finally living in the 21st century, by having a carpark facility with light systems, similar to ones in metro areas.
More than just a carpark, Ms Gibson said it will be beneficial for the future of the town.
“If people can stay and shop, they can get a carpark easily, readily, it actually means that they will come to the town, they will shop in the town instead of ‘it’s too hard, I can’t get a carpark so I’ll shop online’. So this actually helps address that.”
Cr Gibson extended her thanks to BFN Construction and Katz Architecture for their work in getting the facility completed.
Tyers Ward Councillor Darren Howe, who was also chair of the project reference group, extended his thanks to everyone involved.
“It’s been a genuine great group to work with, throughout the process, members have generously given their time, they’ve shared their insight and contributed thoughtfully which has helped to take the project across the road,” he said.
“We would also like to recognise the commitment shown by all members of the committee, taking time to engage, review material and put forward ideas.
“Overall, it’s been a very positive experience for all involved and I’m proud of the role this group has played supporting the project’s success.”
The carpark also has public toilets available for use.
The operational hours of the facility are:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Ground floor: 24 hours, everyday
Level one to four:
Monday to Thursday 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday: 6:00 am to 9:30 pm
Saturday: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
