Heidi Kraak
Traralgon and Morwell will receive 800 new car parks if Labor is successful at this weekend’s state election.
Treasurer Tim Pallas visited Traralgon on Tuesday to announce the election pledge and was quick to remind media the car park promise was part of Labor’s commitment to rural and regional Victoria.
“[You] only have to look around to see how limited the parking is and how clearly it is causing frustration for people and, consequently, government is aware of the problem,” Mr Pallas said.
“We need to recognise that as our public transport system becomes increasingly popular, as our investment in road and rail become a key part in this government’s commitment to rural and regional Victoria, then there are going to be pressures as people seek to access it.
“It is incumbent on us to make sure people can find car parks to get themselves onto public transport – otherwise the whole point is lost. “
Mr Pallas said the construction of the 800 spaces would create up to 40 jobs and that funding for the project would come out of Labor’s $30 million Regional Car Parks fund.
“At the moment we don’t anticipate there will be any requirement [for land acquisition],” he said.
“In part, it will be land that is currently owned by VicTrack, in particular.
“We will continue to consult with community and council to make sure we have got the design right.”
Labor candidate for Morwell Mark Richards said the announcement would be “fantastic” for Morwell and Traralgon.
“Most people in the shops know that this is an issue at times and [it is] a good sign that we have rapid growth in this region,” he said.
“I know every time I try to get a parking spot around town I have to do at least one blockie unless it is out of normal time.
