Alyssa Fritzlaff
BUSINESS owners are unhappy with parking options at the Old Sale Road and Newark Avenue intersection in Newborough.
Earlier this month, businesses along the shopping strip received a notice about “improved parking” from Latrobe City Council.
However, many were disappointed by the proposal – which suggested changing two existing car parks to 15 minute spaces.
In a Facebook post, Danbo’s Coffee re-posted owner Daniel Chessells, who wrote “this 15 minute parking benefits our coffee shop a lot but I want a solution that will benefit EVERY business on this strip, this area is absolutely booming right now and I would love to see every business grow.”
Adding, “would this be the case if we were in a 3844 postcode? Or would we have already had these extra parking spots completed.”
Amy from Danbo’s Coffee, which is one of the newer businesses along the strip, explained that the area needs more car spaces to keep up with demand.
“We need more car spaces … the area is thriving,” she said.
The shopping strip is home to several other business, including a milk bar, dentist, hair salon and veterinary clinic.
Andrew Lewis, of Old Sale Road Veterinary Services, said the council is now aware of the “dire’’ parking situation.
“I believe the council is aware of the situation and is willing to work with us,” he told The Express.
Mr Lewis said he watched the parking situation being examined by a council employee around 11.30am.
However, he said the busiest time is from 7am to 10.30am.
“What I’m calling for is a proper time and motion study to be conducted, and at the right time,” he said.
Mr Lewis said parking is an issue for staff, many of whom have to park in residential areas, rather than nearby parking spots, to allow room for customers.
A council spokesperson said in a statement, the requests regarding parking in the area had been acknowledged.
“Council has received requests from members of the Moe business community to improve the efficiency of existing car parking options at Newark Avenue, Newborough,” the spokesperson said.
“In the short term, council has sought feedback around turning an existing parking bay into a 15-minute zone to better align with the needs of businesses in the area… long-term we are considering additional parking in the centre median of Old Sale Road subject to feasibility studies and budget bids.
“These considerations have come as a result of extensive engagement with local businesses.”
The spokesperson said that two hour and all day parking options will remain nearby.
Tania Butler, owner and operator of Sally’s Hair Design, explained that she sees particular issue with the parking available.
“I am very disappointed in the Latrobe Shire. The businesses along this strip have all put in their own hard earned money into improving the look of this strip of shops and building it up to be a nice, clean, safe place to shop local,” she said.
“I’d like to know how many people out there have had a haircut, teeth cleaned or even been to a vet in 15 minutes. The shire should be encouraging people to stay local in our towns, instead they are making it hard for our elderly clients to come in, by not supporting the growth of this town.”
Ms Butler suggested the large grass area near the intersection could be developed to create extra parking, and explained that the businesses often struggled during peak times
“Keeping money in our town should be a priority not pushing away people due to no parking or fines for parking too long,” she said.
The 15-minute parking zone has not yet been implemented.
