By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay council’s decision to approve the introduction of paid parking meters along the Esplanade at Altona Beach has been met with a mixed response from residents.
At its meeting on Tuesday, December 13, the council passed a motion to proceed with the works under the revised Altona Beach and surrounds Parking Management Strategy, note the findings of parking surveys and community consultation and investigate measures to address parking issues at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre private car park.
Under the changes, Hobsons Bay residents who already hold valid parking permits would not require to pay to park along the Esplanade.
Paid parking would be introduced along the Esplanade between Sarros Street and Millers Road, comprising of 195 spaces.
Lead petitioner Kaylene O’Shea said a petition calling for the council to terminate all plans to install parking meters along the foreshore attracted more than 600 signatures.
“The overall stance from the community is that the council has not listened to the residents,” she said.
“It is just inconsistent in its approach.
“They were just twisting the data to their position.”
Ms O’Shea said the current infrastructure on nearby streets was insufficient to deal with influx of visitors not wishing to pay for a parking space.
“People are already under pressure financially anyway,” she said.
Altona resident Peter Weaver said he supported introducing the meters.
“This way, local residents will not pay and can park for an allotted time,” he said.
“People from outside of our municipality will pay for use.”
Altona resident Adeline Barham said she had concerns for the potential impact it could have on local traders.
“People will shop or dine elsewhere, as it’s too much hassle to park here already,” she said.
“The narrow streets are already very congested with all the new high-rise apartments everywhere.
“It’s a recipe for disaster for cyclists and pedestrians.”
