Western Hospital has slammed the door on negotiations over access to a new car park residents say poses a danger to their Footscray street.
A petition presented to last week’s council meeting opposing the Eleanor Street car park access point was signed by 339 people. They say about 1000 extra car trips a day will impact on the safety of children attending St John’s Primary School.
The council originally sought access to the new 282-space car park at the former works depot to be via Gordon Street, but was unable to reach agreement with Western Health for access across a small parcel of its site.
The council rejected a proposal for the access to be traded for parking at cheaper rates than it intended to charge.
Of the 850 parking spaces at Western Hospital, up to 780 are used by staff, leaving less than 10 per cent for patients and visitors.
Western Health executive director of operations Russell Harrison said the decision on the Eleanor Street entry and exit point resolved the matter.
“Western Health has finished formal discussions with the Maribyrnong council and looks forward to the expansion of car parking options in the Western Hospital precinct,” he said.
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Residents argue an extra 1000 car trips on Eleanor Street could impact on patient safety as ambulances face heavier traffic trying to reach the emergency department.
Deputy mayor Grant Miles said the council had not received any objections from emergency services.
Ambulance Victoria group manager Graeme Parker said: “We do not believe that it will impact on our operations.”
But the ambulance union is writing to the council, raising concerns over lack of consultation.
Ambulance Employees Australia (Victoria) general secretary Steve McGhie said ambulances trying to reach the Western Hospital emergency department might be obstructed.
“One would think that the main entrance should be off Gordon Street,” he said.
The project is due to be completed next month.
