CONFUSION surrounds work at Seaholme railway station, with Hobsons Bay Council providing conflicting information about whether parking spaces will be reduced.
Council works and assets director Phillip McDonald told last week’s council meeting that up to four parking bays would be lost as a result of a footpath safety upgrade.
Before work started, the station had eight bays, including three for people with a disability.
“There will be a loss of parking because previously the vehicles were parking at right angles. They will no longer be able to do that; they’ll have to parallel-park,” Mr McDonald said.
Seaholme resident Steven Fischer said parking was already insufficient and any further loss could lead to commuters deserting Seaholme’s small station.
“With less patronage, there is less reason to duplicate tracks and improve and increase services, and that could lead to the possibility of shutting the station down entirely due to reduced use,” he said.
Following commuter outrage appearing on Facebook, Mr McDonald told the Weekly that “the new parking arrangement, once implemented, will result in no loss of parking”. He said bollards were being installed north of the station to stop cars parking willy-nilly.
Cherry Lake ward’s Cr Sandra Wilson said the bollards had been erected to create a border between VicTrack and council land because VicTrack would not permit parking on its property.
Seaholme resident Maree Kinniburgh said the bollards would create problems. “If they want people to use the trains, why is VicTrack not providing parking?”
