TRADERS rallying against parking costs in Warrnambool have won an immediate response with a promise from the mayor to investigate the installation of boom gates and first-hour-free parking in a major central off-street car park.
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Shoppers have also responded to The Standard’s coverage of the issue, many also backing the push for more free bays, while others pointed to trading hours, high rents for traders, poor customer service and parking fines.
With 13 empty shops in the main trading strip, retailers have described the Liebig Street decline as a crisis.
Mayor Cr Michael Neoh yesterday responded by meeting long-term trader and Commerce Warrnambool vice-president Max Taylor, who had previously tried unsuccessfully to get boom gates at car park entrances.
Cr Neoh agreed the idea had merit and promised to put it forward during pre-budget discussions.
“I think it would work best in the Parker car park where there are only two entrances and it is underutilised,” he said.
“Boom gates at the entrances would allow motorists to have the first hour free.
“We would have to investigate if large trucks could still enter and would need to consult stakeholders.
“But it will need up-front investment by the council.”
Mr Taylor described the mayor’s promise to put it into budget discussions as “great news”. “I told him it would be better than doing nothing,” Mr Taylor said. “Our plea has got the message across that something needs to be done.”
