Third time proved a charm for Warrnambool City councillor Brian Kelson on Monday night, with his push for free parking during December and January in off-street car parks approved.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In an at-times fiery debate, Cr Kelson’s notice of motion was approved three votes to two. It was the third time he had brought the motion to the chamber.
Before debate got underway Cr Rob Askew declared a conflict of interest, saying he had done the same thing last year when the notice was brought forward, as had Cr Kelson. Crs Jacinta Ermacora and Kylie Gaston then asked Cr Kelson, a Liebig Street trader whose store backs onto the Parkers Car Park, why he was staying in the chamber when he had previously declared a conflict.
He replied that he had sought advice that differed from last time and there was no conflict because he stood to gain no more than any other business in the city.
Cr Peter Sycopoulis, who was at the meeting despite being on approved leave of absence, seconded Cr Kelson’s motion saying council needed to understand it wasn’t about them.
“What this is about is getting the best outcome for the city,” Cr Sycopoulis said.
“Why not look at this as a trial and see what response we get? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Cr Gaston asked Cr Kelson how he planned to make up for the estimated $70,000 in lost revenue.
“Do you cut services? if so, which ones?” she asked.
She said the motion undermined councillors’ decision last month to endorse the city wide parking strategy which was not good governance. She noted Cr Kelson did not support endorsing the strategy.
“It’s lazy, populist politics, not good policy, and shows a poor understanding,” Cr Gaston said.
Cr Jacinta Emracora endorsed Cr Gaston’s comments and was confused about Cr Kelson’s changing conflict of interest.
“I don’t understand the differing circumstances,” she said. “The car parks are in the same place, Cr Kelson’s business is in the same place.
“The community should be concerned we will lose $70,000 from the budget. We gain nothing.
“This feels more like a stunt than a genuine effort.”
Acting mayor Peter Hulin said it was disappointing Cr Kelson’s notice of motion was put down as a stunt.
“This city is in desperate need of a recharge. I have never seen the CBD looking so empty,” Cr Hulin said.
“Booking people (for overstaying their parking time limits) is driving them away in droves. You hear it time and time again as you walk around the city and talk to business owners.”
