I have been doing quite a bit of door knocking lately. This is something I began with a definite feeling of trepidation and yet, to my surprise, I am enjoying myself. I have the opportunity to ring people’s door bells, say hello and let them know I am running for Warrnambool City Council and it is quite amazing how polite and kind the vast majority of residents are. I am also privileged to hear their views about the place they live in.
Certain themes begin to stand out and there is no doubt that parking is right up there. Parking is clearly an issue for many people and a constant source of frustration which council really should deal with if we are listening to the people of our municipality.
It would seem multiple solutions are necessary. One thoughtful ratepayer raised the following as one possible solution to parking angst and I believe it has merit. She is not so much annoyed with paying for parking but is fed up with finding change for parking meters and ticket dispensers, especially when she has a quick chore to do and then is off again. The suggestion is that an annual fee of $50 (that’s less than $1 per week) be paid in return for a windscreen sticker. The time limits would still need to be enforced but it would create more flexibility and less hassle.
If it takes some of the frustration out of parking for our shoppers and benefits our CBD traders, our thoughtful ratepayer may be onto a good thing.
Kylie Gaston, Henna Street, Warrnambool
