A SENIOR Warrnambool taxi industry figure has expressed his dismay at the move of the Liebig Street taxi rank.
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Warrnambool City Council’s central business district revitalisation project begins next week with the Liebig Street taxi rank one of the first pieces of infrastructure to be affected.
The taxi rank will move to Lava Street, near RB Sellars, from this Friday.
13CABS Warrnambool director Rodney Woodbridge is unhappy with the change.
“I’ve said from the word go it is a bad move,” Mr Woodbridge said.
“Nearly every taxi driver in town is against it. A lot of those who use that taxi rank are elderly people who we drop off and they walk down to Coles and do their shopping. They stop off at the Clocktower Cafe along the way back and then head home.
“It’s a day out for many of them and they enjoy it. This will change with the move of the taxi rank location. Now they will have to cross the main street to get to and from their taxi, a lot of them won’t be able to do that.”
Mr Woodbridge said the Liebig Street taxi rank was also well-used by those looking for a ride home after a night out.
He said people leaving venues often sourced their taxis from the main street rank.
“In Liebig Street, the taxi rank is really visible so people use it,” Mr Woodbridge said.
“Now when it goes around the corner it will be out of sight. It will put more pressure on the Gilles Street taxi rank, which isn’t ideal.”
Mr Woodbridge said he had met with the council a number of times over the past 12 months on the issue.
Warrnambool City councillor Sue Cassidy, herself a Liebig Street trader, said the revitalisation works would be worthwhile.
“It will be a bit of pain but at the end it will be for a big gain,” Cr Cassidy said.
“I’m excited about what it will do for Warrnambool, we have seen what a positive effect similar projects have had in other towns. I know people who are looking to open businesses in Liebig Street because of this revitalisation work.”