THE Greater Shepparton City Council has received a petition containing 448 signatures opposing Council’s proposed plan to remove carpark spaces in a section of the centre median strip on McLennan Street in Mooroopna.
What is known as ‘Block 5’, stretching between Archer Street and Miller Street, is under design to be split into two, reducing the car park capacity.
Council is hoping to turn what is currently described in the McLennan Street Landscape Concept Plan 2015 as a “harsh, hot and exposed car park with minimal planting” into one which provides “sufficient car park spaces for local businesses as well as increased opportunities for informal gathering and alfresco dining within the median.”
However, 448 locals have come forward to oppose the plan, saying the changes would restrict movement through the carpark and make finding free parking spaces more difficult.
“As a township we require more carparks for potential customers, citizens and staff, not less,” the petition states.
Petition organiser, Paul Jerome of McLennan Street menswear store, Talisman, said he was not opposed to the planting of garden beds or trees, however said these things can be achieved without the removal of car parking spaces.
“We’re talking about something that facilitates business,” he said.
Council’s director of infrastructure, Phil Hoare, said, “Council will consider all feedback received in relation to both Blocks 3 and 5, including the petition, when completing the detailed designs.”
He added: “While some [car] parks will be removed from Block 5 to make way for improved areas including greenspace, shade and park furniture for locals and visitors to take a break, these parks will be offset by additional parking in other areas including Block 3 [the centre median strip further west between Doonan Street and Morrell/Young Streets].”
