By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council has agreed to crack down on illegal overflow parking as part of agreeing to a lease and extension to Narre Warren Football Club’s clubrooms in Fox Road, Narre Warren North.
Council officers had met with the club and neighbouring residents concerned with the extension, especially given ongoing litter problems and illegal parking over their driveways and on blind-corner verges on block-buster match days at Kalora Reserve.
At a council meeting on 21 March, council officers reported that the location of ‘no stopping’ signs on Fox Road would be re-checked and local laws officers would be enforcing parking rules on “peak” match days.
The peak match days are believed to be about six games a year against well-supported local opposing teams at the reserve.
Casey would also investigate increasing parking options on the south-side of Mackenzie Lane though the club had suggested increasing parking spots within the reserve at the Mackenzie Lane end, the report stated.
The football club would also make use of the parking area at nearby Jack Thomas Reserve, when necessary.
Resident Robyn Browne said she was happy that residents had been heard by the council.
“This communication wouldn’t have happened years ago in regards to our complaints about traffic, parking and (spectators’) respect for residents.
“It remains to be seen how it goes during the season.”
She said there would be a mixed reaction among residents about increasing parking on Mackenzie Lane.
The council had agreed in writing not to remove vegetation to make way for extra parking, she said.
Under the lease, Narre Warren Football Club will pay Casey $100 annual rent for five years, plus five further terms of five years.
