By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council and Public Transport Victoria have no plans to expand Narre Warren railway station’s car park into a neighbouring vacant block.
The grassy council-owned block, on the corner of Austin Avenue and Shrives Road, runs the length of the station’s southern flank.
Its vacancy has come into focus during a period of high parking shortages around the station during Level Crossing Removal Authority power and signalling works since late July.
Stung commuters, given no alternatives for the loss of up to 150 all-day spaces, have since been booked in a council parking officer blitz in surrounding streets.
Nash Crawford was one who pointed out the unused neighbouring field as a temporary solution during the works up until 3 September.
His voice was echoed by South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Gordon Rich-Phillips, who called on PTV to “urgently work with” the City of Casey to create temporary all day parking during the works.
Public Transport Victoria indicated it had no plans to expand car parking at the station.
“Narre Warren station has one of the larger car parks on our train network, with around 680 spaces.
“There is also secure bike storage and four local bus routes to help people access the station.”
Casey senior strategic planner Alistair Noble said “at this stage” there was no direction from the council to use the land for commuter parking.
He said assessments were being made on the future use of the land, as well as other council assets in the Narre Warren Village precinct.
Mr Noble said Public Transport Victoria was responsible for delivering and maintaining commuter car parking around the station.
“Council is advocating to the State Government to improve transport options including bus connections within the Narre Warren area.”
During the works, the Level Crossing Removal Authority has not provided any extra parking.
The closest extra parking has been offered at Sandown Park station as well as East Malvern, Holmesglen, Huntingdale and Clayton for nine other car park closures in the Dandenong rail corridor.
Meanwhile, Casey Council issued 63 parking tickets in the Rebound Court precinct during the works in the first two weeks of August.
It’s more than double the 30 issued for the entirety of August 2016.
Casey transport strategic advisor Paul Hamilton recently said the council had a difficult task in balancing the needs of commuters with the impact on the adjoining business and residential areas.
Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said authorities should do all they could to accommodate commuters during the closures.
“We know they have created new spaces at other stations, but these are some distance from Narre Warren, Hallam and Berwick.
“By the time you’ve driven to Clayton or Sandown Park to find a space, you’re halfway to the city.
“Improvements to pedestrian, cycling and bus services would help more people get to the station without having to drive, and should be provided not just while works are happening, but on a permanent basis.”
