Kramer Drive residents are still disputing the decision by Casey Council to move ahead with a $310,000 overflow carpark that would gain access through their residential street.
It was only December last year that the council, excluding Grevillea councillor Dave Perry, voted in favour of the carpark that would work as an overflow parking space for Wilson Botanic Park.
One month on, the residents have now escalated the matter by contacting the Victorian Ombudsman, making several FOI requests and pursuing several legal pathways.
The mostly unanimous vote by the council continued despite the formal recommendation by council officers to not go through with the developments following a community feedback period that saw more than 50 per cent of participants objecting to it.
Many councillors such as River Gum’s Lynette Pereira and Casuarina’s Kim Ross suggested advancing with the project due to the dramatic increase in visitation numbers at the park.
Cr Pereira said that while she understood the community’s opposition against the carpark, ultimately the need for greater parking capacities outweighed.
But over the last few years, residents near the park and surroundings have outlined their apprehensions, from safety worries, security concerns and unease about possible traffic congestion and street safety.
In line with the planning documents, the carpark intends to provide an additional 100 car park spaces that will only be opened during peak hours such as weekends, school holidays and special events once the main carpark is at full capacity.
Sophie, a long time Kramer Drive resident, who has been steadfast in her stance against the overflow carpark has been continuing her advocacy against the council’s decision last year.
From door knocking to delivering flyers around the neighbourhood, Sophie says that many in the community are still unaware of how this carpark may impact them.
Another resident, Joan, said that the decision to follow through with the carpark despite council officers recommendations follows inadequate assessments.
“Casey Council is putting an urban car park next to family backyards without properly assessing the consequences,” Joan said.
On Tuesday 20 January, residents staged a demonstration in Kramer Drive to highlight their serious safety concerns associated with the proposed and council endorsed overflow carpark.
“We understand the Park has grown in popularity and that extra parking is required but you don’t put the cart before the horse,” said one resident.
“Council must first do the basic due diligence and demonstrate that this is the safest and most appropriate location. That hasn’t occurred.”
Following an inquiry to Casey Council regarding the matter, Manager of Creative Communities, Emily Clarke, said concerns raised by residents were noted and that a “number of measures are being put in place to monitor any impact on the surrounding area”.
“Once it is built, electronic people and car counters will be used to get a clear understanding of how it’s being used, parking bays and pedestrian walkways will be clearly defined to support safety, and park staff will be on hand to support way-finding and monitor use of the car park,” she said.
“Wilson Botanic Park already has a ‘See Something, Say Something’ number, where park visitors can report issues or concerns directly to park staff in real-time, and local residents can report concerns by contacting Council or using Snap Send Solve.
“We will be seeking expressions of interest in the coming weeks for a community reference group to have input into aspects of the design of the overflow car park and more information will be shared about this soon,”
But Sophie and another long-time resident, Tracy, remain apprehensive, saying that their questions and concerns have continued to be ignored.
“They’re not answering our questions. They’re just steamrolling us and ignoring us,” said Tracy.
