THE expanding circle of all-day parkers in the CBD has highlighted the need to start wheels turning on more parking, councillor Russell Turner says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After a Moulder Street resident complained of no longer being able to find a parking space outside his home due to the growing commuters, the Central Western Daily ran a poll asking whether there were enough all-day spaces in the CBD and whether the Moulder Park netball courts should be opened to all-day parking.
Of the 107 responses, almost 91 per cent said there was not enough parking available and nearly 86 per cent believed the netball courts should be used for the purpose.
In a way it's a positive indication the CBD is continuing to grow, despite the negative thinking from some that it's dying.
- Orange councillor Russell Turner
Craig Stephens commented on social media it was also a regular occurrence on the other side of town.
"I work in Anson Street and have had no problem getting a park in front of work for nearly two years - I arrive before 8am," he said.
"Now all the parks are taken, even that early. Perhaps TAFE classes are starting earlier?"
Meanwhile, Lisa Priest said she had needed to park in March Street since the former Carrington Hotel was redeveloped.
POLL: Have your say ...
"[There's] no parking in the council parking behind the civic centre and it's going to be pretty bad when some of us have to work all day in winter and have to walk down to our cars in the dark," she said.
Cr Turner said the spread of parking demonstrated the number of people needing to access the CBD.
"In a way it's a positive indication the CBD is continuing to grow, despite the negative thinking from some that it's dying," he said.
"But we have to take those statistics on board and look seriously at a change of zoning to use at least some of the netball courts for all-day parking."
- READ ALSO: Gander puts courts forward
- READ ALSO: Kidd reopens case for netball court parking
Cr Turner said the rezoning process could start while the CBD upgrade plan was developed.
He said lighting to outlying areas of the CBD would have to be considered separately, but would automatically form part of any parking plans for Moulder Park.
"It would need to have lighting as well, it's not just opening the gates," he said.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below …