Local advocacy groups have slammed a state government announcement of a new 300-space car park at South Morang railway station, labelling it a “stop-gap” move designed to “snatch votes.”
South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance spokesman Darren Peters said the Premier’s announcement last Monday had outraged the community. “An extension of the line can’t be replaced by parking,” Mr Peters said.
“We posted the announcement on Facebook and it got a big thumbs down from the community.”
Premier Denis Napthine made the announcement in South Morang alongside Liberal candidate for the seat of Yan Yean, Sam Ozturk, and Northern Metropolitan MLC Craig Ondarchie.
The $3 million car park will be built in McDonalds Road, South Morang, with funding allocated from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund.
When completed, the station will have 750 car parks to cater for the 20,000 train commuters who use the station each weekday.
Dr Napthine made the announcement amid calls to “extend the rail” from local youths.
The Premier spoke about the ongoing issue of inadequate parking at the station and said the announcement of 300 more car spaces was a “significant step forward.”
However, Mr Peters said there were already 300 people parking across the road on a vacant, muddy block owned by Westfield. “From day one, the new car park is going to be overflowing.”
A Doreen resident of five years, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she and her neighbours were sick of battling peak hour traffic along Plenty Road to access the train line.
Work on the car park is due to be completed in 2015.
