Elsie Lange
The construction of a proposed multi-deck carpark in Sunbury has been delayed until late August, despite a lack of car parking in the town centre.
At a meeting on February 28, councillors spoke to a report on council’s statutory planning and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decisions, including an initiating order in relation to the proposed car park lodged by an objector.
Councillor Jarrod Bell expressed his frustration at the decision to review council’s approval of the car park planning application.
“I completely understand objector’s rights to go through these processes through VCAT, but to see that we are now at a hearing date of August 23 to 25 later this year before we can even get some closure and maybe some progress on this incredibly important project,” Cr Bell said.
“That is incredibly disappointing for the Sunbury community, who are crying out for increased commuter and retail parking in our town centre.”
Cr Bell said he and Cr Jack Medcraft were determined to make sure the car park is built “for the community”.
“Providing hundreds of new spots to keep the centre of Sunbury functioning,” Cr Bell said.
“I don’t know what mechanisms we have as a council, or other pressures to bring that forward.
“This is something that should be expedited, this is something that should be put to the top of the list.”
Cr Trevor Dance, who attended the meeting via Zoom, said he would “sit back and look in interest” at the progression of the issue.
“I’ll be watching it very closely, it’s such a significant project in Sunbury,” Cr Dance said.
In a live stream on Facebook following the meeting, Cr Bell said the “really important project” was being “held up”.
“We’re talking 600-700 car parks that will absolutely change the way, and improve access to parking and the way we use central Sunbury.
“I was really disappointed to see that,” he said.
