Timed Parking Free
The Shire of Manjimup Parking Local Laws were gazetted on 4 June 2019 after being prepared and advertised for public comment in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1995.
Adoption of the new local laws replaced the 1979 Model Parking Local Laws which were significantly out of date. The new local laws give Shire Officers the authority to address parking issues within the community that could not be addressed under the previous local law. For example the ability to tow a vehicle that has been inappropriately parked at intersection or on a footpath.
An article reporting the gazettal of the local laws appeared in the Manjimup-Bridgetown Times on 12 June 2019 and was also published on the Shire website, facebook page and Antenno.
Shire President Paul Omodei stated "In accordance with part 5 of the new local laws, Council has the ability to apply time limits on CBD thoroughfares from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 12:30pm on Saturday, except for public holidays. Council may impose any time limits which must be clearly signed. There has been no consideration of paid or metered parking".
Council first considered the introduction of timed parking at its meeting on 22 August 2019, with a particular focus on Brockman Street, which is being established as a food and beverage precinct with an extensive alfresco dining area.
"Whilst there is no requirement for the advertising of proposed local laws, Council resolved to advertise for public comment, four locations where a 30 minute time limit would apply, including one section of bays in Brockman Street and three within Giblett Street. It was also resolved to seek comment on the application of a two hour time limit on remaining parking bays within Brockman Street," said Cr Omodei.
At the close of advertising a total of a total of six submissions were received from members of the public. By way of summary, three submissions opposed the introduction of timed parking, although two of those support landowners and employees being encouraged to park at the rear of their business. The remaining three submissions call for consideration to be given to the introduction of additional timed parking within the Manjimup Central Business District.
"Having regard to the submissions, Council resolved to proceed with the timed parking bays as proposed subject to one change, being that no time limit would be applied to two parallel parking bays adjacent to the post office in Brockman Street to facilitate the display of wood being raffled outside the nearby newsagency', he added.
Shire Officers will order the signs, erecting them shortly and commence implementation of an education campaign, working with residents and visitors alike until the general public is used to the changes. Whilst Shire Officers will be monitoring the timed parking areas, it is hoped that fines won't have to be issued for overstaying the time limits. The fine for parking in excess of the specified time is $50.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773