Berwick resident Nicole Timmerman, with daughter Brooke, wants more done about the congested car parking at Buchanan Park in Clyde Road.
By Callan Date
A GROUP of Berwick parents and their children are frustrated at being denied access to a local park.
They say it is an impossible task trying to get a car park at Buchanan Park in Clyde Road while classes are taking place at nearby Monash University.
Concerned mother Nicole Timmerman has spoken about the problem in the hope that Casey Council and Monash University officials work together to alleviate the parking jam.
Ms Timmerman said the area was a favourite play retreat for many local families before Monash students started parking their cars there.
“I like to take my four-year-old daughter there but during the week I can’t get a park at all,” she said.
When the News visited the car park earlier this week only a few spaces remained. This was shortly before 9.30am.
“It is not an issue on the weekends (when university is not scheduled) but I shouldn’t have to wait to the weekends to use the park.”
Ms Timmerman said many of her friends who attend a local mother’s club also face the same problem.
“We can’t get a car park at all. If you really want to go you have to park on the other side of Clyde Road and walk across.
“This is dangerous because you have to cross the busy road with young children and their bikes.”
Monash Union of Berwick Students (MUBS) president Keegan Street said many students were using the car park as they were unable to afford the high cost of parking on campus.
“I sympathise with the local residents who aren’t able to park their cars at Buchanan Park,” he said.
“But the fact that students are resorting to parking there is a flow-on effect from the lack of support we receive from the government.”
He said the cost of parking permits at the Berwick Campus increased from $55 in 2006 to $140 this year.
“The fact is, many students simply can’t afford to buy parking permits because of the financial pressure they are under,” Mr Street said.
Phillip Steele, Monash University Berwick campus pro vice-chancellor and academic director professor, said the school was informing students of their obligations to respect local community facilities and to adhere to current parking restrictions.
“The university does not in any way encourage or condone its students disregarding the rights of local residents or breaking laws or parking regulations,” Prof Steele said.
He said there was more than 700 car park spaces available on campus and students were encouraged to use these.
Casey manager of traffic Paul Hamilton said council had recently changed the car park to a two-hour zone.
“These restrictions are enforced on a regular basis with infringement notices issued as required,” Mr Hamilton said.
“This has improved parking turnover and opportunity for visitors to Buchanan Park to find a parking space.”
He said officers carrying out the enforcement have received positive responses from users of the park.
