Towong Shire Council Extends Parking Bay Depth on Hanson Street
Following a Notice of Motion from Cr Dikschei, Towong Shire Council has announced plans to extend the parking bay depth on the westbound (Corryong Memorial Hall) side of Hanson Street following a resolution at a Special Council Meeting on February 21, 2024.
The motion to increase the depth of angled parking bays by 0.40m from 4.8m to 5.2m between the Jardine Street and Donaldson Street roundabouts on the westbound side of the road was carried unanimously. To accommodate this change, adjustments will be made to the width of the footpath on the westbound side of the street. There will be no changes to the eastbound side of the street.
Towong Shire Council Mayor, Andrew Whitehead, said, “Ultimately, today’s decision is a compromise. The excessive costs and delays to redesign the entire project based on recent community feedback was not a feasible option. We’re very comfortable that the decision to extend the depth of parking bays on the westbound side demonstrates that we have absolutely heard and are responding to community feedback while also ensuring that we are not adding significant costs to the project and creating more disruption to businesses.”
In response to the safety concerns raised by residents, and to inform the decision of Council, an independent Road Safety Audit was completed and presented to Council.
Included in the audit report was a risk assessment of the existing design, taking into account the mitigating safety measures such as the diversion of heavy vehicles from the main street as part of Council’s Heavy Vehicle Bypass/Stock Route project (nearing completion) and an application to VicRoads for a reduction of speed to 40km/hr between the Jardine and Donaldson Street roundabouts.
The audit considered design, safety, disability access and constructability and confirmed that the design and consequently the construction of the parking bays on the eastbound side of Hanson Street were assessed as medium risk. In the opinion of the road safety auditor, this demonstrates an acceptable level of risk. However, the incorporation of longer parking bays will provide increased parking options and functionality for longer than standard passenger vehicles, particularly those with bike and equipment racks seeking parking within the CBD.
Mayor Whitehead noted, “On balance, we think the combination of some longer parking bays, along with the identification of additional off-street parking will provide a range of suitable options for both residents and visitors. To ensure these options are highly visible and appropriately utilised the longer parking bays will be clearly identified and marked.”
Mayor Whitehead also took the opportunity to address the way in which feedback has been received noting that the best outcomes are reliant on early engagement.
“We know that when the community engage with Council in the early stages of the project, we can deliver the best outcomes. We want to acknowledge the many residents and business owners who engaged prior to and during design process who have since demonstrated their support for design – we know they, like much of the community are looking forward to a refreshed and revitalised CBD.”
“We also recognise that the feedback we’ve received recently has come with a sense of urgency and a deep sense of passion. However, we ask that as works continue, interactions with staff and contractors be respectful. Our Project Manager will be available on site each week to address any questions and is available via phone outside of these times.”
“There’s still a long way to go until this project is complete and despite our best efforts to minimise impact there will be periods of disruption. But, we know that these updates with wider footpaths and parking bays, pedestrian crossing, trees and plants, and new street furniture, will deliver an attractive public space that supports a real revitalisation of the Corryong CBD.”
