Council tastes parking pain in Alexandria

The City of Sydney has remained coy about the future of Alexandria’s parking problems following an inspection last week.

Council is refusing to talk about the possibility of introducing a visitor parking scheme for residents in the area despite witnessing the difficulties faced by residents first hand.

The Council CEO Monica Barone and several planners experienced the pain faced daily by locals as they had difficulties finding a parking spot on the congested streets while the Australian Technology Park (ATP) car park was empty.

Member of Alexandria Residents Action Group (ARAG), Jim Patsouris said: “It was funny because they were a little late and they had to double park”.

Mr Patsouris said he was surprised Ms Barone suggested ARAG members petition the State Planning Minister Brad Hazzard with their issues.

He said it was strange she didn’t suggest petitioning the responsible parties: the ATP or the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority.

Mr Patsouris said Council staff could have easily invited an ATP representative to join them on the inspection.

He said Ms Barone had ATP managing director Roy Wakelin-King on speed dial and was baffled why Council had not organised for him to join.

“I don’t feel it would have been too much bother for Monica to have called Roy and invit[ed] him to attend.”

The ATP said they had not been notified of the visit.

“We have not been informed of a visit to the ATP by the City of Sydney Council. . . ATPSL has advised the City of Sydney that we will assist them in their review of this matter,” an ATP spokesperson said.

The City of Sydney dodged questions on what implications the on-site visit will have.

“Community feedback will be used to assist the City indeveloping solutions forresident parking in the area,” a City of Sydney spokesperson said.

ARAG member Desley Haas said she was impressed with Council’s attitude after they came down to inspect the situation and talk to local residents, like herself.

“I think Monica has been very receptive, so I really appreciated the time they took in coming. What I’m really concerned about is the attitude of the ATP.”

Ms Haas said she acknowledged the difficult diplomatic role the City of Sydney has to play between the complaints of residents and the ATP’s negligence.

The City of Sydney is midway through a survey of the area’s parking and they are seeking feedback from residents.