Maroochydore CBD transport audit may help find solution to parking problem

I recently called together representatives from various government departments to work out some alternative solutions to the car parking problems in the Cornmeal Parade area for staff working in the government precinct in central Maroochydore.

It was agreed that the Department of Public Works would survey staff working in the new government building to determine their travel requirements and this survey would be extended to employees at the Maroochydore Courthouse and police station.

Staff in the government precinct have been experiencing difficulties finding adequate safe parking close by since the opening of the new state government building in First Avenue which was built without enough parking spaces for the occupants as required under Council planning laws. The double whammy is that Council is phasing out staff permits for all-day parking in the Cornmeal Parade Car Park.

While staff are being encouraged to use alternative methods of transport such as bicycles and public transport, with limited options available, staff are forced to park in neighbouring streets from First to Third Avenue, which is causing problems for local residents.

People get angry when told to take a bus, take a hike or take a bike when it isn't always practical. So it's important to work out where people are travelling from and what other transport options are available to them.

In a region the size of the Sunshine Coast where population is widely dispersed, we need to look at alternative options like park and ride and shuttle buses. We can't work out possible solutions without listening to people's needs, so I'm pleased that the Department of Public Works has agreed to take action to help resolve this problem.