City of Greater Shepparton councillors have accepted the need for a delay in the presentation of a critical report on complimentary parking in Shepparton’s central business district.
Cr Anthony Brophy, whose February notice of motion sparked the fresh investigation, said he was satisfied the delay was necessary to ensure all relevant information was put before councillors.
Free timed parking was implemented for an extended period from November 2021 until February 2022 to assist businesses.
The report was commissioned amid calls for free timed parking to continue as businesses recovered from the impacts of the pandemic.
Cr Brophy suggested at the time that it would give councillors the detail necessary to make a considered decision on the future of complimentary parking.
The report was to be presented no later than the May meeting, but will now be tabled in June due to COVID-19 impacts including securing consultants to complete detailed assessments of parking availability and use, as well as the economic impact.
“We very much need to be informed, to have the analysis, to have the data, and to have the survey results come to hand so we can have a genuine consideration of what complimentary parking looks like,” Cr Brophy said.
Cr Brophy said the economic data, including a cost/benefit analysis, was essential information.
“I was somewhat disappointed the interim report didn’t forecast any fiscal outcomes, but it is my understanding that once we do get that information, we will still have time to consider it before the 2022-23 budget.”
Cr Greg James told the meeting a number of complimentary parking initiatives within the central business district had been trialled over the years, with the aim of increasing economic activity and improving the experience.
He accepted that the report preparation had been impacted by COVID-19, which had delayed its completion.
The motion to note the delay was passed unopposed.
Mayor Kim O’Keeffe declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in the debate.