By Tyler Wright
Cardinia Shire Council has rescinded its decision to charge locals for parking at a local gem after upset was raised in the community.
The council has made locals pay for access – either through an annual pass or regular parking fees – for years, but after receiving feedback from the 2023/2024 council budget and the draft masterplan for the Emerald Lake Precinct – has changed its tune.
“All Cardinia Shire residents can now access a free annual Emerald Lake Park parking pass, replacing the $10 annual fee which previously applied,” A Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson told the Star Mail.
Emerald Village Exercise & Recreation (EVER) group’s Vanessa Kewish said the decision, announced on 1 July, was “not a win” but merely an “expectation”.
“We were baffled that they would even think to charge us parking,” Ms Kewish said.
“I live across the street from the place, but if you’re a mum with a new baby in a pram and it’s 35 degrees, first of all; there’s no footpath on Emerald Lake Park Road, so you’re taking your life in your own hands.
“Secondly, it’s all good to get down, but it’s not okay to come back up, so you need to be able to park your car.”
The community presented 3074 views on the Emerald Lake masterplan during the consultation process through July and August 2022, and made 428 contributions online.
It’s understood Friends of Emerald Lake Park and the committee for Emerald Museum and Nobelius Park were among the groups and who provided feedback.
“[Free parking] makes it easy for locals to pop down for a walk and enjoy the park – and of course have coffee or breakfast at Puffing Billy Railway Visitor Centre 7 days per week,” Puffing Billy CEO Peter Abbott wrote on Facebook.
“I’ve just applied for me, and will apply for Mum next week. We might actually visit the park more now,” Facebook user Kate Pascoe penned.
“Lived here over 30 years and never got around to getting a $10 pass. It was too much hassle. So happy if it can be applied for online,” Elizabeth Mitchell echoed.
Bethany Sinclair-Giardini added that she used to pay $12 for the annual permit, with Christine Powell Ross calling on free passes to be allowed for Macclesfield – which covers both Cardinia Shire and the Yarra Ranges Shire.
“We used to have passes here when it was the Shire of Sherbrooke. It’s not like we have a town of our own,” Ms Ross wrote.
Cardinia Shire residents that hold an annual pass for the year starting 1 September 2023 will receive parking for free, with annual passes valid until 31 August each year.
Only Cardinia Shire residents are eligible for a free annual car parking passes and passes must be renewed every year and displayed on vehicle windows.
There are parking meters currently located in the car parks at Emerald Lake Park, with parking fees applying to residents without an annual parking pass – and visitors – at a rate of $2 for up to two hours, or $8 for two hours or more.
In 2007, parking fees were discounted to $10 for residents after sitting at a whopping $40 for all users prior.
The Emerald Lake masterplan includes changes to play areas, event spaces, hospitality, parking and maintenance with a total cost estimate of $12.13m.
Through consultation, stage one of the plan will include an upgrade to existing play spaces, more car parking, new shelter, picnic area and exercise hub.
For construction, the existing Emerald Lake Park Cafe will be removed with a new waterside cafe to be sought.
“To guide future development of the park, Council has endorsed a masterplan for the Emerald Lake Precinct and is working with State and Federal Governments to secure funding for its implementation,” the Cardinia Shire Council spokesperson said.
More information for locals on how to obtain an annual parking pass can be found at https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/elpparking
