By Tanya Faulkner
Parking charges at Knox Westfield Mall have caused a stir amongst traders and locals alike.
As of early June, those visiting the shopping centre for more than three hours can expect a charge for their time, ranging from $5 to $35 for a full day or overnight parking.
Additionally, staff who work at the centre will pay $5 a day if they are required to park for more than four hours, meaning full-time workers can expect to pay up to $100 a month and $1200 every year just for doing their job.
A Knox community member on Facebook shared her experience after taking her daughter to the movies, lunch and a playcentre on a weekend day, and “nearly passed out” at the exit when $35 popped up on the payment screen.
The post received several comments from other frustrated locals, all experiencing similar shock at the prices of parking, with many suggesting shopping at other centres including Chadstone or Fountain Gate which provide free parking.
The member said upon investigation locals can receive slightly discounted parking when signing up to the Westfield app and entering car and payment details.
Parking has historically been free of charge at Westfield Knox for both customers and staff but has changed as of 8 June after Westfield Knox announced its new paid parking scheme in May.
According to a petition on change.org started by Hugh Mungus, which has collected over one thousand signatures, said the designated staff parking areas have also been limited to the most distant locations, including ‘The Cage’ on the Eastern side of the centre.
Mr Mungus said being charged for parking so far away from work seems almost criminal, with no cover from the weather when walking back to your car late at night.
The petition also suggests using a shuttle bus service as an option, at the very least, to ensure the safety of the workers.
Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor, Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino and Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region Michael Galea have written to Westfield Knox centre management, urging them to reconsider their decision to charge for parking, and have been seen supporting the community in their protests.
Mr Taylor has taken to social media to express his concerns, and has also created a petition on his website that now has over two thousand, five hundred signatures from the local community.
He said the new charges are likely to have a negative impact on Knox locals.
“I’m deeply concerned about the impact paid parking will have on hard working Knox locals. We’re asking for Westfield Knox to come to the table and listen to thousands of people who have already signed the petition in opposition to this decision,” he said.
Mr Taylor and MP for Monbulk Daniela De Martino met with representatives of Westfield Knox on Tuesday, 27 June to share their concerns, namely, the up to $1,300 a year extra that workers in the centre would potentially pay now the new parking scheme has come into effect.
Westfield Knox representatives said during the meeting they understood the pair’s strong advocacy and were willing to continue the conversation, agreeing to a follow up call in the coming weeks with Mr Taylor.
They said they were happy to continue to hear from both workers at the centre and affected customers on their feedback.
Ms Martino said the people of the community need to come first.
“It’s beyond disappointing that this is the starting position of Westfield. I’m urging them to put people before profit and do the right thing by their customers and staff,” she said.
Mr Galea also expressed his concerns about the parking and its impacts on workers’ situations, particularly financially.
“Paid parking for workers creates a punitive financial burden on them and their families. Staff members, who were essential workers to us all in the pandemic, deserve to have their contributions recognised and supported – not be punished,” said Mr Galea.
The new parking charges come following the recent developments made to the shopping centre, including 20 new and returning retailers, a number of community initiatives, a full-sized NBL basketball court, and nature-inspired outdoor kids play space.
Locals have been patient and understanding while major construction works were undertaken at the centre, and for many to now be hit with these parking fees is said to be a slap in the face.
