Page 3930 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 20 September 2017
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MADAM SPEAKER: I think—
MS FITZHARRIS: Madam Speaker, on a point of order, I am finding it difficult to give a speech when there is a constant conversation going on not far away from me. Not only that, I will look forward to telling the Mitchell traders that Mr Wall moved this motion and then actually failed to engage in any debate whatsoever.
Mr Coe: We are not allowed to engage in the debate while you are talking.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! The point of order is about distraction. Whilst it is not interjecting, you would be surprised how the noise of conversations carries. I am not going to ask that we all sit in silence, but if there is an ongoing conversation think about taking it outside or just be mindful of how the noise carries across the chamber. That is what I ask.
Ms Cheyne: Do you really care about your own topic?
MADAM SPEAKER: That is a separate matter, Ms Cheyne. Thank you. Minister, please continue.
MS FITZHARRIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. In relation to the opposition’s request for the construction of a new car park in Mitchell, I would say that constructing new car parks should not be the first response, nor is it always the best response to a perceived shortage of parking spaces in any particular location. It can tend to demonstrate a short-sighted and reactive response to an issue. I do believe that the initial effort from a responsible government should be focused on exhausting the capacity of the existing infrastructure and encouraging a shift to other transport modes, including active travel.
In saying that, I acknowledge that there is not necessarily an oversupply of all-day parking spaces in the Mitchell area. But I am aware of available all-day parking spaces in the centre of the existing courts in Mitchell. These spaces are all located within a reasonably short walk from Flemington Road and the eastern side of Mitchell. In addition to this, I am confident that there would be other under-utilised kerb space where a change in parking controls to support a growth in the workforce could be achieved with minimal investment. This would be, I think, a far more responsible way to respond to calls for increased parking availability rather than heavily investing in additional new car parks.
Madam Speaker, I can see great outcomes ahead for the businesses of Mitchell from the relationship that will be formed over the coming months with the new traders organisation. I look forward to seeing the results of these for the traders themselves. For those who may not be able to commit time to engage with a group such as the traders association, we also have many ways in which the community and businesses can request improvements to the public realm.
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