Meters ”dead” forever

Jane Emerick
State Government yesterday drove the final nail into the coffin of parking meters at Surf Coast beaches.
A State Government spokesperson said applications to install paid parking along the Great Ocean Road would now “never” win the government’s approval.
The Government issued the promise after Great Ocean Road Committee acting chair Julie Hansen told the Independent a new board could revive the meter plans.
“All options for funding the coast would be examined in the future including paid parking,” she said.
The Government will appoint a new board in August.
The existing committee put its controversial plan for meters at surf beaches on hold last week when it withdrew its application.
The committee had planned to introduce paid parking at Torquay, Jan Juc and Anglesea by summer but encountered fierce community resistance.
The government spokesperson was adamant yesterday that the state would oppose any new bid for meters after hearing Ms Hansen had suggested a revised application was possible under a new coast committee board.
“The State Government will not support any similar paid parking proposals by GORCC for car parks along the Great Ocean Road due to our concern about their impact on local residents,” the spokesperson said.
Residents and community groups who untied against the meters have welcomed their victory.
Surf Coast Community and Ratepayers Association’s Lyn Smith said the win was “tremendous”.
“It’s the first time people in the community have come together on a united front,” she said.
Torquay Boardriders’ Ross Slaven said the “reasonable conclusion” was about time.
“It is fantastic news. At last the community’s views have been accepted,” Mr Slaven said.
Torquay Tourism and Traders Association’s David Muir said his group looked forward to working with the coast committee to discuss other funding options.
“We want to ensure this never happens again,” Mr Muir said.
Ron Lowe called off a rally on Sunday night to fight the meters.
“Hopefully GORCC can seize the opportunity to set up community consultation so something like this doesn’t happen again.”