Calls to upgrade Hurstbridge station car parking

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has called on the Andrews Labor Government to improve the parking situation at Hurstbridge train station after Public Transport Victoria closed-off makeshift parking facilities on the rail reserve.

“Current parking facilities at Hurstbridge are not adequate and there is a desperate need for parking facilities to be expanded immediately,” Ms McLeish said.

In a letter to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, Ms McLeish said commuters were being forced to find alternative parking in the town or to stop using public transport altogether.

“Commuters have found the reserve to be an appropriate and convenient place to park given the lack of more suitable facilities.”

“The recent decision to close off the reserve is causing great inconvenience to commuters, especially my constituents who drive in from the outer reaches of the Nillumbik Shire including the towns of St Andrews, Panton Hill, Smiths Gully, Cottles Bridge and Arthurs Creek.”

“As a short term measure, I request that you allow commuters to park their cars on the reserve and to provide solutions to any challenges caused by this.”

“I appreciate this may be complex matter, but I encourage you to provide an immediate solution to ensure my constituents are able to continue using the public transport network,” Ms McLeish said.

The calls follow those made by Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell MP who raised the issue in the Victorian Parliament last week.

“The minister only needs to check Google Maps, which shows the Hurstbridge railway station carpark full and another 48 vehicles parked on the rail reserve, to see the need for additional parking,” Ms Lovell said.