In a recent decision that reflects a commitment to supporting local law enforcement, parking permits have been reinstated for the staff at Southbank Police Station by the City of Port Phillip. This decision comes only weeks after the permits were revoked, a move that had sparked concerns among the police force.
Initially, the council had withdrawn the permits for personal vehicle parking as of June 30, citing the availability of all-day paid parking in the area. However, this decision was met with resistance from the police station, leading to a reconsideration by the council.
On August 2, the councillors voted to provide 30 parking permits to the police station, aiming to create a fair parking environment for everyone, including workers and visitors. These permits will enable staff to park personal cars in residential streets, permit zones, timed bays, and ticketed bays during work hours.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo's Notice of Motion
Mayor Heather Cunsolo's notice of motion, presented at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on August 2, 2023, recommended that the council provide 30 annual parking permits for Southbank Police Station staff, at a cost aligned with the cost of a Visitor Parking Permit per year, until the current Parking Management Policy ends in 2028.
The supporting information highlighted that the parking permits were initially removed as part of the Parking Management Policy Review on May 17, 2023. The police station's feedback, which advised that most of the bays in the paid parking located close to the station were reserved, led to the reintroduction of eligibility for parking permits.
By limiting the number of parking permits to 30, the council aims to reduce the impact on other users and encourage efficient use of parking spaces. The introduction of a cost, approximately $126, is intended to offset some revenue loss while emphasizing the value of the permit and ensuring equity in treatment. Benchmarking with nearby councils indicated that only one other council, Yarra, provides police permits at $258 per permit.
Community Support and Opposition
Cr Christina Sirakoff emphasised the importance of the police force in the community, stating, "the Police force plays an important part in our community. This is one way that we can support them when they're going to work and going home, to make it easy for them for accessing permits. I’m in full support of this when they're a critical part of safety on our streets.”
While the decision has been largely welcomed, it was not without opposition. Cr Robbie Nyaguy voted against the motion, arguing that it was not unreasonable to ask workers or visitors without a parking permit to find alternative transport methods.
The reinstatement of parking permits for Southbank Police Station staff represents a thoughtful effort to balance the needs of the police force with the broader community's interests. It underscores the value placed on law enforcement and the willingness to adapt policies to ensure fairness and support for those who keep our streets safe. The decision also reflects a broader trend towards equitable treatment of parking users and a commitment to revenue management within the community.
