Bunbury businesses call for free CBD parking

Concerns have been raised throughout Bunbury in the wake of a public forum held on Monday to discuss the results of a recent CBD Experience Survey.

The Retail Co founder and Bunbury Hi-Fi owner Cheryl Kozisek addressed the public at the event about the importance of reducing paid parking to revitalise Bunbury.

Ms Kozisek said while retailers appreciated the City of Bunbury’s efforts with the survey, they were disappointed with the deflection of the issue of paid parking to problems with businesses themselves.

“It was acknowledged and reported to the meeting that the City of Bunbury was looking to adjust up to nine areas of paid parking issues,” Ms Kozisek said.

“Comments, however, made by Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan on GWN news and on ABC local radio this week suggest that the City of Bunbury still do not appreciate the full effect that this issue is having on the small business sector in the CBD.

“We are here because we do not feel that the Bunbury City Council have heard our requests for a relaxation in paid parking in the CBD.”

The local business woman said retailers had some of their own ideas for amendments to the current parking scheme that would better benefit CBD businesses.

“We are calling on the City to make some changes including two hours free, all day Saturday free and in particular, increasing the shopper carparks from two to three hours free,” she said.

“Perhaps we need to discuss the complete removal of the parking metres and encourage all to come back into the CBD, without fear of a parking ticket.”

Unable to attend the gathering, City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan took to his social media account to share his views on the matter.

“Many people in the community are concerned about paying for parking in the CBD and there are some changes underway,” he said.

“Paid parking has been in Bunbury for many years and I agree, there does need to be some change.

“People told us they want more free parking, increased parking times in shopper carparks, decreasing paid parking times and free parking on Saturdays and public holidays.”

But the Mayor added that there were a number of other issues of concern in regards to revitalising Bunbury’s CBD.

“There are other important issues that need to be addressed in the CBD. People said they wanted to see a change to shop opening hours, improved customer service, and for people visiting the CBD to have respect for the area. Concerns were raised about antisocial behaviour and litter,” he said.

“The City looks forward to working together as a community to make the changes we need and please be assured, we are listening.”