AVENEL residents are being urged to have their say on the town’s railyard carpark after local residents have been calling for an upgrade ‘for years’.
Peak community group Avenel Active is launching a survey about the carpark and hope a refurbishment will provide safe and accessible off-street parking for the station and town centre businesses.
Avenel Active member John Hyland said the group also want a safe footpath between the station, Saleyard Road and Bank Street.
“We are asking the community to tell us how the condition of the carpark and the lack of a safe footpath affects them,” Mr Hyland said.
“(Also) what improvements residents would like made to the area.”
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Mr Hyland said the carpark’s surface was mainly track ballast and blue metal which formed potholes easily and that a footpath or separation was needed to access Bank Street.
“There is sealed parking for only five cars, but no level access from the station to those parking spaces and no disabled parking,” he said.
Most of the railyard is owned by the Victorian Government and managed on their behalf by VicTrack, with a small area being the responsibility of Strathbogie Shire Council.
A statement from Avenel Alive said council had committed to clarify land arrangements with VicTrack, would seek funding to upgrade the area, and work with the Department of Transport and Planning to address community safety concerns.
Avenel local Helen Gwilliam said the group was aware of an ‘initial’ 2024 offer from VicTrack to lease the land to Council.
“But in recent meetings with council we were told no work is being done to assess VicTrack’s proposal or to progress council commitments due to lack of staff," Ms Gwilliam said.
"We believe Avenel needs and deserves better, and we are calling on the Victorian Government and Strathbogie Shire Council to work together to provide a better connected and safer town centre.’
The survey can found at www.avenelactive.au/projects/avenel-railyard-carpark
Printed copies are available at Avenel Library and Community Hub and feedback can also be given to Avenel Active members at the two upcoming Sunday Avenel Markets on 9 February and 9 March.
