Parking plan feedback sought for Rosalie Park

The plan has come under fire from local business owners and Rosalie Primary School parents, who believe there is no need for paid parking on the streets surrounding the school.

Councillors endorsed the plan in December, before public consultation could be undertaken.

It was approved unanimously to go out for public consultation at last month’s council meeting.

City of Subiaco chief executive Don Burnett said the consultation would be a two-part process.

“There will be meetings with key stakeholders during July, followed by a wider consultation period in August, where all community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes,” he said.

“The Rosalie Park Parking Management Plan aims to balance the parking needs of all users of this space, including the school, church, sporting clubs and local residents and businesses.”

He said paid parking on Onslow Road and Derby Road was one of the recommendations in the plan.

“Paid parking helps manage demand for premium locations as well as enforcement efforts to ensure there is a safe and fair access for all users,” he said.

“The consultation period will provide the opportunity to revisit the parking issues that were identified by key stakeholders during the study phase of this plan, provide an overview of the principles behind the plan and listen to any new concerns so we can implement the best outcome for all users of this space.”

Rosalie Primary School P&C president Craig Donovan said he did not believe the City should have approved the plan before going out for public consultation.

He said the City had traditionally sought passive feedback, rather than actively speaking to people who would be impacted.

“We don’t want the first hour free at Rosalie Park, we want to park for free to pick up and drop off our children at the local public school, as has been the case for over 100 years,” he said.

“It would be fantastic if they could actively seek the school community’s thoughts. Rosalie P&C is happy to be involved.”

There was no guarantee the City would change its mind on the plan even if there was opposition.

“It is like having a referendum after passing laws,” Mr Donovan said.

“There is no guarantee by the City that they will change the decision to implement paid parking, even if the majority of those affected disagree.”