Federal funds for car parks but not for the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail

To date, no federal funds have been allocated for building the much needed Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail - a strategic cycling corridor.

However, Josh Frydenberg, the federal member for Kooyong and treasurer, has allocated $65 million to deliver 2000 car spaces in multilevel car parks near railway stations including Glenferrie Rd, Canterbury, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Each car space would cost $32,500.

This allocation of funds, which has become known as Carpark Rorts, has been criticised by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) for not being effective or merit-based,

Many local residents oppose the car parks proposed for Wattle Valley Road Canterbury and Liddiard St Hawthorn for the following reasons:

  • Increased traffic congestion to and around the carparks - up to 800 additional cars per day - with increased pollution from carbon emissions

  • Reduced safety due to increased traffic in suburban streets

  • Limited parking spaces for locals - most spaces would be occupied all day

  • No provision in draft plans for bicycle parking - one car parking space can provide parking for ten bicycles

  • Use of council land some distance from the railway stations, instead of using existing railway station carparks

You can provide feedback to Boroondara Council (closing date 10 Feb) using these links:

The $65 million would be much better spent building the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail strategic cycling corridor that will provide safe, car-free, climate friendly transport though Canterbury and Glenferrie.

Canterbury car park (off Wattle Valley Road)

Existing car park off Wattle Valley Road

Resident sign opposing Wattle Valley car park

Existing car park at Canterbury Station (out of bounds?)

Wattle Valley Road car park artist impression

Location of proposed Wattle Valley Road car park

Glenferrie car park (off Liddiard St)

Existing car park off Liddiard St

Protest sign in Liddiard St

Protest signs in Liddiard St

Liddiard St car park artist impression

Location of proposed Liddiard St car park