Ssw 20160607

Page 1

JUNE 7, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE

Carpark plan revived By Matt Crossman

Proud Pa says thanks

(Luke Hemer)

A property developer with major business interests in Sunbury stands ready to proceed with plans for a multi-level carpark in Sunbury’s Evans Street. With frustration about a lack of parking spaces in central Sunbury continuing to mount, Ingram Property Group’s Glenn Ingram told Star Weekly he was prepared to resurrect a detailed proposal for a project outside Harris Scarfe, next to Sunbury train station, provided Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and Hume council came to the party. ‘‘Doing nothing is no longer an option,’’ he said. Plans for a multi-level carpark were abandoned in 2010 despite extensive talks between Mr Ingram and the council. Mr Ingram said a combination of population growth and the 2012 electrification of the Sunbury train line meant the town already faced a shortfall of up to 700 spaces. ‘‘To me, it’s quite logical,’’ he said. ‘‘It can be fixed. The plans are there. It just needs the support of all parties.’’ Mr Ingram did not agree with calls to simply increase the number of bus services, saying the ‘‘tidal flow’’ of commuters in the morning and evening peaks came from far and wide. Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne recently said parking and traffic congestion were posing huge problems for shoppers and businesses. ‘‘We continue to hear people saying that if it’s going to take 20 minutes to drive down Vineyard Road and get a park at the shops, they’ll just keep going to Watergardens.’’ A study has found that up to 40 per cent of cars parked at Sunbury station come from the Macedon Ranges. Council city governance and information director Daryl Whitfort said the previous plan was abandoned because financial arrangements were not suitable for all stakeholders. ‘‘Hume would support another proposal if it was viable to all parties,’’ he said. A PTV spokesman said its predecessor, the former Department of Transport, was not a party to the negotiations. With no additional government-owned land in the town centre, he said, the only viable development parcel was the Harris Scarfe site. ‘‘PTV has indicated to council its support for any plans that will increase car parking in the area.’’

When Charlotte Jones’s grandfather, Ron, fell to the floor shaking on January 5 this year, the nine-year-old knew exactly what to do. Quickly dialling triple-0, Charlotte remained calm as the call-taker took her through a series of questions to gauge Mr McKenzie’s condition. ‘‘My pa, he’s shaking,’’ she told Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) call-taker Jess Pullen. ‘‘He’s really cold and he’s vomiting.’’ The Woodend Primary School pupil also relayed information about where Mr McKenzie was feeling pain and his past medical history. Paramedics soon arrived and took Mr McKenzie, 91, to hospital where he was diagnosed with a serious blood infection. After a week, he returned home and is doing well. Charlotte’s efforts to get her grandfather the help he needed were recognised with an ESTA award on Thursday. She was one of 29 Victorian children receiving awards at the 12th annual ceremony. Charlotte’s mum Michelle McKenzie-Jones said it was a great moment. ‘‘We certainly taught her about triple-0 from a young age and they went through the lessons at school,’’ she said. ‘‘But you just never know how it’s going to be until something like that happens. We’re very proud.’’ Charlotte said while she had been upset to see her grandfather in pain, she knew she needed to phone triple-0 for help. ‘‘He still tells me thank-you,’’ she said. To hear audio from Charlotte’s call, visit www.starweekly.com.au Matt Crossman

YOUR SUPER EURO 2016 WALLCHART INSIDE

BOUGHT TO YOU BY HARVEY NORMAN FLOORING, TAYLORS LAKES


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Ssw 20160607 by Star Weekly - Issuu