Thursday, 31 October 2024

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) presented a petition bearing 893 signatures:

Issue:

The Glen Huntly traders have suffered considerable impact from the rebuild of Glen Huntly station, with both continued road closures and footpath closures, off the back of Covid19 pandemic. The closure of both the train station and adjacent road, by LXRP, coupled with the displacement of most residents along the affected strip due to noise disturbances, has had a profound economic impact on Glen Huntly Village. Sadly, there has just not been a resurgence of the same level of foot traffic after the rebuild. The traders would like to hold a fortnightly/monthly Farmers Market to better community spirit and engagement with the local store holders. To do this, the traders have submitted applications to Metro to access the northern station car park to host the market. The northern car park is ideal as it is large enough to accommodate Farmers Market Vendors, with their vehicle and it is right in the heart of Glen Huntly. Metro has repeatedly rejected the traders’ applications and the responsible State Minister for Transport Infrastructure has failed to assist with the traders’ concerns. The Minister for Transport Infrastructure stated in his response to correspondence sent by the Member for Caulfield and Glen Huntly Traders that “under terms of MTM’s franchise agreement with Victorian Government, station car parks are intended for the sole use of metropolitan rail commuters.” This directly contradicts Metro’s website that welcomes applications from stakeholders wishing to lease the car park space. The community is desperate to hold this Farmers Market and requires the support of the government to negotiate the traders’ proposal with Metro. This intervention is essential to support the traders in their bid to boost foot traffic and support local business.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly call on the Government to work with Metro in providing Glen Huntly Traders access to the station car park to perform their Farmers Market.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.