Tara Murray
Brimbank council is working with the Department of Transport (DoT) to install proper car parking and a shared user path on the east of Sydenham Road, near Watergardens.
The council-owned land at 346 Sydenham Road has been used as commuter parking for the Watergardens station, due to a lack of parking in the area.
At the December council meeting, mayor Ranka Rasic raised a notice of motion asking for an update on the current and future upgrades to Sydenham Road and for the council to consider prioritising the curbing, car park installation, road works and beautification of Sydenham Road as a matter of urgency.
A report presented at the council’s most recent meeting stated the council was working with the DoT in relation to the land’s future use.
While parking around train stations is the responsibility of the state government, the council has been looking at ways to improve commuter transport services and facilities along the rail corridors
“The roadside has not been constructed for parking and therefore the unconstructed swale drain is often impacted by cars, particularly during periods of wet weather,” the report noted.
“Council has continued to allow car parking in this area, even though it has not been constructed for this purpose, given limited commuter car parking in the vicinity of Watergardens train station.
“Council officers are currently working on a proposal with the DoT to formalise the eastern side of Sydenham Road with the provision of parking, a shared user path and kerb and channel.”
The report stated plans for the proposed works have been prepared and funding and approval are being sought.
The railway owner/operator also needs to give approval to the plans due to the proposed works encroaching onto railway land.
Sydenham Road is classed as a local connector road.
Connections to both Taylors Road and the Melton Highway have been removed in the past 10 years due to changes to the rail line in the area.
