Shortfall sparks talk of private parking station
A MASSIVE shortfall of car parks at the Springfield train stations under construction is sparking rumours of a private enterprise building a paid car park.
Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller had heard reports of a private car park from her constituents, but a spokesperson from Transport Minister Scott Emerson's office said they had not had any proposals from private companies.
Mrs Miller is calling for the station to be equipped with 1000 parks each, up from the 100 scheduled to be available when the station opens later this year.
"Constituents have told me that not having enough car parks will turn them off going to the Springfield stations. They will continue to drive through to Richlands," she said.
"What they want is many more car parks at the station - up to 1000."
The spokesperson from Mr Emerson said the department was currently in discussions with Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council to find a solution for commuters.
The parking problems are expected to impact the Orion Shopping Centre adjacent to Springfield Central station.
A Mirvac representative said the shopping centre would monitor the car parks to ensure it didn't become an option for commuters.
"We share the community's excitement in welcoming the rail link for the Springfield community," the representative said. "We share the community's concerns regarding the adequacy of the 100 car parks for the station and have expressed these concerns to the government.
"Orion will implement parking control measures ahead of the station opening and will monitor the use of the centre car park by commuters."
The representative said the Orion car parking was provided for the convenience of the retail customers and was not intended for all day parking.
"Parking control measures are intended to ensure customers can find a park close to where they want to shop and they are not crowded out by commuters or local workers."
