News article: Ambos in dark over car park

Media coverage this week has revealed that paramedics have not been informed about the new car park access point on Eleanor Street, and residents are not the only ones disappointed with the Maribyrnong Council's consultation process. The Star News article can be read below or by following this link to the newspaper's website.

Ambos in dark over car park
Charlene Macaulay

Star News
15 October 2013

FOOTSCRAY’S new hospital precinct car park has raised the ire of Ambulance Employees Australia, who says paramedics have not been informed about the Eleanor St access point.

It has emerged that Ambulance Victoria, who use Eleanor St as their main access to Western Hospital’s emergency department, were never informed about the plans for the car park.

The car park, which will be completed in November and will have 282 parking bays, will have only one access point via 41 Eleanor St.

Steve McGhie from Ambulance Employees Australia said paramedics were concerned the added traffic could block ambulances from driving into Western Hospital’s emergency department.

“It doesn’t make sense – you would think the entrance would come off Gordon St,” Mr McGhie said.
“It’s already a narrow street.

“The entrance to the emergency department is in Eleanor St, and any extra traffic will cause problems for ambulances trying to get into the hospital.”

Eleanor St residents, together with staff from St Johns Primary School, have held multiple meetings with the council to request an alternative access point, concerned about the heightened traffic conditions and safety for school children.

Many Eleanor St residents, including Karastar Tuddin, have told Star of their disappointment and anger at the lack of consultation about the works.

Residents will submit a petition with 339 signatures opposing the access point at tonight’s council meeting. Randall Wee was among a group of residents to meet with Mayor Catherine Cumming and director of Infrastructure and Engineering Ian Butterworth earlier this month, and said the council was starting to properly consult with residents.

“They seem to be willing to concede a few more issues of safety, and there’s a few things they’ve committed to -including traffic calming measures along the road, a few more 40km/h signs,” Mr Wee said.

“The mayor also wanted the council to make it no left turn from the access point onto Eleanor St, which would be a really good thing as well.

“They’ve committed to it verbally, and we left the meeting feeling really positive.”