Campbelltown Council says the new multi-deck commuter car park at Campbelltown railway station won’t be made available to commuters for “another couple of months’’.
There have been suggestions on social media that the car park along Farrow Road is completely finished, and buck passing is the main reason commuters can’t use it yet.
A council spokesperson has told the South West Voice that discussions are taking place with an operator of the carpark ahead of any opening.
“And there will still be some work required to be done to complete the car park, things like bollards and so on,’’ the spokesperson said.
And council is still talking to the state government about their “park and ride’’ requirements relating to commuter carparks near railway stations.
Mayor Darcy Lound has said publicly that he would want to see the new car park provided free of charge to local commuters.
One of the reasons for any delay in opening the car park sooner is that the state government was not involved in the financing or construction.
Dr Mike Freelander, the federal member for Macarthur, has written to the NSW minister for transport, requesting free parking at Farrow Road.
He received a response from the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill.
“I acknowledge your request for free parking for commuters in Campbelltown and I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns,’’ O’Neill said in reply.
“Construction of the $25 million project is fully funded by the Australian Government and built by Campbelltown Council, who is the owner of the asset and land.
“Transport for NSW has not been involved during the development and delivery of the project given it is a Council asset,’’ she said.
“Transport for NSW has met with Council to outline what would be required from Council for Park&Ride to be implemented at their car park.
“As you are aware, a Park&Ride facility offers free parking for 18 hours for genuine commuters.
“Transport for NSW is working through options with Council for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the new car park.’’
