Improved access at Hillarys marina

4/10/02

The State Government will trial parking changes at Hillarys Boat Harbour this summer to improve access to the popular facility.
The Government has also introduced a new bus service between Scarborough and Whitfords Station via Hillarys.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the aim was to improve parking space availability, as well as entry into and exit from the harbour.
Ms MacTiernan said changes would be trialled this summer and, if successful, become permanent.
The State Government commissioned a parking study by engineering consultants S.K.M. through the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.
Before the trial begins, the public is being given an opportunity to comment so that the plan can be refined.
Ms MacTiernan said the general public can inspect the plans at an open day display at Hillarys Boat Harbour on Sunday, October 6, and complete questionnaires giving their views.
This recognises the keen interest the thousands who visit the site each week have in on-site parking issues.
"We invite comments by October 15, 2002," Ms MacTiernan said.
"After consideration of comments received, the final plan will be trialled over this summer."
The current concept includes:

• introduction of three-hour time limits for car parking on the south side of the boat harbour, with no restrictions on northside parking, to encourage long-stay visitors and staff to park in the northern car parks;

• development of a southern exit to West Coast Drive to reduce traffic congestion on southern Harbour roads;

• improvement to directional signage to car parks, including the installation of electronic signage to manage and direct car parking;

• allowing cars to park in the northern boat trailer park after noon, when peak boating activity is over;

• provision of a pedestrian pathway from the northern car park to southern areas, for easier access between the two, and modifying of landscaping and installation of additional lighting to improve visibility and safety;

• upgrading bus services, including the more convenient service from Scarborough to Whitfords station via Hillarys over summer, which began on September 29, 2002.

• installation of improved bus and taxi stops on West Coast Drive to facilitate public transport; and

• special access areas for boat pen holders.

Ms MacTiernan said there were 1,450 car parking bays in the southern car park and 400 in the northern car park. Another 250 car and trailer bays would become up to 500 car parking bays after noon.
She said the planned three hour limit in the southern parking area might be changed to four hours, and might not include all bays. Penholders would be given parking permits with no limits.
Plans had already been discussed with restaurant and shop owners, boat operators, business operators, members of the public, boat owners and other key organisations.
Ms MacTiernan said the Department for Planning and Infrastructure was working to implement the initiatives in December 2002 before the peak summer period.
As well as comments via questionnaire on the open day on October 6, Ms MacTiernan said comments on the planned trial can be made by fax to Hillarys Boat Harbour Parking Management Strategy on 9268 4488 or Email HillarysParking@skm.com.au before October 15, 2002.
Minister's office: 9213 6400