Parking row resolved

By TANIA MARTIN
THE Shire of Cardinia has resolved a dispute that erupted in Emerald in May over disabled parking spaces.
Councillor Graeme Legge tabled a petition signed by more than 500 residents at the council’s June meeting following parking changes made to disabled parking in Kilvington Drive, Emerald.
The council moved two disabled parking spaces from in front of the newsagency after a request from a shop owner to move the spaces and provide two 15 minutes parking spots.
The parking spots were moved across the road from the Post Office and an additional spot was provided in Puffing Billy Place.
Emerald residents labelled the relocation of the parking spaces as discriminatory and unfair.
Cr Legge last week told the council that after receiving the petition an on site meeting was held with some of the residents over the changed parking conditions.
He said as a result of the meeting and the discussion that occurred it was agreed that a disabled parking bay would be reinstated on the western side of Kilvington Drive in front the of Chemist shop.
Cr Legge said the changes have since been implemented and appear to be satisfactory to all concerned.
Emerald resident, Ray Spencer, who was involved with the petition, said the council had done what they had agreed to do and reinstate the parking spaces in front of the chemist.
However, Mr Spencer said the council was shutting its eyes to how many disabled people there really are in the town.
Mr Spencer said there was a real need for more parking spaces for the disabled and the elderly.