Media response – Portman Street, Oakleigh

Published on 21 April 2023

Approach from the Herald Sun

We've been contacted by some Oakleigh traders who are unhappy with the council's plan to cut 14 car parking spaces from Portman Street.

Could I please ask if the council has considered the impact this will have on traders who rely on customers being able to park in the street?

Traders say Oakleigh is already a busy precinct and it's already hard to find a park so why would the council want to remove spaces. They fear longstanding businesses may have to close down.

Would it like to say anything to traders who are organising a meeting to protest these changes and are vehemently opposed to the removal of parking spaces?

Could council say how much feedback it had had to the proposal so far including how many objections?

Response

Council is currently seeking feedback on a proposal to improve pedestrian access on part of Portman Street, Oakleigh that will also create future opportunities for outdoor dining and trading. The proposed concept design includes the removal of 14 parking spots between Eaton Mall and Station Street to deliver widened pavements and street trees and furniture on both sides of Portman Street. The Oakleigh activity centre has ample parking nearby, both onstreet and offstreet.

Council has not made a final decision on the project and we are keen to hear from traders on Portman Street and elsewhere in Oakleigh about their feedback, as well as other interested members of the community. All feedback received will be considered by Councillors when making a final decision.

At this point, there has been nearly 60 feedback submissions, with the majority in favour. Feedback closes on 5 May via our Shape Monash page, traders also have the opportunity to speak with Council officers directly on 2 May 2023.

Issued: 21 April 2023

To: Herald Sun

Quoting: Mayor Tina Samardzija