More car parking for Ferny Grove station

_{31, August 2005}

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Samford commuter Gavan McMahon viewing plans of the new carpark with Geoff.

Queensland Rail will move a railway siding at Ferny Grove station to make room for an extra 130 commuter car parking spaces.

Following representations to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas by Member for Ferny Grove Geoff Wilson, $1 million will be spent designing and building the new car parking spaces.

“In response to demand for more parking, QR will move the rail siding, and put in drainage, lighting, security and fencing for the new car park,” Geoff Wilson said.

“Commuters will access the new area through the existing station car parks off Conavalla Street and Samford Road.

“We expect the new area will take the overflow from the other car parks in the mornings and be clear by late afternoon.

“The longest walk from the new car parking area to the station will be about 350 metres, which according to commuters, is an acceptable distance.”

Following discussions with the Transport and Main Roads Minister, Geoff Wilson said QR was working on a detailed design for the new car park and was expected to be built by Christmas.

“This is in addition to recent improvements such as redesigning and rebuilding the existing parking area off Samford Road and provision of 50 additional spaces leased from the Ferny Grove Tavern,” Geoff Wilson said.

“One of the major improvements is a ‘kiss-and-ride’ set-down area for commuters to save people parking at the station.

“With support of Samford residents, I have obtained Queensland Transport approval to trial a Samford commuter bus service.

“Other strategies being considered include improving pedestrian and bicycle access and feeder bus services.

“Nonetheless, it remains a challenge to find a spot on weekday mornings. The car park is sometimes full by about 7.30am – more work will be done to address this problem.”

Geoff Wilson said the next stage would involve Queensland Transport finalising a plan for the major redevelopment of the car park off Samford Road.

“In that regard, the Beattie Government is talking with Brisbane City Council about parameters for future development at the station site,” he said.

“Queensland Transport is well aware of the on-going situation and will continue to work with QR to find additional long-term solutions, taking into account future railway requirements, land ownership and planning requirements.

“The Beattie Government encourages people to use public transport to ease traffic congestion on the roads, to keep the air clean and generally make life a little more relaxed for themselves, and therefore is committed to making sure public transport for commuters remains an appealing option – including reasonable car parking at stations.”

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