Care factor: NF5 calls for timed spaces to fix parking problem

With more of our city's older residents, and those living with disabilities, choosing to age at home rather than enter an aged care facility, it's creating a growing problem for those providing care.

Where carers can find a car parking space, especially in Wollongong's high-demand inner-city streets, has become a hot topic at recent meetings of Neighbourhood Forum 5 (NF5).

Speaking on behalf of her older neighbours who live in the same Smith Street apartment block, NF5 convenor Jane Robertson says she's seen the problem get worse year on year. NF5 has asked Wollongong Council to take the lead from several Sydney councils that provide special Support Worker Parking Permits.

"As a Wollongong resident close to the CBD, our streets are filled in the morning rush to park and walk into the city by workers, as all-day free parking is available here," Jane said.

Carers are on a tight schedule

"To have a number of designated timed parking spots that turn over more often during the day would assist carers who are on a schedule to find parking to attend to older residents. NF5 has been approached many times by local residents who require assistance with daily living, so they can remain in their homes as they age. They're asking if we could assist with supporting their needs for timed parking for their carers."

NF5 has asked Council to look at options, but Jane said the response had been disappointing, with one suggestion being for carers to use the free bus. "But this would not allow carers to be able to schedule their client's visits effectively," Jane said.

One of Jane's neighbours, 95-year-old Norma Pesavento, has enjoyed apartment living in Smith Street for 38 years and doesn't want to live anywhere else.

"I've written about 50 letters to Council about this problem but nothing ever happens," Norma said. 

There are no available parking spaces

"When I look out the window at seven in the morning I can't see a single free parking space. And those cars stay here all day. I no longer get any visitors because there's nowhere for them to park."

Neighbours Bob and Jan say the short-term parking problem is "just growing and going to get worse" as more people do what they did 15 years ago – downsize to move into units.

"Governments want to keep people living in their own homes but they've got to do more to help," Bob said.

Carers are having to walk several blocks

He said carers struggling to find parking spots are having to park up to 500 metres away. "They only have a limited time allocation with each of their clients and so all this walking to and from their car means a shortened visit."

Bob's wife, Jan, receives a visit from a carer five days a week and a cleaner calls in once a week.

"It impacts on the services they provide for me," Jan said. "I get embarrassed that they have to walk up to three blocks, often in the heat, and they're exhausted by the time they get here."

Bob and Jan said they feared with more apartments being built with either only one or no parking on site, there will be even more demand for the limited on-street parking available.

Elizabeth Stephenson said she also experienced the problems first-hand while trying to care at home for her seriously ill husband for three years before he passed away earlier this year. She said everyone knows what the problem is but no one seems willing to find a solution.

Ron and Bobbie Rogers sold up in Kanahooka 11 years ago, believing they were doing the right thing. "We left our big home behind and decided to do as the government has suggested. "We are happy to stay here in our home but they've got to help us all get access to the services we need."

Not currently an option for Council

In response to the concerns raised by locals through NF5, Council's Transport and Infrastructure Planning Manager said: "Council does not currently designate space for specific users except for emergency vehicles, bus zones, loading zones and accessible parking. Further, due to the significant amount of unrestricted parking in areas such as North Wollongong, Wollongong Council does not currently satisfy requirements for residential permit holders. Further, Council does not have a current Support Working Parking Permit as some other councils do, such as the City of Sydney, Randwick and inner west councils."

The Council officer said he could investigate the introduction of small, timed parking areas (1 space) on key streets in high-demand areas, on an as-needed basis, but he said "these would be available for all public and need to balance all the needs of specific areas. Alternatively, as the city densifies, we can revisit when we meet the thresholds for parking permit schemes, and seek inclusion of a funded project to set this up."

NF5 has requested Council to progress the provision of carers' parking in appropriate areas, and investigate the introduction of small, timed parking areas on key streets.

Journalist Jeremy Lasek is a member of NF5.