JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Jackson Taylor MP, Member for Bayswater
Daniela De Martino MP, Member for Monbulk
Michael Galea MP, Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan
In a blow to the Knox community, Westfield Knox has forged ahead with its plans to introduce paid parking at the shopping centre.
Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor, Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino and Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region Michael Galea have written to Westfield Knox centre management, urging them to reconsider their decision to charge for parking and have requested a meeting to discuss these concerns shared by many locals and staff at the centre.
Parking has historically been free of charge at Westfield Knox for both customers and staff but has changed as of 8 June after Westfield Knox announced its new paid parking scheme in May.
The paid parking will see customers slugged up to $35 a day, while staff will pay $5 a day if they are required to park for more than four hours – meaning full-time workers can expect to pay up to $100 a month and $1200 every year just for doing their job.
Locals have been patient and understanding while major construction works were undertaken at the centre. To now be hit with these over-the-top parking fees is a slap in the face.
A petition is in opposition to the paid parking scheme has already been signed by over 2,500 community members, and is available at https://jacksontaylor.com.au/campaigns/westfield-knox-parking-petition/
Quote attributable to Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor MP
“I’m deeply concerned about the impact paid parking will have on hard working Knox locals. We’re asking for Westfield Knox to come to the table and listen to thousands of people who have already signed the petition in opposition to this decision”
Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino MP
“It’s beyond disappointing that this is the starting position of Westfield. I’m urging them to put people before profit and do the right thing by their customers and staff”
Quote attributable to Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan, Michael Galea MP
“Paid parking for workers creates a punitive financial burden on them and their families. Staff members, who were essential workers to us all in the pandemic, deserve to have their contributions recognised and supported – not be punished”
