A GROUP of passionate and vocal Macleay Island musicians are bringing much attention to the “parking crisis” at Weinam Creek, so much so that they were shouted out in Member for Redlands Kim Richards’ $95 million funding announcement earlier this month.
Patti and The Grundys have released two songs and accompanying music videos, Where’s My Flamin’ Parking Spot and Stop Horsing Around with Our Parking, which have both attracted thousands of views online and national media coverage.
The band, led by 87-year-old singer Patti Ponting, was formed by members of Parking for Bay Islanders, a group of island residents demanding Redland City Council address parking congestion at Weinam Creek.
“The mainland parking has become a nightmare, and the group have used acting, music and humour to encourage viewers to hear their plight in a less boring format,” said Gabrielle Neaves of Parking for Bay Islanders.
“We’re not just doing this for islanders; the island parking is affecting everyone.
“The sprawl of cars of desperate islanders is impacting all residents 2-3km from the ferry terminal.
“We need that parking because we need to scoop up all of the cars and put them at the ferry terminal.”
Ms Neaves said a promise to Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) residents from Council regarding an exclusive multi-level carpark was left unhonoured, with a Weinam Creek Master Plan approved to incorporate residential and commercial spaces, meaning the adjoining car park will be shared between residents, visitors, customers and staff.
“There is not enough room for islander cars without the addition of shoppers and shop staffing,” Ms Neaves said.
On Thursday, September 12, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish and Member for Redlands Kim Richards announced the Labor Government would deliver a total of $95 million in funding to build the Weinam Creek multi-storey carpark, if elected in October.
Ms Richards said the Government had listened and acted on the needs of the SMBI community to secure accessible parking at Weinam Creek following the recent Community Cabinet held in the Redlands.
“We want locals who rely on the parking facilities at Weinam Creek every day to have access to safe, secure and reliable parking,” she said.
“We want island residents to be able to get where they’re going quicker, and for less, so islanders can spend more time with the people they love.”
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell acknowledged and welcomed the current government’s election commitment.
Council is progressing works within the Weinam Creek PDA with the construction of a temporary carpark and a new recreational boat ramp, the conversion of an area for boat trailer parking and the installation of new bus stops and shelters.
Cr Mitchell said these works, which were occurring throughout September and October, would enhance the transport hub for users.
“We are working towards a solution,” she said.
“The phased redevelopment of the Weinam Creek PDA is not only about transforming it into a vibrant waterfront precinct but also into an effective transport hub and gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI).
“This includes more carparks for island commuters.”
Ms Neaves also welcomed the announcement, saying Parking for Bay Islanders does not align exclusively with any political party.
“The group are now also hoping that the LNP will offer the same amount – or more – for the multi-level parking facility with no shops,” she said.
She added that Patti and The Grundys have another fun project coming soon.
“We’re just old grundies, but we’re making a difference.”
