Sunday, January 1, 2012

Council ‘uncaring’ over zone refusal

NEWS

City Council’s refusal of a Loading Zone outside St Vincent de Paul’s new base at 377 St Pauls Tce will significantly impact the charity’s operations, local Councillor, David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) says.


Cr Hinchliffe was commenting on Council decision to reject St Vincent’s request for a loading zone in the off peak period (between 10am – 2pm) because the area is currently a clearway in morning and afternoon peak periods and No Stopping zone for the the period in between.
“St Vincents do important work, not just in the Valley but throughout the Brisbane area,” he said. “It is extraordinary that the Council would knock back their request for a Loading Zone for just a few hours during the day when food items and other essentials could be delivered. The service in the Valley particularly helps women who have been abused.
“This is a callous and uncaring response to such a worthy charity providing an important service. They are not asking for a permanent Loading Zone. I have inspected the site and between the hours of 10-12am and 2-4pm, the traffic is not a problem on this section of St Pauls Tce.
"I think my proposal is a reasonable compromise – 2 hours in the late morning and 2 hours in the mid-afternoon for loading and un-loading. I have urged council to re-think its response To St Vincents.”