Busport car park opened to public

THE City of Greater Geelong has opened level two of the Busport car park to the public, creating an additional 124 parking spaces in the CBD in an effort to ease pressure on its network of short-term on-street parking sites.

The car park can be accessed by vehicles via Clare Street, near Brougham Street, while pedestrian access is available via the Brougham Street stairwell.

The car park will be open daily between 6am and 11pm, with payment required between 9am and 5.30pm.

Payment for parking can only be made through the EasyPark app, as there are no parking machines located within the Busport facility.

Prices have been set at a rate of $3.70 per hour – the standard off-street rate employed across the city – or $16.50 for all day parking.

An 11 per cent EasyPark surcharge will also be applied.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said he was hopeful CBD workers would take up the opportunity to use the Busport carpark.

“The council recognises that limited parking options have added to the challenges people have experienced upon returning to work in the CBD,” he said.

“Hopefully, by opening up all-day casual parking at the Busport carpark, it will alleviate some pressure on our short-term on-street parking spaces and increase turnover for local businesses.

“I look forward to seeing the Busport carpark full and contributing to the return of more workers to our CBD.”

Level one of the car park will remain restricted to permit holders and pre-approved vehicles, with a limited number of permits available for purchase through the City’s website at a cost of $252.34 per month.