The comment came after Cr Mackrell proposed an amendment to Campaspe Shire’s financial support measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where parking in the Echuca CBD would be free.
Cr Vickers said she could “understand Cr Mackrell requesting (it) with his business being in that area that has parking”.
To which Cr Mackrell called a point of order and said he believed she was “saying that (he) may have a conflict of interest because (he has) a business within the area that is being done”.
Something Cr Vickers refuted, saying Cr Mackrell had misinterpreted her.
“I was saying, he has a business in the centre of town and that he would see the movement of people seeing the parking meters,” Cr Vickers said.
Despite the feud, the motion passed as part of an extension to council’s existing COVID-19 financial measures.
“I do know it may not be palatable to everyone. I think it has merit,” Cr Mackrell said.
“(Echuca) is the largest economic hub in Campaspe Shire, so why not try and push forward in these dire economic times.”
Cr Leanne Pentreath questioned if it was reasonable to offer free parking, considering stay-at-home orders are in place.
“I’d like to foreshadow if this fails that we have council pay the customers if they come to the other towns so they increase the economic activity,” Cr Pentreath joked.
“The income that is actually coming from parking meters is low at the moment. We’re looking at trying to keep businesses open but we also need to keep customers moving — we don’t need them pulling up and staying all day long.”
Cr Kristen Munro agreed with Cr Pentreath.
“Are you encouraging more people to come into town or owners and staff to park closer to their business,” Cr Munro asked.
Crs John Zobec and Neil Pankhurst said while these were valid concerns, time limits would still apply and the benefits outweighed the pitfalls.
“Cr Mackrell has a decent point, there are businesses in all towns of the shire struggling, if we can draw in local communities to shop and keep the money flowing it would make a difference,” Cr Zobec said.
“The people putting money in parking meters at the moment are locals. People aren’t coming into town to browse and walk up and down the street,” Cr Pankhurst said.
“It’s only removing the fees and not the time limits, I see it as another way we can support our community in this time.
“The cost (of $25,000-$30,000 in lost monthly parking revenue) from the chief executive is based on historic evidence of parking revenue.
“I’m sure that revenue will be reduced at this point in time so the full cost to council by supporting this measure isn’t that full amount. We’ll be foregoing some of that revenue anyway.”
Cr Leigh Wilson said the decision was vital to keep small business going.
“The choice is really between what role do we play that may assist our local businesses,” Cr Wilson said.
“Businesses being operated by local owners versus people going and parking for free in the large, free car-parking areas in the large, multi-national establishments that suck the majority of the profits straight out of our area.
“Yes, they may employ some people, but really I think Cr Mackrell has hit the nail on the head.”
