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Council is investigating ways to help ease parking pressure in the Murwillumbah CBD, including the possibility of opening up additional public car parking spaces in the town centre.
The top two levels and some parking bays on the ground level of the multi-level carpark in Tumbulgum Road have been closed since December due to heat damage caused by a vehicle fire on the middle level of the building.
In a Mayoral Minute at today's Council meeting, Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry acknowledged the impact of the extended closure on the Murwillumbah CBD and the flow-on effects for businesses.
"We understand businesses are growing increasingly frustrated with the difficulty in finding parking for their staff and customers following the closure of the multi-level carpark, and we acknowledge the impact this extended closure is having on everyone," Cr Cherry said.
"We are doing what we can to expedite the repair process with our insurers and specialised engineering contractors who are investigating the extent of the structural damage caused by the fire.
"While this is taking place, our staff are looking into the possibility of reconfiguring some parking bays in Queen Street and liaising with our insurance company to allow the opening of up to 70 additional parking spaces, plus two disability parking bays, at the Queen Street entry to the multi-level carpark.
"We acknowledge this process is taking longer than envisioned at the start of the year, but it is a complex issue that requires specialised contractors as well as the input of our insurance agency.
"We ask for patience and understanding while we work on a solution to help ease the pressure on local businesses and staff."
Cr Cherry referred the matter to the Local Traffic Committee to consider the impact of releasing the additional parking bays on the CBD and to investigate other interim measures to relieve parking pressure.
She further urged business owners and staff working in the CBD to use alternative parking options in the town, including underutilised areas such as Knox Park.
As part of the original report commissioned by Council to assess the damage of the multi-level carpark, a recommendation to undertake additional structural testing was made. The scope of this work was developed by a consultant and a brief provided to Council in late May.
On Monday 3 June, Council staff met with the original building contractor of the carpark, to discuss the structural integrity of the building. Subject to Council's usual procurement processes and sign-off from insurers, the company has agreed to work with Council to engage a specialist forensic engineer to oversee additional structural testing as required by the scope report.
It is Council's understanding the building can be repaired, subject to the forensic engineer's report. Unfortunately, timeframes cannot be provided until this additional testing is completed.
