Caboolture businesses concerned all-day parkers are driving customers away

BUSINESSES in a CBD north of Brisbane fear a “beautification” project will drive customers away.

Caboolture CBD traders who are angry after council closed a section of carpark, along Matthew Terrace and James Street, fearing a loss of custom. Picture: Bradley Cooper

CABOOLTURE CBD business owners say they are concerned customers will be driven away after a section of carpark, along Matthew Terrace and James St, was closed to create a green space.

NewsXpress owner Jim Cassimatis said he had concerns over Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) rezoning three-hour carparks to all-day carparks during the development of the site.

Mr Cassimatis said the all-day parkers were taking spots typically reserved for customers.

Joe Maver, from Caboolture Realty, said traders had not been consulted about the parking changes.

“I know, if somewhere is too difficult to get a park, then I’ll go somewhere else,” he said.

Moreton Bay Region Councillor Adam Hain (Div3) said the closed-off area of the James St car park was loaned temporarily to Queensland Rail for commuters.

“The agreement was for one year, giving Qrail an opportunity to come up with other options, preferably on the Eastern side of the station, it has now been six years,” he said.

“The majority of these commuters spend no money while in town as they are typically sprinting for a train.”

Mr Hain said it was important to beautify the dirt carpark as it looked like a “dogs breakfast” when empty.

Queensland Rail was contacted and referred the matter to TransLink which deals with parking issues.

A TransLink spokesman said there were 627 dedicated park ‘n’ ride spaces at the Caboolture train station and customers also had access 10 different bus services to and from the station.