Is there enough parking at Altandi railway station? A political storm has brewed on the cusp of the state election

An avalanche of social media criticism relating to the Altandi railway station park and ride facilities has fuelled a political storm on the cusp of the state election.

Carparking at Altandi Train Station - Picture: Renae Droop

AN  AVALANCHE of social media criticism relating to the Altandi railway station park and ride facilities has fuelled a political storm on the cusp of the state election.

State Labor MP for Sunnybank Peter Russo has been forced to defend the State Government policy around not increasing parking at the Sunnybank-based station.

LNP candidate for the electorate Anthony Shorten has swooped on the discontent.

Mr Shorten has arranged a public meeting on Saturday at 3pm on the corner of Gundooee and Tarrawonga streets, Sunnybank.

He said the park and ride was overflowing.

But Mr Russo said most commuters arrived at the station on foot or by bus.

“Altandi station is very well-connected with 10 local bus routes, including the high-frequency route 130 and route 140, servicing the station,’’ Mr Russo said.

“In fact, most commuters at Altandi arrive either on foot or by connecting bus.

“I understand concerns have been raised by the community and TransLink is currently conducting monitoring of public transport demand across the network to ensure the level of service and infrastructure provided meets demand.

“I will continue to work with TransLink to address the transport needs of our community.’’

Mr Shorten urged residents and commuters to attend Saturday’s meeting.

“In the Government’s response to my community petition they state: ‘A high percentage of public transport users currently access Altandi Station by walking’.

“Yes, walking from their cars parked in clogged local streets,’’ Mr Shorten said.

Kayla Maree summed up the mood of commuters and nearby residents when she wrote on the Southern Star Facebook page: “Considering it’s got an express train coming through, and with Altandi being the last stop before we get to the Brisbane CBD, it means a large amount of commuters parking in small streets.

“This is very unsafe for not only the cars sitting there all day but also the people that live in these streets trying to get in and out without hitting anything.”

Jan Wilson agreed: “Our street is now full of parked cars. There needs to be a dedicated parking area for commuters. The church and swimming people take up a lot of the spaces.’’