Parking changes proposed to improve access in Barkly Street
Ararat Rural City Council is inviting community feedback on proposed changes to parking in Barkly Street, designed to make it easier for shoppers, people with accessibility needs, couriers, and longer vehicles to park in the Ararat CBD. The proposed adjustments follow a review of existing parking arrangements in response to changing patterns of use in the central shopping strip.
Council’s proposed plan contains a modest rebalancing of parking types along Barkly Street, with an increase in accessible parking bays and motorcycle bays, and a small reduction in loading bays and taxi waiting areas. The review also identified the need for an additional bay for vehicles exceeding six metres in length, supporting safe access for caravans, trailers, and other longer vehicles that visit the CBD.
Under the proposal, Barkly Street would provide a total of 206 car parking spaces, including 11 accessible bays, eight loading bays, two motorcycle bays, one taxi bay, and two bays for vehicles over six metres in length. These changes build on the existing free parking arrangements in the CBD, which are intended to support local traders and make it easier for people to come into town to do their shopping and access professional services.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison, said the recommendations aimed to balance the needs of shoppers, traders, and service providers in a practical way. “Barkly Street is the heart of our central business district, and we want to make sure it works well for everyone,” Dr Harrison said.
“This proposal is about fine‑tuning the mix of parking so that people with mobility challenges can park closer to where they need to go, delivery drivers can still do their job efficiently, and locals and visitors can find a park without circling the block.”
Community members can view a map of the proposed changes at Council’s Customer Service Centre or online via Council’s Engage Ararat platform. Feedback can be provided in writing, by email to [email protected], or directly through the engage.ararat.vic.gov.au.
Submissions are invited until Friday 30 April, after which Council will consider community input before finalising any changes.
