Cade Lucas
It’s hoped a new truck park built on council land in Truganina will ease the shortage of heavy vehicle parking spaces in the western suburbs.
Last week, Wyndham council approved a plan to turn a vacant greenfield site in Intrepid Place Truganina into a truck and container park.
The new facility will be to be operated by Containerised Storage and Transport Solutions and owner, Gabor Stumpf, said it will address a clear need.
“There is a severe lack of truck parking for smaller contractors in the entire western corner” said Mr Stumpf who was approached by council to run the facility.
He said the shortage was particularly acute in the Truganina area and affected smaller operators caught between property prices and council regulations.
“People call us up having been fined, desperately looking for parking.
“They can’t afford a yard of their own and usually park on the street until they get hassled enough with fines whereby they look for a provider like us for discount parking options.
“We’re talking about smaller companies, three to four trucks who mostly sub-contract for larger companies.”
The plight of these companies was highlighted during council debate, with councillor Josh Gilligan arguing truck drivers needed solutions rather than fines.
“We cannot enforce a measure and give them no other option,” Cr Gilligan said.
In moving the motion, Cr Adele Hegedich said the new facility would also remove trucks from the road.
The 7000 square site was purchased by council in 2018 to become an animal pound, but the project didn’t proceed.
Expected open by summer and operate 24-7, the park will fit 70 to 80 trucks and have space for container storage too.
Mr Stumpf said filling it shouldn’t be a problem.
“I don’t believe demand is gonna be an issue.”
