A meeting, between Stockland management and the union representing angry Stockland Green Hills workers, has reached a breakthrough over the no parking fiasco.
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Workers at Stockland Green Hills will once again be able to access free, safe parking at the centre, with the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (union) and Stockland reaching an in-principle agreement during Friday’s meeting.
Priority will be given to customers to access the most convenient parking spaces in the centre.
Following the meeting, the parties issued a joint statement which said retail workers are not restricted from parking at the centre under the development consent.
“Stockland is working on designating 115 car parks for retail worker parking and also proposes to trial a further 120 parks for this purpose,” the statement said.
“Stockland is exploring additional options. However we acknowledge the importance of creating convenient and accessible parking for customers. This will underpin the success for Stockland retailers and underpin retail worker employment.
“ Accordingly we request retail workers support Stockland’s endeavour to prioritise parking for customers and encourage retail workers to use alternate methods of transport to work where available.”
The meeting followed weeks of workers, nearby businesses, tenants and the local community voicing their concerns about the impact of centre staff parking off-site.
The union presented a petition to Stockland centre management at the meeting with over 1500 signatures in support of reinstating staff parking at the centre.
The union’s Newcastle and Northern Branch Assistant Secretary, David Bliss, said it was a satisfying result.
“We have been privileged to work with so many others over recent weeks to ensure the voice of the community was heard and understood,” Mr Bliss said.
“In coming weeks we look forward to an immediate improvement in parking for workers, with dedicated spaces to be made available for the centre’s staff. This will relieve some of the pressure on local streets and surrounding businesses.”
“The union has committed to open communication with Stockland regarding lighting and security issues, investigating further options for more staff parking in close proximity to the centre and encouraging retail workers to use alternate methods of transport to work, where available, and access the dedicated spaces, where possible,” Mr Bliss said.
“The Union also looks forward to working with the local community and Stockland to secure the best possible arrangements for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
