Ok, glad I read that, will leave the car at Essendon station and get the train in....
MCG parking protest
The Herald Sun
David Hastie | June 21, 2009
IF YOU were planning on parking at the MCG for next Sunday's AFL clash between North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, consider public transport instead.
With the intent of blocking car parking ahead of the game, the Yarra Park Association has organised a picnic protest, dubbed the "Kick-Out-The-Cars Picnic".
Association spokesman Nik Dow said "hundreds" were expected to attend.
He said letter drops in the area, along with online campaigns, had drummed up significant interest.
"The local community is very passionate about this issue," Mr Dow said.
"Those 4000 cars that park there clog up the neighbourhood and cause tremendous congestion."
Mr Dow dismissed claims the picnic was illegal, saying the move to block car parking in Yarra Park did not break any laws.
"There's no reason why we would be doing anything illegal and there's no power to move us on," he said.
"But even if it was illegal, we would still have our picnic.
"We've liaised with the police about what we're doing."
Yarra Park is crown land managed by Melbourne City Council.
A five-year lease agreement between the State Government and the council is due to expire in October next year.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle acknowledged the proposed protesters' plight and said the council would work to "achieve a better balance between the parkland needs and those of cars".
"Council is well aware of the strength of feeling within the Yarra community and their desire to see the park closed to traffic," Mr Doyle said.
"However, sporting stakeholders also feel strongly that cars should be allowed to park in Yarra Park to support attendance at sporting and other events.
"The increased number of activities in this precinct means that it is difficult to retain a green space of any amenity and also park the number of cars that are currently expected to be catered for within Yarra Park."
Secure Parking, which manages Yarra Park parking on game days, could not be reached for comment.
