Port Lincoln Times Parking now State investigation Thursday, 23 February 2006
A QUERY from the Port Lincoln City Council about the State Government's off-street parking policy at schools has prompted a full investigation by the Ombudsman.
Councillor Eric Russell moved a motion last month that was passed by the council to write to the Ombudsman over concerns with State Government "double standards" when it comes to parking at public and private schools.
Mr Russell said off-street parking was not provided at public schools but development laws required a certain amount of off-street parking at private schools before further development could be approved.
"Is the government playing on a level playing field with public and private schools?," Mr Russell said.
"We don't think it is."
The Ombudsman's Office told the council this week there would be an investigation.
"It won't be a preliminary investigation, it will be a full investigation with State-wide implications," council chief executive officer Geoff Dodd said.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said in correspondence with the Local Government Association the department's Traffic Management Policy stated that short-term parking for picking up and dropping off students should occur on public roads.
Mr Russell said the pick up and drop off of students was not the only issue.
He said the lack of off street parking at State Government schools sites meant staff were forced to park on the street around the school taking up valuable parking spaces.
Port Lincoln mayor Peter Davis said the situation was an example of the State Government demanding others comply with development requirements that it did not apply to itself.
The Ombudsman's office is currently seeking a response from the chief executive of the Department of Education and Children's Services.