Council enters into contract to purchase former Co-Op car park

Goondiwindi Regional Council has entered into a contract to buy what was formerly known as the Co-Op car park on Bowen Street in Goondiwindi. The purchase, which includes the house, shed, and toilet block, will mean the site can be used to provide public car parking within the town’s CBD.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the acquisition was a good opportunity for Council to buy land in a strategic location that would both increase the amount of off-street parking currently available within the CBD and prepare for the town’s future development.

“As anyone who has been in the CBD on a busy morning can tell you, Goondiwindi is a thriving regional hub that services residents and visitors from miles around,” the Mayor said. “Previously, as private property, this car park was solely for the use of the Co-Op’s patrons and employees. This purchase will make it a public asset, and will secure more off-street public parking for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“The car park is already fit for purpose and includes toilets, so it represents significant value for money,” he said. “In comparison, fifteen-odd years ago, the car park behind the medical centre on McLean Street cost in excess of $300,000 before the shade and bitumen improvements.”

“Council’s investment of $580,000 cash and our decision to forgo the car parking bond tied to the block, presents excellent value for rate payers as we propose to use the already established carpark for public car parking.”

The block also includes the existing on-site house and shed, and Council will now explore what options are available for these assets.

“Further down the track, we may also be able to look at improvements to the site such as shade sails or similar,” Cr Springborg said.

The Goondiwindi Co-Op went into liquidation in April 2020 and was sold in August 2020. The adjacent car park was not included in that sale and has been on the market for some time.

The purchase will complement ongoing community consultation about the future development of the Goondiwindi CBD and River Precinct area. Ensuring that the Goondiwindi main street and CBD remain vibrant, attractive and able to cater to the region and its residents is a key priority for Council, and Cr Springborg said the availability of more public parking would be beneficial to that long-term vision.

“This purchase is about preparing for tomorrow, not just today, and planning for the long-term future of the town,” he said. “The car park is very strategically located for current businesses in the CBD, and also aligns to any potential future retail development of the River Precinct or Bowen Street.”

There are currently three free all-day car parks within the Goondiwindi CBD, located at McLean Street, Bowen Street and Callandoon Street. There are more than 140 unrestricted parking places in these car parks, and many streets adjoining Marshall and Herbert Street have unrestricted parking suitable for large vehicles.

The contract is expected to be settled in the coming weeks.