Better parking & parking permits for Docklands

My name is Franca Caradonna and I am a single mother of a 6 year old son.

In 2011, my son and I were almost left homeless due to severe financial circumstances. We were very lucky to have been saved from destitution by the care of our community and were able to secure housing in the Docklands. It was to be a new beginning for us. My son and I were happy in our little place at Docklands and made wonderful friends during our time there, and I was able to get him settled at a great school.

Unfortunately, within a year of moving, problems started to arise with the parking. It wasn’t just myself, not all residents had the privilege of private parking. I expressed this rather alarming situation to the council with several letters informing them that I was in desperate need of a parking permit. I attempted to communicate other issues with the parking around the Docklands, including how difficult it was to run out and drop everything every two hours to feed the meter, especially as I don’t feel comfortable leaving my son alone while he sleeps. As a resident, I felt I had the right to park my car freely at my home.

This situation has now resulted in over $2,500 dollars of parking fines. Due to this awful situation, I’ve had no choice but to relocate my son again and add to my financial burdens with the cost of another move. It has also resulted to a hearing at the Magistrates Court on the 18th March.

This is a serious matter and the council hasn’t assisted me in any way and my voice as a resident was completely ignored.

I want to set a good example for my son, to show him that people do have a voice in their community. How can I teach him equality when the people who are supposed to hear your voice aren’t choosing to listen.

Signing this petition will force the council to start listening to the people of Melbourne.