Mr Fletcher said any withdrawn funding would be redirected to other road-related projects in Melbournes south-east, and he was willing to discuss any amended proposal by the state government or councils.
Frankston Council is in discussions with the Morrison government about using the withdrawn cash from two local stations Seaford and Kananook to build new car parking on land owned by the council rather than the state government. But mayor Kris Bolam hit it out at a disconnect between the state and federal governments which he said had delayed the program.
There was an impasse between the federal and the state governments and [the federal government] came to us and said we cant get a resolution with the state, can we work with you and we said yes, Cr Bolam said.
It seems like theres a bit of tribalism going on between the state and federal governments.
We just want the damn thing built, weve been waiting now for three years and the commuter car parking situation isnt getting any better.
Of the more than 25 federally-funded commuter car park projects, two have been completed at Beaconsfield and Hurstbridge and three others are being built.
The Balaclava station car park lost $15 million of government funding as the site was already earmarked for a social housing project a year before the federal government made its funding pledge.
Josh Burns the federal Labor MP for Macnamara, whose electorate covers the station, argued the Morrison government didnt do their homework when they promised the car park on land already being negotiated for a different use. This is sloppy policy and empty promises, he said.
Hurdles at other stations included a lack of available space for car parking and concerns about the amenity impacts of building a high-rise car park on the foreshore at Brighton Beach.
Heathmont resident Alex Kingsbury created a petition that has got nearly 900 signatures opposing plans for a multi-level car park next to her local station, which received $15 million of a total $60 million set aside for four stations in Liberal minister Michael Sukkars seat of Deakin.
Heathmont resident Alex Kingsbury opposes a planned multi-level car park at her local station.Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui
She said Maroondah Council bought the land for the car park for more than $4 million but failed to consult with the community about plans for the soulless car park, which would force mature trees to be cut down.
She said the building would be a blight on the areas village-type atmosphere and override state plans for a potential meeting site that would be of significant architectural excellence.
A state government spokeswoman said: Were assisting the Commonwealth in the planning and delivery of carparks at a number of Victorian locations.
Start your day informed
Our Morning Edition newsletter is a curated guide to the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Get it delivered to your inbox.
