Mullum mechanic claims inadequate comms over parking loss

A Mullum business owner is standing firm on what he says is inadequate communication and questionable drainage changes around his shop, which has resulted in the loss of parking for his customers.

David Rundle, who runs the NRC group mechanic shop at the former Carsburg dealership on the corner of Argyle and Prince St, says that staff’s reply to The Echo around his concerns were inaccurate.

Staff told The Echo, ‘A letter was delivered to the mechanics by a Council staff member directly , prior to work starting, to inform them. A council staff member also spoke with David, and another member of staff Daniel, after this to discuss why the work has to take place over the phone’. 

Rundle replied, ‘After several phone attempts and messages from [myself] David and Danile at Autocare, we spoke with a council representative. 

Staff continued, ‘The mechanics were also reminded a few days before work started (it was meant to start on 31 July, but was delayed slightly, so they were informed of the updated date).  

Rundle replied, ‘This was in a phone call initiated by [myself] David from Autocare’.

Staff continued, ‘They have been advised that it is the business’s responsibility to provide parking for their customers at the premises or advise customers and staff to park further down the street. 

Rundle replied, ‘This was advised in the phone call initiated by David from Autocare, customers to the previous Tony Carsburg dealership, petrol station and workshop businesses have been parking in these spots for decades without issue!’

Staff continued, ‘As stated in the letter the boulders have been placed on the corner of Prince Street and Argyle Street to prevent cars from parking there, to ensure the drain is not damaged and water can drain freely. 

Rundle replied, ‘Water does not drain away as this is the lowest point, staff and customers deal with the issue when the weather prevails. 

Staff continued, ‘Gravel was taken away from the drain to maintain it and assist with water flow’. 

Rundle replied, ‘Gravel and Blue metal was taken away from the neighbouring site next to the pods development as the proposed new car park, when these earthworks were carried out the fall of the land was changed to slope towards Prince Street not away as previous towards to old railway tracks’.

Staff continued, ‘There are also safety concerns with cars parking in that location’.  

Rundle replied, Cars have been parking safely in this location for decades from the previous businesses operations.

Rundle continued, ‘There was no prior consultation to the letter, customers, residents and Autocare were not aware of any issue, it does rain a lot in Mullumbimby 1.5 metres so far in 2024’.

‘We all deal with it, the town cannot handle heavy rainfall without substantial artificial drainage solutions.

‘The proposed solution will not fix any drainage. According to hydro expert opinion, a drainage solution would require extensive excavation, the installation of a water retention system and a pump to clear the water away. The open “drain” is far from a solution.

‘The claim vehicles are damaging the “drain” is not true as photos prove the cars cannot park in the “drain”

‘The speed at which the action took place within 2 weeks of advising the letter, if only all council road requirements were met with such urgency such as sealing the road surface on Prince Street! Or fixing Potholes!

‘I have been in contact with the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor with regards to a solution, which we believe is to remove the boulders and return the site to how it was.

‘Don’t waste anymore ratepayers money that they already have! What is needed is a longer-term, a real solution decided upon with consultation and taking into account plans for the proposed car park and drainage solution similar to what is on place for the Pod development, with fall to the railway line and a rubble drain to prevent erosion’, Rundle concluded.