by Emma Ballingall
The loss of at least four carparks in the heart of Garfield's main street has left retailers blindsided and fearing shoppers will "just go elsewhere."

A dozen workers, representing six businesses, gathered on the main street to oppose the new site selected for the town's bus stop.
Whilst not opposing the need to relocate the bus stop from its current dangerous location, not one of those gathered said they had been consulted by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) before its decision. Instead, they were advised in a letter detailing the works set to begin next week.
"A safer bus stop is a necessity, but it's a matter of where to put it," Tony Lock from Garfield Post Office said. "This is the last place they should put the bus stop."
Mr Lock believed a better location could have been found "if (they) had of just talked to us in the first place."
However, he said the site selected and removal of at least four carparks would only serve to put the post office, pharmacist, butcher and a café out of business; a sentiment shared by other retailers.
"From a trader's point of view, if shoppers can't park, they won't stop," Helen Davey from Garfield Community Shop said.
"Small towns struggle to get passing traffic to stop as it is," she said. "We've got to get customers from outside the town to come."
With the op shop donating about $60,000 back into its community each year, Ms Davey warned "if we lose that revenue, we can't support local community groups."
The traders provided the Gazette with four alternative sites for a bus stop to avoid removal of parking spaces in the growing town, including the old train station driveway; a nature strip opposite the existing bus stop near Thirteen Mile Rd; school bus stop area in Ritchie St; and the area opposite Garfield Picture Theatre.
Mr Lock estimated every third person entering the newsagency complained about having to park a distance away.
"It's not uncommon for people to have to park 100 metres away," Mr Lock added.
And, with the issue set to get worse when at least four parking spaces are removed, he said "they'll just go elsewhere."
They also are concerned for the Garfield War Memorial, located in front of the new bus stop site and just a few metres from the road. Mr Lock said any works impacting the memorial would cause "a hell of an uproar" in the town.
The DTP letter provided details of the new indented bus stop requiring removal of four parking spaces in Main Rd. Once the existing bus stop is decommissioned, the net loss of parking in front of shops will be two spaces.
DTP advised the new site in front of the RSL monument was historically the location of the V/Line coach stop and there was no intention to relocate or disturb the war memorial as part of the works.
"We've responded to community feedback by relocating the bus stop on Main Rd in Garfield to directly outside Garfield Station," a spokesperson said. "The proposed new location provides an easier interchange between bus and trains for passengers, and is closer to key shops and services."
"This will improve public transport services for the local community, especially passengers with luggage, the elderly and those with mobility issues."
DTP said the decision to relocate the bus stop in Garfield followed a number of complaints from users having to walk 120 metres from the existing V/Line bus stop, particularly with luggage. It also will reduce the need for passengers to cross the road, it said.
According to DTP, Cardinia Shire Council was consulted and Garfield Community Association and traders advised of the proposed relocation. Located opposite the commercial precinct, it said the site was selected to minimise the impact on local businesses.