MORE than 1000 people have signed a petition calling for shade sails to be installed at Ritchies IGA carpark in Robinvale.
The petition was presented to Swan Hill Rural City Council at this week’s monthly meeting, which was told the carpark was like “a roast in an oven” during summer.
The petition from “concerned members of the community and customers” has urged the council to work in conjunction with Ritchies Supermarkets and Liquor Stores and Faren Pty Ltd, which owns part of the land, to install shade sails in the Robinvale supermarket carpark.
In a letter sent to the three parties, signatory Alison Black said that, given the extreme reluctance of many residents to sign any form of documentation and a reduction in tourists during COVID-19, the petition with 1042 signatures was “very significant and cannot be ignored”.
“During summer the temperature inside vehicles parked in the sun can rise to around 60 degrees Celsius, even after a relatively short period of time,” Ms Black said.
“In these temperatures vehicles become a deadly scorching oven and a safety concern.
“Key to our request is the issue of sun and heat safety for all; mums with babies and children, the elderly, teams of workers who arrive at the supermarket in people movers and who then sit on the kerbs in the sun or under a tree before departing and the everyday customer.
“The provision of shade sails would also be an incentive for locals to return to shopping in Robinvale rather than including grocery shopping on their ‘to-do list’ when visiting Mildura.”
Ms Black said that while the three organisations did not have any legal obligation to provide shade sails for customers, such a move would demonstrate a significant commitment to the town.
She said shade was now accepted as an essential social and community requirement for residents.
Councillors were last week told a portion of the land was owned by Faren Pty Ltd and another portion by the council.
Robinvale-based councillor Jade Benham said she did not believe anyone would be opposed to shade sails in a supermarket carpark, “especially that one”.
“It is a very wide, open space laid in bitumen, so in Mallee summers it becomes like a roast in an oven,” Cr Benham said.
“I don’t think anyone is debating the need for shade sails and how useful they are, but I understand because of the land, et cetera, it may be a complicated exercise.
“I’m hoping there may even be scope to explore some sustainable energy solutions moving forward.
“Hopefully there are some discussions that can happen three-way between Ritchies, Faren and Swan Hill Rural City Council.”
Councillors agreed the council should investigate the matter and report back to a future meeting.
