With 49 spaces, the spend for each spot equates to $10,204 of federal funding. Sixteen spaces are undercover, and two are designed for people with disabilities.

Griffith mayor John Dal Broi said that the car park was value for money and would make living and working in the city easier.

"Providing parking within the CBD has long been recognised as a priority for the community," Councillor Dal Broi said.

"This will ease parking congestion in Banna Avenue and Yambil Street and is a good opportunity for local businesses to attract more customers."

According to Cr Dal Broi, the hefty price tag has also ensured that the car park has appropriate drainage works and landscaping to prevent flooding.

"This project has good longevity and will be there for the next 20 to 30 years," Cr Dal Broi said.

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"There would be nothing worse than building a half-baked car park and having to replace it in a few years time."

Former Councillor Bill Lancaster said that the car park was 'well ahead' of its time, but would be extremely beneficial in the future.

"It's amazing that you can spend half a million on just a car park but this car park will help local businesses, and provide the town some increased economic activity," Mr Lancaster said.

"The funding provided by the federal government was designed to keep country towns moving now and well into the future and this car park will do exactly that!"

The new car park is also part of Griffith City Council's plan to expand the memorial gardens and will replace the lost car spaces from the project as well as alleviating the pressure placed upon Banna Avenue parking spaces.

"We are very fortunate to have received the federal grant money for this worthy project, and not have to take it out of our budget," Cr Dal Broi said.

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