Share and Follow
In a move sure to stir discussion among beachgoers, a council in New South Wales has unveiled a plan to implement paid parking at several of Sydney’s beloved beaches. The Randwick City Council’s proposal specifically targets visitors, requiring them to pay for parking at seven of the area’s picturesque coastal spots.
The beaches in question include the well-frequented Clovelly, Coogee, and Maroubra, as well as Malabar, Little Bay, La Perouse, and Yarra Bay. These locations, known for their stunning views and vibrant community atmosphere, have traditionally offered free parking, a perk that could soon become a thing of the past for those not residing within the council’s jurisdiction.
The council has justified this decision by highlighting the substantial financial burden of maintaining these popular beach destinations. Each year, Randwick City Council allocates over $23 million to services that ensure the beaches remain clean and safe. This includes everything from waste management to the employment of lifeguards who keep swimmers safe in the surf.
Traditionally, the cost of these services has been covered entirely by local ratepayers. The introduction of paid parking is seen as a way to share the responsibility with the many visitors who flock to these beaches throughout the year, helping to offset the costs and maintain the high standard of beach facilities the area is known for.
Until now, ratepayers have provided all of the funding for those services.
This new paid parking proposal would change that, shifting some of the cost onto beachgoers from outside the Randwick LGA.
Randwick residents would be exempt from the paid parking through a permit system.
Mayor of Randwick Dylan Parker said it was “only fair” for visitors to contribute to the cost of keeping the area’s beaches clean and well-maintained.
“Right now, local ratepayers carry most of that cost, even though the bulk of beach users in summer are visitors,” he said in a statement.
“That’s not fair or sustainable in the long term.”
About nine million visits are made to Randwick’s beaches each year, but nearly 84 per cent of visitors come from outside the local LGA.
If the new proposal goes ahead, revenue raised from making visitors pay for parking would go towards providing beach services, funding new coastal infrastructure, and supporting sustainable transport.
“Providing beaches that are clean, safe and inviting is a significant cost for locals alone to bear,” Parker said.
“This proposal is about ensuring we can fairly continue serving the needs of all beachgoers.”
The council has today started a six-week community consultation period to get resident feedback on whether the proposal should go ahead.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.