Independent Lord Mayor candidate Gavin Morris has put the brakes on a fellow hopeful’s plan to introduce free 30-minute parking in Newcastle.
Councillor Declan Clausen, who is also vying for the top job in the 18 April by-election, announced at the weekend he was keen to alleviate some financial stress on locals and visitors alike, even for just half-an-hour.
Currently, rates in 1P, 2P, 4P and 8P areas of the CBD are $5.70 per hour Monday to Sunday.
Cr Clausen stated his policy was a practical cost-of-living measure that would make it easier for people to support local businesses in and around the city.
However, Mr Morris is calling for a comprehensive review of the supply of spaces, restrictions and enforcement before any further changes are made.
“Free 30-minute parking may sound appealing,” he said.
“But, it should not be treated as a standalone solution to a much broader problem in Newcastle’s CBD.
“Anyone who regularly parks in the city knows the landscape has changed significantly in recent years.
“The demolition of the former King Street Parking Station, redevelopment of the old David Jones car park, the impact of light rail and ongoing residential and commercial projects have all reduced supply.”
Mr Morris questioned whether the wider issue of the existing rules still reflected the reality of the CBD in 2026.
“The assumptions that underpinned the 2021 Traffic Management Plan need to be tested against current conditions,” he said.
“That plan itself, which is five years old, identified inconsistent time restrictions, driver confusion and the need for better parking management, particularly on weekends and in the evenings.
“Those concerns are even more relevant today.
“Many retailers and hospitality venues now relying heavily on weekend and evening trade.
“The CBD has changed; however, the parking regulations have not kept pace.
“If we want to support local businesses and improve access to the city, council needs to take an area-wide, evidence-based approach rather than reaching for short-term fixes to gain election votes.”
The 2021 strategy highlighted the need for regular surveys of parking demand to guide future decisions on time limits and fees across the CBD and surrounding areas, too.
“Before council considers additional 30-minute parking, it should undertake a detailed and systematic analysis of everything,” Mr Morris said.
“That review also needs to consider enforcement.
“Council has obligations to manage parking laws, public safety and traffic flow, but infringements outside ranger working hours often go unaddressed.
“It is no longer enough to assume the challenge is purely one of management.
“That may once have been a reasonable argument.
“However, without a comprehensive, data-driven review, we cannot ignore the possibility that lack of supply is now a major part of the problem.”
For more news stories:
- The Station on track to become Newcastle tourism, hospitality hot spot
- Lord Mayor candidate drives free half-hour parking bid
- Essential track works shutdown Hunter Valley line
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