Residents and visitors express strong opinions on Randwick Council’s plan to introduce paid parking at several popular beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Details of the Proposal
The initiative targets beaches including Coogee, Maroubra, Clovelly, Little Bay, La Perouse, and Yarra Bay. Proposed fees mirror those at other spots, such as Manly’s $10 per hour and Bondi’s $11.60. Local households would receive one free parking permit each.
Randwick Council allocates over $23 million annually to beach maintenance, covered solely by ratepayers. Notably, 84 percent of the nine million annual visitors originate from outside the local area, primarily from inner-city regions, Inner West, Bayside Council, and Canterbury-Bankstown.
Mixed Community Reactions
Responses to a six-week online community survey reveal divided views. Critics label the move as money-grabbing, with one respondent stating, “Families are struggling with groceries, fuel, and mortgages, and the solution is to slug us for a swim?” Another called it a “typical money-grabbing council. What a disgrace.” A third argued, “These beaches belong to the public. We already pay enough in rates and taxes.”
Supporters, however, see fairness in the plan. “As a local resident, I support this,” one said. “If people want to get free parking, they should live locally or catch public transport.” Another noted, “If 84 percent of beach users currently aren’t paying anything for maintenance and the upkeep of the beaches, that should change.” A respondent added, “I’m supportive, as long as the revenue actually goes to maintaining nearby facilities and cleaning, rather than disappearing into a general council fund.”
One commenter expressed reservations: “It’s fair to distribute the cost but when a $23 million bill generates $75 million in revenue, I get miffed and simply won’t visit there anymore.”
Mayor’s Perspective
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker emphasizes equity. “Our beaches belong to everyone, and everyone is welcome to enjoy them, but it’s only fair that people who visit our beaches also contribute to the cost of maintaining them,” he stated. “Right now, local ratepayers carry most of that cost, even though the bulk of beach users in summer are visitors. That’s not fair or sustainable in the long term. This proposal is about ensuring we can fairly continue serving the needs of all beachgoers.”
