Overview
- Randwick’s mayor defended charging non-residents to park at popular beaches and said the council will increase the number of free resident permits per household.
- A council survey of 12,039 respondents found 54% of local households in support and 73% of non-resident households opposed, while a separate phone poll reported 64% resident support.
- The council says visitor fees would help cover roughly $23 million a year for lifeguards, cleaning and coastal facilities and would lift parking turnover during peak days.
- Opponents cite equity and cost-of-living concerns and fear a hit to small shops, and the council says it will review submissions and consider carve-outs such as pausing meters during surf club nippers.
- Other NSW councils are exploring similar non-resident fees, with Shoalhaven considering an app-based system and noting Blue Mountains raised about $3 million from tourist parking in 2024–25.