Have your say on the Council's draft parking management plan

A draft framework to proactively manage car parking across the Sunshine Coast was unveiled today and residents are invited to have their say.

Launched in Caloundra by Mayor Mark Jamieson and Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski the comprehensive draft Parking Management Plan is an important part of council’s commitment to long-term planning for the Sunshine Coast.

“The smart parking plan applies common sense solutions and harnesses existing and new technology as a means to manage greater demand for car parking as our region continues to grow at a rate higher than other Queensland regions,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“In tackling congestion, there really are only two levers available – better, more extensive and integrated public transport solutions and how we manage car parking demand”.

“The public transport solution rests with the State Government – while council has the authority to manage car parking demand,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Council continues to maintain a vigorous advocacy approach with the State government and looks at opportunities for private investment with a view to securing an effective, integrated public transport solution for the region.

“Our draft Parking Management Plan identifies the need to prioritise investment in public transport infrastructure – which is a State Government responsibility - balanced with the needs of the road network, which includes minimising congestion.

“Through sound planning, our council consistently aims to maintain our lifestyle advantages and the distinctive character of the communities that make up our region.

“The draft Parking Management Plan will help us proactively manage parking while recognising the existing and future demands of residents, business and visitors.

“In short, this draft plan will help to shape a region - and a future - that is healthy, smart and creative”.

Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the draft Parking Management Plan and its associated draft Local Area Parking Plans for 37 areas across the Coast built on council’s current approaches to managing parking.

 “The draft plans aim to provide a sensible pathway forward to achieve fair and equitable access to parking for all, without creating a costly oversupply” Cr Baberowski said.

“We know the increased traffic is coming so it’s important that we have a clear plan.

“Achieving the right balance between the demand for, and supply of, parking will be crucial to finalising the documents.

“We are actively listening to community feedback about current parking management issues and opportunities and public input will be vital in determining the preferred outcomes.

“Paid parking which is a user pays system – will only be considered in exceptional cases where demand for car parks is consistently high in areas such as larger urban centres, and where its effects will increase turnover of parking spaces.

“Paid parking is already in place in the Caloundra CBD and was recently introduced at Birtinya. As outlined in the draft Local Area Parking Plans it is proposed to be introduced in limited areas within the new Maroochydore city centre currently being developed, Mooloolaba and the emerging town centre at Sippy Downs.

“Council will look at other strategies before implementing paid parking.

"Consultation is very important because we want to create a consistent approach to parking across the region to proactively manage the needs, risks and pressures on a day-to-day basis.

“We want our residents involved in that discussion”.

Community feedback will close on Friday May 5, 2017.

Feedback received during the community consultation period will inform the final Sunshine Coast Council Parking Management Plan, which will then be presented to council for consideration.

Visit the project website ‘Have Your Say Sunshine Coast’ for a full copy of the draft Parking Management Plan, draft Local Area Parking Plans and to provide your comments online.

Have your say

View the draft Parking Management Plan and provide your comments online at ‘Have Your Say Sunshine Coast’.

Visit the displays at:

    Sunshine Coast libraries
    Sunshine Coast Council Customer Service Counters
    A number of community information sessions across the Sunshine Coast

Or

Alternatively, post your written comments to Sunshine Coast Council, Draft Sunshine Coast Parking Management Plan, Locked Bag 72, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre, Qld, 4560.

For enquiries email [email protected] or call council on 5475 7272.

The comment period runs from 27 March 2017 to 5 May 2017.