The recent decision by the City of Greater Geelong to scrap free parking has sparked controversy and concern, particularly among local businesses and residents. This move, which was intended to boost visitation and support local businesses, has now been deemed a failure by the council itself. The trial, which offered two hours of free parking on some of the city's busiest streets, was a hit among residents, workers, and visitors, with demand far exceeding expectations. However, the council's decision to terminate the trial on July 4th has left many people frustrated and disappointed.
One of the most vocal critics of the decision is Dragana Nenadić, owner of a 24-hour pilates studio in Central Geelong. Nenadić, who has lived in Geelong since she was a child, is baffled by the council's decision, especially given the popularity of the trial among locals. She believes that the return to paid parking is costing her clients and putting a strain on their finances, particularly during a time of rising costs of living.
Nenadić's concerns are not unfounded. The trial's conclusion has resulted in a significant decline in casual parking revenue, with a full-year forecast underlying operating deficit of $13.8 million for the 2025-26 financial year. The council's decision to terminate the trial has also been linked to a reduction in visitation to Central Geelong, according to the City of Greater Geelong website.
The council's decision to scrap free parking has also been met with resistance from the community. Nenadić has started a change.org petition calling on the City of Greater Geelong to reinstate free two-hour parking, and has already garnered more than 450 signatures. The petition highlights the financial burden that paid parking imposes on local businesses and residents, particularly those already struggling with the rising costs of living.
Despite the criticism, the council has confirmed that there are currently no plans to reinstate free two-hour parking. However, data collected during the trial will be used to develop a new comprehensive parking plan. The council has also acknowledged the need for a broader review of parking across the municipality, informed by the findings from the trial.
In my opinion, the council's decision to scrap free parking is a short-sighted move that has negative implications for the local economy and community. The trial's success in boosting visitation and supporting local businesses cannot be ignored, and the council's decision to terminate it without a proper evaluation of its impact is concerning. The community's resistance to the decision is a testament to the importance of free parking in supporting local businesses and residents, particularly during a time of economic uncertainty.
The council's decision to scrap free parking has also raised questions about the effectiveness of its budget decisions. The significant decline in parking revenue and the forecast underlying operating deficit suggest that the council's financial decisions may need to be re-evaluated. The community's response to the decision highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to budgeting and decision-making, one that takes into account the needs and concerns of local businesses and residents.
In conclusion, the council's decision to scrap free parking is a controversial move that has negative implications for the local economy and community. The trial's success in boosting visitation and supporting local businesses cannot be ignored, and the council's decision to terminate it without a proper evaluation of its impact is concerning. The community's resistance to the decision highlights the importance of free parking in supporting local businesses and residents, particularly during a time of economic uncertainty.
