Tea Tree Gully Council lashes LGA SA over paid parking survey

The council at the centre of the government’s plans to outlaw paid parking at major shopping centres has condemned the LGA over its position.

The council at the centre of the state government’s plans to outlaw paid parking at SA’s major shopping centres has condemned the Local Government Association over its position on the Bill.

But other councils set to be affected by the potential change have reiterated concerns about the financial and social implications it could have on ratepayers.

The Tea Tree Gully Council, where the Tea Tree Plaza shopping complex sits, has called into question the Local Government Association of SA’s opposition to the Bill, saying it was never offered the chance to give feedback.

Deputy mayor Lucas Jones said the council had repeatedly thrown its support behind the move and was confused by the LGA’s likely opposition.

“Council has already resolved on two occasions that … we would consider using any option available to prevent residents and retail workers from paying for parking,” he said.

Tea Tree Gully deputy mayor Lucas Jones. Picture: AAP Image / Sam Wundke

“While apparently they have sought feedback from Charles Sturt Council, they have ignored repeated requests from Tea Tree Gully despite our council arguably being impacted most by this proposed legislation.

“The overwhelming response from residents in my community is that they have concerns around this proposal and it is important that the LGA takes those views on board.”

Mr Jones called into question how robust the LGA had been in its attempts to formulate a policy position on an amended bill provided to councils for consultation.

“It is incredibly disappointing that the LGA has ignored repeated attempts from Tea Tree Gully to provide constructive feedback on the legislation in assisting them to form their view on the matter,” he said.

“If they had the ability and time to consult with the City of Charles Sturt, why not the City of Tea Tree Gully?”

Lyn Kirkland, Allyson Soar, Alan Sears and Brian Dallow were some of the nearly 4000 residents who signed a petition opposing Westfield's plans for paid parking at Tea Tree Plaza in 2021. Picture: Brenton Edwards

But fellow northern suburbs powerhouse council Playford was on board with the LGA.

A council spokeswoman said while Playford had not “formally” considered the bill, they foresaw issues.

“From a local government perspective, we’re concerned with the cost implications on our ratepayers of councils being required to consult the community in response to state government introduced legislation,” she said.

Ratepayers at Playford, home to Elizabeth City shopping centre, were among the state’s lowest income earners according to the latest Census data, with an average weekly salary of $632.

In the Tea Tree Gully Council area that figure was just shy of $150 higher, and above the state average.

Traders claimed Westfield West Lakes’ moved to paid parking hurt their business. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

The Charles Sturt Council last week expressed their concerns about being stuck between a rock and a hard place if the bill was adopted.

In the survey they returned they said it would leave them “in a difficult position” between ratepayer opinion and private enterprise.

An amended copy of the legislation provided to LGA SA indicated council chief executives would be the final decision makers on whether or not a shopping centre larger than 34,000 sqm would be allowed to charge for parking.

LGA SA chief executive Clinton Jury last week said it was considering “improvements” to the bill.