Brisbane IT expert challenges Redland’s alleged illegal parking fines

A Brisbane IT expert is preparing a class action against Redland City Council, alleging thousands of parking fines at ferry terminals were issued under questionable regulations.

Brisbane man Mark Bowler is preparing a class action against Redland City Council parking fines at some council parking lots at ferry terminals. Picture: Judith Kerr

A Brisbane IT expert is preparing a class action against Redland City Council, claiming thousands of parking fines at ferry terminals were issued illegally.

Morningside resident Mark Bowler has been contesting a $150 fine issued at the Toondah Harbour ferry terminal since August 2023.

The council pursued the case for months, only to withdraw it two days before the scheduled court hearing.

“The council has been using parking laws as a revenue-raising weapon for years,” Mr Bowler said.

“They refused to negotiate, then suddenly backed down — this raises serious questions about their enforcement tactics.”

Redland City Council ditched its case against Brisbane IT expert Mark Bowler over a $150 parking fine he received at Toondah Harbour in 2023. Picture: Judith Kerr

Armed with government records, local laws, and council meeting minutes, he believes fines were issued under questionable regulations.

He has gathered a year’s worth of timestamped photos, affidavits from affected residents, and evidence of non-compliant parking signage.

Mr Bowler said parking signs at Toondah Harbour failed to meet the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the state law governing parking signs.

“The sign was too high and not clearly visible,” he said. “You can’t just put up a ‘park in bays only’ sign without proper legal backing.”

He also claims the council deliberately closed two overflow car parks, forcing commuters to risk fines or miss their ferries.

Mark Bowler is challenging parking fines issued to hundreds of drivers at Toondah Harbour.

Logan retirees June and Hedley Giles plan to join the class action, saying they were unfairly fined after struggling to find a legal parking spot.

“We circled for 15 minutes with no luck,” Mrs Giles said. “We were unfamiliar with the area, and walking long distances with luggage was impossible.”

Forced to park on a nature strip, they later received a $161 fine. Their appeal, citing medical conditions and a lack of available parking, was rejected.

“The onus is on the driver to locate legal parking,” the council wrote.

Mrs Giles was outraged.

“There was no signage, no assistance from ferry operators, and no reasonable alternative.”

The issue extends beyond Toondah Harbour.

Parking is always at a premium at Redland’s Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek ferry and barge terminals. Picture: Contributed

Other Redland City car parks, including at Weinam Creek, have sparked allegations of unenforceable fines due to improper signing laws.

In November, Russell Island grandmother Susan Mandeville refused to pay a $161 ferry terminal fine, setting fire to it in protest.

She called on 300 fellow islanders to fight back.

“This isn’t just about one fine,” she said.

“It’s about holding the council accountable.”

Russell Island woman Susan Mandeville torched her Redland council parking fine and said she would challenge its validity and will join the class action over parking fines. Picture: Judith Kerr

Now, she and many others are preparing to join Mr Bowler’s class action, determined to challenge what they see as unlawful council enforcement.

A council spokesman said parking regulations were enforced “consistently” across the city to ensure appropriate and equitable use of parking facilities.

“Council does not provide public commentary on individual parking infringements,” the spokesman said.

“The overflow parking area at Toondah Harbour, while owned by council, falls within the Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area.

“The PDA is controlled by Economic Development Queensland, with the overflow car park permitted to be used for public parking on a limited number of days per year.

“The available days are distributed across a calendar of school and public holidays and other major community events, to provide maximum public use.

“Council reminds motorists that they are required to park in accordance with the road rules.”