Bundaberg Regional Council quiet on Bargara parking fears

A Bundaberg councillor has spoken out after parking spaces were torn up on the Bargara foreshore. Now, he has plans to tackle the issue with the deputy mayor.

A Bundaberg councillor is beyond “disappointed” that it remains unclear how parking will be affected as construction work continues at Bargara’s waterfront.

Division five councillor Greg Barnes spoke out after coastal car parks on the Bargara Esplanade started being torn up this week.

He said he heard concerns about the construction work and wanted to “research the debacle” before responding.

“Deputy mayor, councillor Bill Trevor (roads and drainage portfolio) and I both received an advice earlier this month advising that the area was to be upgraded, together with a map which only showed the outlined area of the informal parking area, but devoid of any concept plans,” he said.

“Knowing how important the availability of parking spaces on the foreshore is for locals and visitors alike, neither of us envisaged that anyone would propose removing several spaces including those available for boaties with trailers.

“To say that I'm disappointed at this lack of consultation or inclusion into such a potentially controversial issue would be putting it mildly.”

Mr Barnes said he was working with Mr Trevor to “see what can be done to rectify this issue”.

Locals reacted with concern on Tuesday when construction work began at the car parks next to a popular boat ramp.

One lane of traffic was closed to allow for the carpark and pathway works to take place.

It is understood Bundaberg Regional Council’s works at Bargara Esplanade Carpark will take place over six weeks, seven-days a week from 6am to 5pm.

Works on the Bargara Esplanade saw one lane of traffic closed on Tuesday.

Some residents worried the parks would be lost to make way for more green space.

One local said other coastal areas in the region, including Elliott Heads and Mon Repos, had lost car parks to green spaces recently and while the sentiment was that it was a good look, it wasn’t a practical solution.

Some said if the parking spaces were not replaced they’ll simply use the area for parking and put their cars on the grass.

One local said he feared once car parks were reduced, parking time limits might be applied, followed by parking meters.

Works on the Bargara Esplanade saw one lane of traffic closed on Tuesday.

“It has happened at every popular coastal area,” he said.

The council has been contacted for comment.

Earlier this month the council took to its media website Bundaberg Now to the announce works.

Works on the Bargara Esplanade saw one lane of traffic closed on Tuesday.

While it did not go into detail of the extent of the works, it said traffic management measures and signage would be in place to guide motorists and pedestrians.

“The site supervisor will liaise with directly impacted businesses and residences to facilitate property access during the upgrade works,” the statement read.

“Bundaberg Regional Council is aware of the inconvenience upgrade work causes and thanks residents, road users and pedestrians in advance for their patience and co-operation.”

Works on the Bargara Esplanade saw one lane of traffic closed on Tuesday.

In 2017, the council conducted a study into carparking in the Bundaberg CBD and concluded there were more parking spaces than needed and at that stage, the information was factored in to future CBD planning.

It is not known if a similar study had or has recently been conducted for Bargara.

The Bundaberg region grew 9.5 per cent from 91,400 in 2010 to 100,000 in 2022, and according to those in the know, the growth isn‘t about to stop any time soon.

Works on the Bargara Esplanade saw one lane of traffic closed on Tuesday.