Regulated parking on the table for Nanango CBD

Nanango residents are outraged at a council plan to explore and possibly instigate parking meters or some other kind of regulated parking in the CBD. Vote in the poll:

The South Burnett Regional Council‘s proposal for parking regulations and restrictions in Nanango’s CBD has shocked residents.

Nanango residents have reacted with outrage to plans by the South Burnett council to investigate and possibly instigate parking meters or some other kind of regulated parking in the CBD.

This move follows complaints from businesses in the CBD that some drivers are overstaying their welcome and occupying parks that should be free for shoppers.

Nanango resident Neil Van Elk said he plans to start a petition opposing the council’s proposal, fearing new regulations could turn Nanango into a “ghost town”.

“The only way we the people will get any input into stopping this proposal is the good old fashion petition,” Mr Van Elk said.

Resident Jacqui Elton said Nanango has changed dramatically over the years, for the worse.

“When we moved to the area, Nanango had a wood carved sign that welcomed visitors to the area, centre parking in Drayton Street, and beautiful roses outside of Nanango Council office.

“Now the water is still terrible to drink which destroys hot water systems, there is significantly less parking, garden beds that get changed too frequently,” she said.

“(Council should) put the money back into our town and make it beautiful again.”

Nanango resident Trudy Mowen said parking regulations would ruin the town.

Councillors will begin community consultation sessions in August 2023 to determine the outcome of the proposal.

Nanango hospitality worker Mike Brown said regulated parking could be an issue for employees or business owners who had no parking behind their work and used the street spaces.

“This could cause some serious headaches,” Mr Brown said.

Councillor Jane Erkens said the proposal stemmed from requests from local businesses who believed their businesses were being impacted by people parking for long periods in front of their shops.

“This is not allowing room for their customers,” Mrs Erkens said.

“They requested that I ask council to look at having regulated parking of three hours, ample time to park and shop.

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“There has never been any discussion on charging for parking and my fellow councillors will be coming over to Nanango to meet with the community to listen to their views and I advise you keep an eye open for the times,” she said.

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A South Burnett Regional Council spokesman said further information would be available after the community consultations.