Councillor Josh Martin supports City rethink on 7am to 7pm beach parking restrictions

Council is facing mounting pressure to reverse controversial dawn parking charges that elderly residents say are destroying their beach lifestyle. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Changes are being made to parking in areas close to the light rail extension being built from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Older Burleigh residents who meet to “surf, swim and socialise” in the early morning want council to rethink its new parking times, with a petition calling for a return to 9am meter starts.

More than 70 residents have signed the document, the first in a wave of protest to council, presented by area councillor Josh Martin at Tuesday’s full council meeting.

The petitioners, in a lengthy letter, say they are mostly retirees, who from 5am to 8.30am go to Burleigh Beach to “swim, walk, socialise and enjoy the daily delights with the rising of the sun over this beautiful part of the world we identify as home”.

They say they are retired teachers, social workers, business owners, builders, tradies and sporting volunteers and coaches.

“When we chose to live here many years ago, we could not envision that Burleigh Beach would become the busy hub that it is today,” they said.

California visitor Stephen Taylor pays for parking at Burleigh after the new parking times came in. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“But we have adapted and survived with resilience. We have soldiered on. Each morning helps us to maintain good physical health. Burleigh provides us with a meeting point that is vital to our mental health and wellbeing.”

The petitioners say they meet at 5am to avoid the crowds, and having to pay for parking after 7am will stretch their limited budgets.

New parking signage at Burleigh. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Martin said he had voted against the parking changes when Council held budget deliberations because he was concerned about the impact on local businesses and community beach use in Burleigh Heads.

“Since the decision, I’ve heard from many locals, including those who live in other divisional areas of the city who’ve shared concerns about the cost of recreating on the beach in the morning and supporting local businesses becoming too expensive,” he said.

Mr Martin said the petition was the first with a second, organised by Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster, requesting a trial of 30 minutes free parking in Burleigh to support local businesses.

“The parking changes have generated some of the strongest feedback I’ve received of any local issue,” Mr Martin said.

“While the meter price increases might sting, it’s the extra two hours in the morning and evening that’s caused the most angst in the community, going 7am-7pm from 9 to 5, fundamentally changing the way the area operates – that’s the feedback I’m getting.

“I’m also receiving photos of empty parking bays between 7 to 9am from residents questioning whether it’s helping or hindering Burleigh.

“I look forward to tabling both petitions requesting Council consider these concerns and look at some localised initiatives that will work for Burleigh while still encouraging parking turnover.”

A majority of councillors earlier this month pressed ahead with plans for three hour parking restrictions between Mermaid Beach to Burleigh for light rail Stage 3.

But the changes will not be fully endorsed by councillors until officers bring back a report on how residents can get permits and what other carparking facilities will be introduced.

Only 20 per cent of residents in a council survey supported the three-hour parking zone for properties within a 400 metre walk of the light rail line, which is due to be completed by mid next year.

Area councillor Josh Martin is supporting Burleigh locals on parking. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

In a report presented to council’s Planning Committee it was revealed the City received more than 1100 responses from consultation on the proposal. Of those, 60 per cent of people were opposed, 23 per cent gave support and rest were undecided.

Mr Vorster last month launched the petition calling for a trial in which ­visitors can park free of charge for 30 minutes, but would be charged for the full time if they park for longer.

Follow @PaulWestonGC