Gold Coast parking fees: Fury over charges increasing by at least 20 per cent across beachside suburbs

Parking fees have increased by 20 per cent across the Gold Coast this week in one of the biggest hits to the hip pocket for drivers in nearly a decade. ALL THE DETAILS

Parking fees have increased 20 per cent across the Gold Coast this week in one of the biggest hits to the hip pocket for drivers in nearly a decade.

The Gold Coast City Council says it has “streamlined its approach to parking”, with fees ramped up, in part, to “increase vehicle turnover and reduce congestion”.

It’s just the latest in a series of dramatic rises in recent years.

A Bulletin investigation of budget papers across the last decade shows the amount of revenue council has clawed in through increased parking fees has increased 61 per cent since the 2018-9 financial year from $10m to an expected $16.6m in 2025-26.

Council parking fees have increased.

“The cost of metered off-street and on-street parking will increase by 20 per cent on the current rate which varies across the city,” a council spokeswoman said

“The changes are part of the city’s broader strategy to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and support our local economy.

“In addition, rates for premium parking locations in high-demand areas close to the beach, entertainment and shopping precincts will be adjusted to encourage better turnover and ensure more people have access to these locations.”

Under the new scheme on-street metered parking fees increased:

* From $3.30 to $4 per hour in Southport, increasing to $6.10/h after two hours

* From $4.90 to $5.90 per hour in Surfers Paradise, increased to $8.90/h after two hours.

Metered parking in Burleigh Heads has increased by up to 50 per cent across its various parking zones.

At Alex Black carpark, the rate rose $5.80 per day to $8.70 per day, an increase of 50 per cent.

On James St the rate rose from $2.90 per hour to $3.50 per hour, an increase of 20.69 per cent.

Broadbeach experienced similar increases across its parking zones, with fees on Old Burleigh Road rising from $1.80 per hour to $2.20, while Charles Ave has seen increases from $3.50 per hour to $4.40

The council spokeswoman said the increases were to “support our broader goals of managing urban growth, encouraging sustainable travel, and keeping the city moving”.

Council has given its reasons for why parking has gone up.

“The increase reflects inflationary pressures, rising operational costs, and the need to maintain service levels.

“Importantly, the City has taken steps to ensure fairness by exempting public holidays from metered operations and maintaining lower rates in less congested areas.

“Parking along the majority of the beachfront remains free of charge (and) we remain committed to balancing affordability with the need to manage limited public space effectively and sustainably.”

Analysis of council budget documents show revenue collected from parking fees collapsed in the 2019-20 financial year as a result of Covid and returned to pre-pandemic levels only in the 2021-22 financial year.

Revenue jumped nearly 39 per cent the following financial year.

The latest increase has sparked a furious response from former councillor turned Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster, who has launched a petition to change the fees for his suburb.

MP for Burleigh, Hermann Vorster launched a petition after council changed its parking fees. Picture: supplied.

He said many residents and business owners felt the increase was a “cash grab”.

“Many are concerned that it feels like a cash grab given rates have only gone up nominally but most people are angry about the extended hours in which they now apply,” he said.

“I doubt a lot of locals would say we have a shortage of parking at 7am, so council bringing regulated parking forward to then seems to be targeting those who are using the Oceanway and the surfing community.

“It feels rotten and to apply these at 7am is a tax on lifestyle.”

Mr Vorster has also been backed by Burleigh councillor Josh Martin who opposed the fee increase, introduced in the council budget in June.

“While I accept the democratic decision of Council, I remain concerned about the impact of increased fees and extended paid parking hours on the Burleigh Heads village,” he previously said.

“Since the decision, I’ve spoken with many local businesses who share these concerns.

“I’m open to reviewing alternative options, including a potential 30-minute free parking period, and will be taking this proposal back to Council for further consideration.

“I welcome the community getting behind the petition if they agree.”