New parking restrictions at Nobby Beach to drive workers, residents and visitors around block

A BEACHSIDE hotspot is about to become a parking nightmare for local residents when new Council parking restrictions come into effect.

New parking restrictions come into effect at Nobby Beach on July 9. Picture: Richard Gosling

LOCALS at Nobby Beach are going to have their parking restricted from July 9.

In a letter to residents of the beachside hotspot, Gold Coast City Council says it is introducing the restrictions to manage “the growing demand for carparking in the area”, one of the Coast’s most popular dining destinations.

The new two-hour and three-hour restrictions will apply from 9am to 10pm seven days a week and follow the opening of several new restaurants and a new upper balcony area at Hellenika, with more new restaurants to follow.

One of the new Nobby Beach parking signs explaining the changes that come into effect from July 9.

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Two-hour parking limits will apply in the sections of Wave Street, Lavarack Road and Chairlift Avenue between Petrel Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway while three-hour parking will be permitted on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway service road.

The restrictions mean local residents will not be able to park their cars on the street overnight without being fined until at least 8pm every night.

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The changes apply to the Nobby Beach commercial and entertainment precinct from Wave Street to Great Hall Drive between the Gold Coast Highway and Petrel Avenue.

Car parking at the Nobby Beach shops has been a growing problem in recent years because of the growing popularity of the restaurant and cafe strip.

Restaurant employees are presently forced to take up valuable parking spaces within the strip or in the suburban streets behind the shops.

Two-hour parking limits will apply on the easter side of the Gold Coast Highway service road at Nobby Beach from July 9.

Council says parking sensor technology and on-site surveys have been used to develop the regulations to increase vehicle turnover of parking spaces and improve availability at peak times.

It also hopes the new measures will reduce congestion and the number of cars circling the area looking for parking.

LOCALS, TRADERS, SICK OF MESS LEFT BEHIND BY VISITORS

However, residents fear the measure will push drivers further out into the residential areas of the small beachside suburb, which is already extremely congested — particularly during the warmer months.

Council says it will review the new restrictions after 12 months.

Nobby Beach has become one of the Coast’s most popular dining precincts. Picture: Mike Batterham

“By offering a combination of short and medium term timed parking spaces we can manage the growing demand for parking and ensure that everyone has access to our beaches and businesses,” the letter to residents says.

NOBBY BEACH A HIPSTER HOTSPOT

A guide to Gold Coast suburbs on council’s website refers drivers to the Nobby Beach Surf Club car park as well as local streets.

“There is a car park at the surf club and plenty of on-street parking available in side streets and in the Nobby Beach local centre precinct,” it says. “Please make sure that you take note of any applicable parking signs and/or line markings before heading to the beach.”

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The advice goes on to warn: “Be aware that our beaches can get very busy on weekends and during school holidays, reducing the amount of available parking in the area.”