Surfer claims new parking restrictions will do little to fix hotspot’s parking troubles

Surfer Lucas Palma has moved his entire life to Rainbow Bay in a desperate attempt to avoid the daily battle to secure a car park, as he says new Awaken development will only make the issue worse. FIND OUT WHY >>>

LUCAS Palma has taken the extreme measure of relocating to Rainbow Bay in a desperate bid to avoid dealing with the “overwhelming” parking issues plaguing the area.

The surfing fanatic, 33, says he previously visited Gold Coast’s southern end almost daily – sometimes even twice in one day – to catch waves at the iconic Snapper Rocks.

It was six months ago, however, that the thought of having to endure yet another daily battle to find a car park all become too much.

IMPROVEMENT: New parking restrictions are leading to a dip in complaints about Rainbow Bay's parking woes, according to Gold Coast City Council.

“It was one of the main reasons, I was just so tired of driving around hunting for a park for so long,” he admitted. “It can be so frustrating and stressful.”

A review into parking woes by Gold Coast City Council has since resulted in time limits being imposed on parking bays which came into effect in February.

Parking at Snapper Rocks Road, adjacent to the world class surf break, is now restricted to four hours on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9-5pm, while Ward Street and Marine Parade and a section of Tweed Terrace permit three hours. A portion of Boundary Street, near the corner of Ward Street, is now limited daily to two hours.

FED UP: Rainbow Bay resident Lucas Palma moved to the area six months ago to avoid having to deal with frustrating parking issues. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Gold Coast City Council says there has been a slight dip in complaints for the area since restrictions came into effect to “manage high demand” across weekends and public holidays.

Mr Palma believes recent action, however, is not enough to fix the issue though conceded it was a “step in the right direction.”

GALLERY: Faces of the Gold Coast - Snapper Rocks

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“It’s probably easier to park now with the new restrictions for people coming into town, but traffic still can get really chocker block,” Mr Palma said.

“A lot of people, because there were no time restrictions previously, they would park there forever, especially people that lived inside their van, they stay there for the entire day.

PROBLEMATIC: Lucas Palma believes the soon-to-be developed Awaken residences, which will replace the Cafe Dbah, will increase parking issues.

Despite now having an allocated car park at his Eden St residence, Mr Palma says limited availability still affected local residents and businesses.

Controversial plans to develop the new Awaken Residence atop of DBah Hill will only exacerbate the problem, he claims.

Council is reportedly exploring opportunities to install additional bike racks at Snapper Rocks Rd and Marine Pde to service those living in nearby suburbs.

Originally published as Surfer claims new parking restrictions will do little to fix hotspot’s parking troubles