Toowoomba CBD parking strategy, business owners and shoppers speak out

Toowoomba CBD business owners have revealed the extraordinary lengths they’ve gone to, to ensure their customers avoid a punishing parking fine.

Black Pepper manger Janelle Oakes said her customers aren't given enough time to shop along Ruthven St. Toowoomba Regional Council has released a CBD parking survey to update its strategy. Picture: Christine Schindler

Toowoomba’s parking problems have resurfaced as the council reviews its parking plans, looking to the future with e-vehicle charging stations, while the biggest problem at present appears to be faulty and malfunctioning pay machines.

Business owners on Ruthven St have revealed the many complaints they receive from shoppers about parking, with an outstanding issue simply to do with the simple act of paying for their park.

It comes as the Toowoomba Regional Council released a survey seeking comment for future CBD car park strategy this month.

Black Pepper manager Janelle Oakes said she constantly had customers irate about the parking, often complaining about the pay machines malfunctioning, and half an hour or an hour barely enough time to spend in the CBD shops.

Black Pepper manger Janelle Oakes said her customers aren't given enough time to shop along Ruthven St. Toowoomba Regional Council has released a CBD parking survey to update its strategy. Picture: Christine Schindler

As a boutique clothing store catering to middle-aged to elderly women, Ms Oakes said the city needed a parking solution that allowed them time to shop.

“Many are using wheelie-walkers and need that extra time,” she said.

Next door to Black Pepper at Suna Shoes, both shop assistants said they often had to go out and assist visitors to the street on how to pay at the park machine.

The owner of clothing boutique Smoke & Mirrors, Madeline Mills, said she often moved customers cars for them while they tried on dresses.

“They have parking anxiety over getting a fine if they are few minutes late,” Ms Mills said.

Another issue is the complicated pay system which uses the car park number and retail assistants said they often have to help visitors to the street understand how to use it.

“There’s not a perfect solution,” she said.

Toowoomba Regional Council has released a CBD parking survey to update its strategy. Picture: Christine Schindler

Other complaints included tradies taking up spots.

But one tradie, who didn’t want to be named, said having to access tools and materials from the car in short-term parking during work hours was a “nightmare”.

Krystle Pattel, a retail worker along Margaret St said her best option was to use the all-day transit centre car park on Neil St, ensuring you arrived before 8am.

Toowoomba Regional Council has released a CBD parking survey to update its strategy. Picture: Christine Schindler

Councillor Trevor Manteufel said the council was seeking feedback which would reflect the changing business activities and population growth updating from the last parking strategy implemented more than five years ago.

“Ongoing development and investment have changed the range and operating hours of businesses in the CBD,” he said.

The new strategy will not just include council-operated parking, but also explore other modes of travel, such as bikes and e-scooters, and electric vehicle charging facilities, he said.

The survey is open until December 13, 2024.

You can have your say on the council website here.