Toowoomba council seeks resident feedback on 2025 parking strategy, major changes proposed

Major changes to parking in the Toowoomba CBD could be coming as part of the council’s new draft strategy for the city centre. Here’s how to have your say:

Toowoomba motorists could lose 30-minute free parking and deal with dynamic pricing for spots as part of the council’s new draft parking strategy that is now available for feedback.

Residents have until Monday to have their say on the new 60-page document, which will eventually replace the previous strategy from 2019.

Among the key changes is a “simplified” parking map for the city’s central traffic are (CTA), made up of three zones ranging from fully-paid short-stay (two hour) spaces, fully-paid three-hour spaces and a tightened third boundary that will be free for up to three hours.

A critical change is the proposed introduction of “demand-based pricing”, which allows the council to adjust the cost of parking in certain areas “based on occupancy levels”.

The Toowoomba Regional Council draft parking strategy has been released. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Parking prices are an effective tool to manage the demand for parking. Incorporating demand-based pricing into the future paid parking fee structure will enable TRC to adjust on-street parking fees to reflect the balance of supply and demand,” the report said.

“This will allow fees to be increased or reduced based on occupancy levels.

“Demand-based pricing requires an understanding of parking occupancy rates to determine if the fee is appropriate.

“This then relies on robust data gathered from parking sensors and payment systems.”

The 30-minute free period will also be abolished, based on the argument that it made on-street parking more complicated.

“It creates a strong incentive for visitors to leave within this period, creates additional traffic in pedestrian environments and has a very negative impact on compliance and enforcement activities,” the report said.

The council also plans to roll out new technology to not only deliver pay-by-plate systems but also expand its sensor network that would allow residents to know where available parks were using apps.

The strategy also includes smaller towns like Oakey, Millmerran and Pittsworth, with the report pointing to issues like poor pedestrian connectivity, a lack of long-vehicle and RV parking, speeding vehicles, poor signage and insufficient supply of parks during peak periods.

Across the region, disability parking will be increased by 50 per cent and the council will also investigate a new permit structure for residents and tradies in areas covered by the strategy.

Transport and drainage planning spokesman councillor Trevor Manteufel said he wanted as many residents as possible to give feedback on the plan.

“The new strategy seeks to provide improvements across key precincts and regional towns,” he said.

“Council proposes to overhaul parking within the CTA and Toowoomba CBD, using best practice to create a simplified system that works best for the broader community.”

To have your say, head to the council’s Your Say website.