Council slammed after scooter users cop steep fines

‘I do not believe in special treatment, but I do believe in fairness.’: No parks for scooters, but riders cop fines anyway.

NOOSA Council mayoral candidate Clare Stewart has slammed the news Noosa Council fined restaurant staff for parking scooters outside their place of work when few alternatives are available and no warning was given.

Ms Stewart said she was appalled to learn hospitality staff had been fined $266 each for parking in a space that many have been using for the past 10 years.

"This smacks of out of control bureaucracy and is blatant revenue raising," she said.

"Rules are rules, I get it. A 'No Parking' sign and a yellow line must be respected by all. I do not believe in special treatment, but I do believe in fairness," Ms Stewart continued.

"A $266 fine is a significant amount of money and for some junior staff members is likely to be half a week's wage."

Ms Stewart noted scooter riders had been parking under the trees at the Gympie Tce location for the past decade.

"For the council to suddenly deem this area a 'garden bed' and fine riders the maximum amount is unacceptable and unjust."

She has now called on Mayor Tony Wellington to discuss the matter with the Council CEO and cancel the fines.

"It would then be appropriate for Noosa Council to work with local businesses and their staff to find a solution," Ms Stewart continued.

"At the same time the Mayor should ask for a report about complaints that council officers were driving a council vehicle along the footpath, putting pedestrians at risk."

Ms Stewart said as Mayor of Noosa she would never support blatant disrespect for rules and laws but people who had a genuine complaint would always have access to raise their concerns.

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