PAID on-street parking is a key goal in the draft Cronulla Public Domain Strategy expected to go to Sutherland Shire Council for discussion next month.
But the idea hit a speed hump with Cronulla Chamber of Commerce who said it would damage business and force shoppers to go elsewhere.
Paid parking is one of 57 short, medium and long-term goals for Cronulla listed in the strategy which was outlined to chamber members on Wednesday by Sutherland Shire Council infrastructure staff Mark Naylor and Harald Strutzenberger.
Mr Naylor said the strategy was a work in progress and the goals were suggestions for investigation.
"It's not a development plan for the plaza, it's a set of actions which will guide the council," he said.
But Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns has stated categorically that there would not be paid parking at Cronulla.
He told the Leader on Friday: "There will be no paid parking for Cronulla. It is that simple. This council will not introduce paid parking at Cronulla while I am the mayor.
“Sutherland Shire Council has rejected all previous recommendations of paid parking in Cronulla and is standing by its long-standing decision not to support paid parking in Cronulla," he said.
“Just a few years ago a review of Council’s activities and finances by PricewaterhouseCoopers suggested that Council should introduce paid parking in Cronulla and that was unanimously rejected by all councillors.
“For years the issue of paid parking in Cronulla has surfaced sporadically and every time it is the suggestion is raised, Sutherland Shire councillors reject it."
He said the proposal was not a key goal in the draft Cronulla Public Domain Strategy.
"Rather the strategy suggests the council 'investigates the use of various forms of tolled and permit parking as a means of managing the demand for on-street parking'.”
“I can confirm that council will not be investigating paid parking in Cronulla. When we receive this proposed strategy developed by the winner of the Cronulla Design Ideas Competition the councillors will review it, but we will not consider paid parking in Cronulla,” Cr Johns said.
The draft strategy, which flows from last year's Cronulla design ideas competition, lists four themes for the future of Cronulla — planning and environment, transport, community and culture, and economic development.
One of the key transport goals is to investigate the use of various forms of tolled and permit parking to manage the demand for on-street parking, particularly in summer.
The strategy also suggested investigating the feasibility of a shuttle bus service in conjunction with tolled parking.
But Cronulla Chamber of Commerce president Mark Aprilovic said paid parking would put a road toll on local businesses.
"As soon as we start tolling parking, I know from talking to people that they'll start driving elsewhere.
"They'll drive to Miranda which has three hours free parking.
"Norton Street, Leichhardt, put in paid parking and it killed business.
"We're at the end of the road — we're not a pass-through like Manly or Bondi.
"People have a reason to come here and paid parking will put up a road-block."
Mr Naylor said the strategy only suggested looking at the feasibility of paid parking. Other options could also be considered.
The draft strategic plan was expected to go to the council for consideration by the end of June before going on public display for comment.
AND MORE...
Other key goals listed in the draft Cronulla Public Domain Strategy:
- Prepare a comprehensive master plan for revitalising Cronulla Mall.
- Modify The Kingsway and Croydon Street to permit mall extension.
- Lobby Transport for NSW for increased express trains for commuters and visitors.
- Enhance the cycle path along Elouera Road from Gerrale Street to Captain Cook Drive.
- Find opportunities for commercial activities in parks and reserves.
- Investigate feasibility of council-supported Wi-Fi hot spots at Cronulla.
- Investigate new development controls to allow increased and more diverse visitor accommodation in and around Cronulla.
- Upgrade public boat-launches at the head of Gunnamatta Bay.
- Investigate opportunities for a centre for local arts and Indigenous culture at Hungry Point Reserve.
- Investigate feasibility of community and cultural space on council property at the northern end of the mall to enhance connection to Cronulla Central.
Other previous options raised by the community have been parking permits to shops to support struggling proprietors and ‘‘determined’’ car parking spaces or white line marking on main roads around the Cronulla CBD
Is paid parking good or bad for Cronulla?
