Byron Shire Council has endorsed the introduction of pay parking in parts of Brunswick Heads as a way of improving the turn-over of parking, especially in the town’s commercial precinct.
Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said a recent consultant’s report showed that parking occupancy was reaching capacity, and finding a car park is a major pain point for a lot of people visiting Brunswick Heads or for those doing business in the town.
“Council has been debating this matter for many years now and we have changed time limits and extended parking zones, but the reality is that Brunswick Heads is going to keep getting busier,” Mayor Lyon said.
“We have asked staff to come back to Council with detailed information on the cost to implement the scheme, a comparison of hourly rates, and the potential extension of the residential permit scheme to reduce the impact and spill-over into adjoining residential areas.
“We will also be extending it to the foreshore areas, including South Beach Road.
“In addition, when pay parking in Brunswick Heads is operational, we have agreed to remove the $55 fee for residential parking permits across the Byron Shire,” Mayor Lyon said.
“Pay parking has been very successful in Byron Bay and I am sure it will be equally successful in Brunswick Heads,” he said.
Staff will report back to Council in early 2024, with detailed plans for the roll-out of the pay parking scheme.
