Parking fines are set to double in a local government area after public consultation showed support for tougher penalties.
Noosa councillors voted in support of a motion at a meeting this month that aims to discourage overstaying parking time limits, misuse of disability spaces and loading zones, and illegal overnight camping.
It follows a public consultation period on proposed amendments to the Subordinate Local Law No.5 (Parking) 2015, which included plans to increase infringement penalties for several common parking offences.
A total of 58 submissions were received during the consultation period from July 25 to August 15.
Acting local laws and environmental health manager Clint Irwin said 38 were considered properly made.
“Around half of the submissions clearly supported higher fines to improve compliance,” he said.
“This support was particularly evident among residents that have been affected by overstaying, misuse of disability spaces and illegal overnight camping.
“While some raised concerns about cost-of-living impacts, the reality is fines only apply when rules are ignored.”
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Submissions raised against the changes outlined higher fines could unfairly burden residents during a cost-of-living crisis and be seen as a revenue-raising exercise.
Other submissions suggested alternative approaches such as resident parking permits, improved signage or additional parking infrastructure.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the increase in penalty units would bring Noosa’s fines into line with other southeast Queensland councils.
“Disability parking spaces must be kept available for those who genuinely need them,” he said.
“Our vulnerable community members are rightly frustrated when these spaces are misused.”
He said the tougher fines are also designed to improve turnover in high-demand areas and ensure delivery vehicles can access loading zones without obstruction.
“Encouraging people to stick to time limits means more parking opportunities for everyone – whether they’re grabbing a coffee, shopping or dining out.”
Under the changes, penalties for stopping in a loading zone will increase from $126 to $166, while illegally parking in a disability bay will increase from $333 to $667. Overstaying time limits will increase from $83 to $125.
According to a report submitted at the meeting, adoption of the proposed amendments was forecast to increase revenue by about $300,000 over the 12-month period, based on current infringement volumes.
“Council recognises the impact of cost-of-living pressures and acknowledges increased fines may generate additional revenue,” the report stated.
“Although some submitters are sceptical regarding the effectiveness of higher penalties in changing behaviour, current fines are often viewed as a minor inconvenience – ‘an acceptable cost of spending a day at the beach’.
“Raising penalties will serve as a stronger deterrent, encouraging more motorists to respect parking rules, support local businesses with parking turnover and helping ensure that parking spaces are used fairly and efficiently for all members of the Noosa community.”
Mr Irwin said the council would reinvest any extra revenue from the larger fines into future traffic improvement initiatives and enforcement efforts.
“Ideally, these fines will act as a deterrent. If people do the right thing, we won’t see an increase in revenue – just better compliance and fairer access for all.”
Noosa Council is required to publicly notify of the changes to the subordinate local law adoption within one month. This includes publishing the notice in the Queensland Government gazette and on the council’s website.
The new fines will take effect on the date the law is published in the gazette.
