Lord mayoral candidate John Dorahy has thrown down the gauntlet in the race for Wollongong, declaring a Liberal-led council will scrap paid parking in the CBD.
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Cr Dorahy made the announcement yesterday as he and the Liberal team revealed their key priorities for the city ahead of the December 4 local government elections.
Under the Liberal plan, the meters would be switched off, however time limits would continue to be enforced.
The controversial proposal has been floated several times since the meters were introduced by the council's government-appointed administrators in 2010, however councillors have repeatedly vetoed any moves to get rid of the money machines, often citing the financial benefit they bring.
A Mercury analysis of parking meter income for the past 11 financial years revealed they have consistently raked in more than $1 million, hitting a high of $1.389 million in the 2013/14 financial year.
Despite being part of consecutive councils that voted in favour of keeping the meters running, Cr Dorahy was adamant that now was the time for change.
He said businesses in CBD were suffering more now than ever before, with shoppers bypassing Wollongong and flocking to Shellharbour and Miranda en-masse to spend their money.
"Wollongong is suffering," he said. "Talking to both residents and business owners, they really see parking as the bane of destruction for what they believe is an improved Wollongong."
When asked if Wollongong could afford to lose the revenue generated by parking meters each year, Cr Dorahy said it was a matter of perspective.
"That's the key to it, do we need that revenue?" he said.
"The parking rangers will continue to do their job, they'll pick up tickets that help pay for their roles."
Rhonda Cristini, who is running as the second candidate behind Cr Dorahy on the Liberal's ticket in Ward 2, said she too had received feedback from business owners frustrated by the parking situation.
"Just today I spoke to someone who has businesses in Wollongong and Shellharbour, and guess what - Shellharbour is thriving and Wollongong is not," she said.
"The council has trialled free parking on an extremely small scale but the only way we will see the benefits is by offering free parking for all."
Other priorities the Liberal team nominated include fast-tracking Helensburgh and Warrawong libraries, increasing council services in the suburbs and doubling of sports grant funding to $1 million a year.
Pre-polling for the election opened earlier this week and yesterday Wollongong mayoral candidates discussed the use of electric vehicles in the council fleet.
By the numbers: Wollongong City Council parking meter revenue
*2020-2021: $1.1m
*2019-2020: $1.1m
*2018-2019: $1.1m
*2017-2018: $1.2m
*2016-2017: $1.2m
*2015-2016: $1.2m
*2014-2015: $1.3m
*2013-2014: $1.3m
*2012-2013: $1.2m
*2011-2012: $1.2m
*2010-2011: $1.1m
*2010 (partial): $350,000
If you've nominated to run for election to Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama councils, get in touch with us at cos@illawarramercury.com.au
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