The crippling car parking problems experienced every school holiday period on the Tomaree peninsula could be alleviated with the introduction of new technology, known as Smart Parking.
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And while Port Stephens Council investigates the financial and practical viability of the hi-tech design, which uses sensors, app support and rego plate recognition, the Bay's leading business and resident groups are advising caution.
The Smart Parking option is just one of a number of parking changes expected to come into effect in Nelson Bay for 2020.
Others include an extension of the current paid parking areas around the CBD, new time restrictions,and the introduction of a park free scheme to include residents, ratepayers and workers.
According to its manufacturer, Smart Parking allows motorists to find a car park easier and simpler and to pay online securely with cash or card.
At its December 10 meeting, Port councillors approved a notice of motion from Mayor Ryan Palmer calling on the council to investigate the installation (and continue consultation) of Smart Parking in Nelson Bay, as well as at Birubi headland and Shoal Bay CBD.
The motion also called for free parking for residents, ratepayers and employees of Port businesses and to invest the funds raised from Smart Parking back into the precinct where they are collected such as public domain, improved/increased car parking, place activation, marketing and advertising and landscaping.
Newly elected president of the Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA) Ben van der Wijngaart said they welcomed the council initiative and the potential benefits of Smart Parking, but were keen to see a business case.
"It is unfortunate there is no one document that provides an overall comprehensive analysis of the issues, strategic parking plan and details of the Smart scheme," he said.
"TRRA supports the proposal for residents and ratepayers to be provided with free parking but how will they be identified.
"It also supports the general principle that funds raised from parking be invested in the precinct, including investment in increased parking capacity, but more precision and consultation appears to be necessary to establish acceptable priorities."
The Tomaree Business Chamber, which represents around 230 members, said that it would like to see the council research on Smart Parking before passing judgement.
"We want to see best practice in other tourist destination towns," said chamber president Leah Anderson.
"We would also like to see a business case or modelling on what the revenue will bring into the town and how it will be spent in relation to the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan."
The Port's EcoNetwork representative Nigel Waters also called for a comprehensive business case featuring objectives and support for Smart Parking, as well as a costing of car parking options available to the council.
Council will also consider some restrictions around the application of free parking to ensure turnover of availability, which are likely to include time restrictions (up top three hours), limited number of uses per day per user and limited number of eligible vehicle per household/business.
Meanwhile, the demolition of the Donald Street carpark is on schedule for a Christmas finish.
Council's project coordinator Andrew Behrens said that concrete was being crushed and transported off site, which would be followed by a general clean up and grading of the area to make it ready for use.
"We anticipate it being available for car parking from Monday, December 23."