Port Stephens Council's paid parking scheme adopted for the Nelson Bay town centre has been criticised for its lack of consultation and a business plan.
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At the May 12 council meeting, Cr Giacomo Arnott had moved an amendment that would have put the smart parking plan on public exhibition for the community to review.
"Up until that point, there was only broad agreement in the community that this proposal could be useful. Minimal consultation occurred as to the detail of the plan," he said. "No councillor would second my motion, and as a result council rammed the plan through. I completely share the concerns of the business community in Nelson Bay."
In order to get feedback on the scheme from those who matter most, the tourists, the Examiner last week took to the streets of Nelson Bay for their reaction.
Peter Grant, 74, from Canberra: "As a first time visitor to Port Stephens, I can certainly understand the resistance from local businesses [to paid parking]. I also happen to be one of those people who do not have a smart phone and therefore could not download the app, so I guess I won't be driving into the Bay."
Tina Lie and Alan Zhu, from Sydney: "Paid parking is becoming very popular but I think it will be tough on local businesses, and tourists won't be happy once they know they have to pay but locals don't."
John Hi, from Emerald Beach: "The council will have to be careful by charging visitors to pay for parking that they don't alienate them and make them feel not welcomed. I do get what the council is doing, but I am concerned that businesses are saying there wasn't enough consultation ... the thought of the council bulldozing this through concerns me."
Ryan Simmons and Chelsea Stephens, from Bathurst: "Unlike the foreshore where most visitors would be parking for longer periods, you would expect that most people coming into the town centre are there for a shorter time and it would not be worth there while. I feel for those businesses that would be losing tourists."
Craig and Alicia McCulloch, from Sydney: "We are happy to pay for parking but there is no doubt that charging will make it harder for visitors to come into town. I believe that most people driving here would most likely have a smart phone and wouldn't mind downloading the app."
