Point Fraser parking rate reduction not enough

A PARKING fee reduction at Point Fraser on Riverside Drive is “way too little, too late” to help struggling businesses according to one cafe owner.

In an attempt to give the On The Point hospitality hub businesses a lifeline, City of Perth Commissioners dropped the hourly parking fee from $4 to $3 and reduced the maximum night rate from $12 to $10.

The move came three weeks after lavish multi-million dollar restaurant Ku De Ta, which opened about 15 months ago, went into administration and kitchen staff walked off the job.

The City investigated four price reductions options, with some including limited free parking.

Chair Commissioner Eric Lumsden said the City needed to look at parking sites individually rather than with a broad “one size fits all” policy, and without increasing rates.

“Point Fraser is not the CBD,’ he said.

“(But) I don’t want the city choked with cars.”

Commissioner Andrew Hammond said the City of Perth should be conscious of competition from neighbouring local governments.

“It is important for the city to take a competitive stance so that businesses have the best opportunities in significantly difficult times,” he said.

Barmah on the Point co-owner Tony Brackenreg spoke to Guardian Express at about midday on Friday and counted eight cars in the parking lot.

He said customers complained daily about the parking costs and many said they would not return because of it.

“People come here for a coffee and they spend $36 with parking,” he said.

“$3 (an hour) won’t make a difference; we will all end up closing our doors.

“People expect some free parking, they get it in other areas.”