Paid parking to be introduced at South Perth foreshore

PAID parking is coming for South Perth foreshore on weekdays but weekends will remain free on the back of a South Perth council decision.

Council staff had proposed new parking arrangements and charges for 11 areas across the city, which could have reaped an estimated $400,000 annual return for the City.

The most contentious involved changing free parking zones at Coode Street Boat Shed and Douglas Avenue to paid parking, with visitors to be hit with $2 per hour or $8 all day fees every day.

City of South Perth Residents Association chairwoman Cecilia Brooke had implored councillors not to bring in the new riverfront charges ahead of last Tuesday’s decision, and Councillor Ken Manolas led a successful push among councillors to retain free weekend parking on Coode Street, Douglas Avenue, Millers Pool and the north side of South Perth Esplanade.

“We are particularly concerned about those areas which will affect family life and businesses which are the backbone of this community,” Ms Brooke said.

“To be charging for parking at these places would reduce the number of people enjoying Sir James Mitchell Park.”

As a result of passing the changed motion, the car park next to The Boatshed will also become free parking on weekends.

Cr Manolas said parking on the foreshore should remain free, especially on weekends, if South Perth wants to retain a community feel.

Cr Colin Cala said the City made enough from weekday parking to keep weekend parking free.

“Consider the fact that we’re being charged to visit the river, it’s like being charged to visit the ocean,” he said.

However deputy mayor Glenn Cridland said the move was not a costless exercise and would be at the expense of some.

“It’s not a win-win, it’s a win-lose, we’re making the decision to subsidise one group and take the money from another group,” he said.