With pay parking in Bangalow set to commence on 1 January 2018, Council is reminding all Byron Shire residents to take advantage of the $55 E-Permit available to them.
Council records show that 58 per cent of Bangalow residents already have an E-Permit but if you need to renew or buy a new one, now is a good time, before the holiday rush.
Once you have your E-Permit you can park in any metered space in the Byron Shire, including in Bangalow CBD from 1 January 2018,” Byron Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.
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“It’s important that pensioners with a Centrelink blue card and those with valid mobility permits hear our message that they can access the E-Permit for free,” Mr Holloway said.
The current E-Permit costs have been fixed at the current rate for the next three years.
E-Permits can be renewed or purchased online or in person at Council’s Mullumbimby Administrative Offices.
“We acknowledge the varied concerns raised by members of the community at a recent rally in Bangalow but refute the allegations and untruths circulating about Council processes and surveys.
Council resolved to introduce pay parking in Bangalow at a Council meeting on August 24 and since that time we have moved forward with our program of implementation to turn the meters on as of 1 January 2018,” Mr Holloway said.
Council’s position is that, firstly, pay parking will improve traffic turnover in Bangalow, which will benefit local businesses, and secondly, that it is a way of ensuring that visitors make a contribution to the community.
Council will dedicate all net revenue from pay parking in Bangalow to infrastructure projects in Bangalow, as identified in consultation with the community.
“The fact is that tourism is continuing to grow and the number of day trippers alone went up 22 per cent to 1.1 million in 2016/17. We are accommodating over 2 million visitors in total a year.
“The ever-growing popularity of the Byron Shire and the volume of visitors will continue to put significant pressure on all of our towns and villages,” Mr Holloway said.
Council staff will meet with the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce this week ahead of Council’s 14 December meeting and with the Bangalow Masterplan Guidance Group early next week.
“We will be speaking to both groups about the implementation of pay parking on 1 January and the changes to time limits which also come into effect on 1 January 2018,” he said.
Over the coming months, Council will invite the wider community to come forward with ideas for infrastructure and related projects that would benefit from funding.
“We will spend the first half of 2018 gathering the community’s ideas,” Mr Holloway said.