Council
21 December, 2024
Minimal cost to shutting off meters, council spokesperson says
The net impact of shutting off meters will be minimal
A Horsham Rural City Council spokesperson believes switching off the city's parking meters will have minimal financial impact on the council's budget.
May Ward councillor Cam McDonald successfully moved the motion to suspend parking meter operations from December 17, 2024, until June 30, 2025, providing shoppers free parking during the festive season.
On Wednesday, December 18, Director of Communities and Place Kevin O'Brien said shutting off the meters would have minimal financial impact on the council.
"There was about $12,500 per month being collected for parking fees," he said.
"This will be offset by costs associated with meter operations, which will not operate while the review of the central business district takes place.
"The net impact will be minimal."
The new system installed by the previous council cost about $735,000.
The new system caused anger among some sections of the community, citing inconvenience and difficulty of operation as the main points of complaint, but the council says it should have minimal financial repercussions.
Regarding a long-term decision about the parking system and whether the five-year contract secured by the former council was binding, he said.
"No decision has been made regarding the future of the meters," he said.
"A review is to be undertaken in the first half of 2025."
Mayor Ian Ross said the initiative to shut off the meters would provide free parking during the festive season and beyond.
"We have listened to feedback from our community," he said.
"We want our residents to have easy access to parking in the city centre, supporting our local businesses.
"Not having to put money into meters will make it more convenient for people to shop, dine, and enjoy the festive season in Horsham."
Signs have been attached to the parking meters advising people that there is free parking and that registration numbers do not have to be entered into the meters. App users will also be notified.
HRCC will now work with the supplier Blinkay to turn off the payment function.
Cr Ross said time limits indicated by signs would still apply and be enforced to ensure sufficient parking bay turnover.
"This measure is crucial to maintaining customer access to retail businesses in the city and community wellbeing," he said.