Free car parking at several beaches in Sydney’s east could be a thing of the past under a council plan to bring in meters to charge visitors from outside the council area. 

Randwick City Council has proposed introducing paid parking for visitors at some of Sydney’s most popular beaches, including Coogee, Maroubra, Clovelly, La Perouse, Little Bay, Malabar and Yarra Bay.

Council residents would be exempt from the fees. 

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker told 702 ABC Sydney the revenue from the scheme would be used to maintain the beaches. 

Group of people lying on towels

Randwick’s mayor says ratepayers contribute $23 million a year to maintain the council’s beaches. (ABC News: Jessica Rendall)

“It costs us $23 million [a year] to provide it — the lifeguards, the beach and cleaning, the coastal services — and that is borne 100 per cent by ratepayers,” Cr Parker said.

“$23 million of their money for everyone across Sydney to enjoy the beach.

“Everyone is welcome, but all we’re asking is for people to make a small contribution to that upkeep.”

Cr Parker said there were only two small car parks at beaches in the council’s area, which charged $5.50 an hour.

A man sits on steps leading to sand at a beach.

Dylan Parker says the plan will help fund lifeguards and beach maintenance. (ABC News: Shaun Kingma)

The mayor said Randwick council households would be eligible for one free permit, which would be accessible to renters and owners.

“Ratepayers pay rates but so do renters indirectly through their rent,” Cr Parker said.

Northern Beaches Council runs a similar program, although the permits are provided to the ratepayer rather than the household.

The council is currently seeking community feedback on the proposal.

Yellow Labrador puppies lie around

Parking at the beaches would be free for residents under the plan, with each household to receive one permit.  (ABC News: Nandini Dhir)

‘Beaches are public assets’

702 ABC Sydney has heard a mix of support and opposition to the parking plan.

One Maroubra Beach resident said it was fair to charge visitors to help fund the maintenance of the area’s beaches.

“Sharing this cost with visitors is fair, in the same way we all contribute to the cost of going to national parks by entry fees, annual passes, parking and camping fees,” they said.

However, Fairfield resident David Glanville said the plan was unfair to non-residents, who supported coastal management through state taxes.

“Beaches are public assets belonging to all NSW taxpayers, not solely to those living nearby,” Mr Glanville said.

“Although residents contribute through local rates, all taxpayers fund coastal maintenance, infrastructure, and environmental protection.” 

One Coogee resident was opposed to the plan, citing the impact on parking in residential streets.

“Beach visitors will avoid paying by parking in nearby streets, leaving no parking for residents,” the resident said.

Long time Matraville resident Trish Crankshaw said one permit for each household was not enough, saying many residents had multiple cars.

“You’ve got to provide a permit for each car,” she said.