Draft plans to improve parking arrangements in Pittwater Park, Palm Beach have been prepared by Northern Beaches Council and will now be placed on exhibition for 28 days for public feedback.

Northern Beaches Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said he has listened to the community and is determined to put in place sensible measures to improve parking in this high demand area.

“Minister Stokes and I met with the Palm Beach and Whale Beach Association in mid-2016 and after seeing the issues first-hand, I decided to use the extra resources of the new Northern Beaches Council to solve this long-standing problem. 

“Council has been working closely with the community to develop a parking demand management strategy for the area and is grateful for the community input from more than 300 residents and businesses.

“Palm Beach is a popular destination and attracts many visitors. The Palm Beach Ferry Wharf services the offshore community as well as day trippers, holiday makers and commuters. We want to find a solution that balances the needs of locals, visitors, commuters and nearby businesses,” Mr Persson said. 

Following extensive community consultation, Council has developed strategies to manage parking which will:

·         Provide more parking for the community to access nearby businesses through two hour parking spaces

·         Increase turnover and manage peak demand, eg during summer holidays, long weekends

·         Provide dedicated parking with a new parking permit for offshore residents

·         Balance needs of residents, visitors and commuters

·         Promote nearby parking alternatives and public transport, including using the car park of nearby sports grounds

·         Prioritise road safety

As an interim measure to help provide more short-term, high turnover parking spaces, Council last year introduced changes to 17 parking spaces in Pittwater Park.