Parking plan at JCU hits a nerve
‘Impoverished’ students outraged over new university fee proposal Warning signs at Trinity as lifesavers sport large croc near beach
A MOVE to introduce paid parking at James Cook University’s Cairns campus has caused a stir among students.
But JCU insists the new arrangements will make the system more efficient by creating an extra 120 car parks.
Under the proposal, from next year students will pay 25 cents an hour and no more than $1 per day to access all parking spaces – including those which are currently designated as “permit-only”.
Payments will be made via a mobile app. Electronic signs will direct motorists to available spaces.
But the decision has been rejected by a large portion of the student population.
A change.org petition opposing the changes has attracted about 1000 signatures.
“Students are among the most impoverished people in Australia, with many living below the poverty line, and for these people paid parking is an WARNING signs remain in place at Trinity Beach after a large crocodile was spotted swimming north past the popular swimming area.
A Department of Environment and Heritage Protection unaffordable luxury,” it says.
“For many students, the additional expense of paying for parking will make on-campus attendance at JCU Cairns impossible, therefore compromising their access to study.”
Parking at the Smithfield campus will be free after 5pm and on weekends, while JCU staff will pay a flat rate of $100 a year for parking.
The university said the changes came after complaints that the previous parking system wasn’t working effectively.
“We are consulting staff and students on the changes and we’re open to constructive feedback on the arrangements,” a JCU spokesman said.
“The changes will deliver a better service for students and staff by making more spaces available to everyone.
“Students will pay a maximum of $1 a day to park at the university and it’s estimated the average student will spend about $3 a week on parking.”
He said similar parking schemes had been implemented at other universities. spokeswoman said a member of Surf Life Saving Queensland saw the crocodile, estimated to be 2.5 metres in length, swimming slowly north past the headland towards Kewarra Beach on October 27.
“Wildlife officers attended on Friday and recent sighting warning signs were deployed,” she said.
“It is likely that this animal was passing through the area.”
Trinity Beach is within Zone D (Targeted Beach Management Zone).
This means any crocodile greater than two metres or displaying dangerous behaviours is targeted for removal.
EHP strongly reminds residents and visitors that no matter how many crocodiles have been removed, no waterway in croc country can ever be considered to be free of crocodiles.