End game on 2P zones: MP

A state MP is demanding that the council “scale back” twohour parking zones introduced at Gold Coast suburbs for the Commonwealth Games.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor said the zones “went too far”, impacting residents and local businesses.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr O’Connor told residents: “I need your help to scale back these stupid 2P zones in Labrador, Southport and Parkwood.

“They went too far and have caused residents in them a lot of annoyance with unnecessary permits. They have also impacted businesses and their staff in Chirn Park and at the Southport State High School.”

Speaking to the Bulletin, Mr O’Connor questioned whether the area’s councillors – Dawn Crichlow and Kristyn Boulton are in his electorate – had “dropped the ball” because the zones were due to be first reviewed in May 2018.

Mr O’Connor said it had been 15 months since the Games, and he has asked for planned amendments to the parking zones up for public consultation to be fast-tracked, fearing the delays enabled a “money grab” by council.

“It’s very sporadic how they enforce it,” he said, adding that he believed a street would be targeted by council inspectors only when a neighbour made a complaint about parked cars.

Mr O’Connor has received positive feedback from residents on his Facebook page with some, who had received $79 fines, thanking him for fighting for the community.

But Cr Crichlow launched an attack on the young MP, saying the parking would be changed back to the preGames arrangement once a local law was passed.

“What a load of garbage. He wouldn’t know that it takes time to process the local government law,” she said.

“I’ve had no complaints from people. He wants to stick more with his own business, which is State Government.

“I’ve had nothing but trouble from Sam O’Connor.”

Mr O’Connor late last week encouraged residents to have their say before council public consultation on the parking zones closed at 5pm yesterday.

The proposed boundary changes show a reduction in Southport but the restrictions, where in place, will remain from 9am to 5pm weekdays.

The Robina Stadium (Event) Traffic Area will be increased west to include Investigator Drive and Campus Court, which are used as a bus transfer centre on game days.

The Southern Traffic Area will expand to include residences at Matters St, Surf St, Golden Four Drive on the east side and Pacific Pde on the west.