City’s free parking a hot topic
TOWNSVILLE businesses and shoppers have mixed views of the council’s decision to introduce free 15- minute parking in the CBD.
The Townsville City Council said offering free short- stay parking would encourage more people to come into the city.
Discount Jeans store supervisor Lauren Aunger, 23, of Bohle Plains, agreed the move would help draw people into the city.
“Sometimes people just want to run in and grab that quick dress or pair of shoes or anything really, so we do benefit from those 15 minutes,” she said.
Chef Shaun Kraft, 24, of Kirwan, said he believed it would make a positive impact on CBD small businesses.
“It would help everyone out and hopefully make the business a bit easier too,” he said.
“For a small business like us, it would help us very much so the parking would make it a lot easier for all of us.”
Laura Purdon, 18, of Wulguru said that as a shopper, it would help increase visitors to the CBD.
“I think it would be a lot easier when you’ve got Woolworths right here, it’d be easier for people to come in and quickly get their shopping,” she said. “I think it would attract people to come in to grab a takeaway meal or coffee.”
Sophie Cooper, 21, Belgian Gardens, said already came into the three times a week.
“Fifteen minutes isn’t long enough,” she said.
“Most people have a reason to come into the city, they’re going to pay anyway if they have to come in.
“Stockland draws people in because they don’t have to pay and they can still access everything they need.”
The Tap House manager John Golden, 39, of West End, said he did not think it would bring more people into the city.
“I don’t think 15 minutes is long enough to order lunch, grab a drink, you’d be in a of she city rush to try to get in and out,” he said.
Mr Golden said the council could have factored in a longer time frame for people.
“I think maybe half an hour ( of free parking) would be good,” he said. “I generally think there’s not enough parking for people who visit the CBD.
“People in Townsville don’t actually have to come into the CBD because there’s not enough to draw them in … more can be done down Flinders St.”
The free parking is expected to start at the end of next month.