Councillors decided at their most recent meeting not to opt into a State Government opportunity for councils to cut parking fines from $112 to $88, or 25 per cent.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet wrote to every council in NSW to advise them of their ability to do so. The recent changes to regulations were first flagged in the June State Budget.

“We cut 10 of the most common parking fines issued by the State Government on July 1 by 25 per cent and councils and universities will now be able to choose to do the same,” Mr Perrottet said in November.

“Councils need to stop using parking fines as an excuse to get a sugar hit and look at ways they can save ratepayers’ money rather than hit them in the hip pocket.”

But Goulburn Mulwaree councillors unanimously agreed with general manager Warwick Bennett’s recommendation to keep the fines at $112. There was no discussion on the matter.

Mr Bennett said the fines’ intent was to ensure a regular turnover of spaces.

He reported that the council had budgeted to collect $55,000 in parking fines this financial year. Up until November 30, rangers had collected $30,600, with the largest amount ($9644) in September. This compared to $3100 collected in July.

The council has placed increased emphasis on parking patrols this year, following representations from the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce.

In recent time it has appointed a permanent parking coordinator, which Mr Bennett said was the reason for income exceeding expectations.  

He said the Department of State Revenue collected the revenue and took a $17 handling fee.

Data showed that in November rangers conducted 61 parking patrols and issued 60 infringements for overstaying the time limit in Goulburn’s CBD, one in a school zone and seven around the hospital.

During the same month they received 19 customer requests from the community regarding parking.

In October, 76 parking infringements were issued in the CBD and five around the hospital zone.

Some other councils have only cautiously embraced the State’s offer.

In December, Wagga City councillors decided to reduce the fines but only from September 1, allowing an extra six months.

Deputy Mayor Dallas Tout described it as a “middle ground” that would give the council and the community time to digest the change. It was expected to cost the council $20,000 over the six months.

The changes will apply from March 1 if councils adopt them. A list of those councils that opt in will be made public on January 1.

Mr Perrottet said in recognition of the lead time for councils and potential impact on their budgets, four further opportunities would be provided in 2019 to opt in.

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