Parramatta Council said it will investigate reducing fees at Parramatta Station car park, which recently jumped up to $22, over concerns it could lead to a loss in revenue.
Councillor Kellie Darley has voiced her frustration over the popular commuter car park increasing the cost of parking five to nine hours from $14 to $22.
“What we’ve seen since we’ve put this increase of $14 to $22 is a drop off on the number of people using our parking, to the point that we’ve already lost in revenue about $500,000,” she said.
“Even though you’re increasing the price you’re losing in revenue. Now, Council doesn’t run these carparks to make a profit so it’s in our pockets, this is for us to fund community services.
“So, to lose revenue means that are now not able to do other things.”
Saying reducing costs is both a win for the community and the Council, Darley then called on the Council to lower the parking fees to $12.
“The more we can get people in, the better off we’re going to be,” she added.
But Councillor Anthony Ellard moved an amendment to the motion that was later accepted, which asked Council staff to defer the matter to provide further information on the fees.
A report on the Parramatta Station Carpark will now be brought to the February 2025 Finance Property and Governance Committee.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.