As beachside streets in Coogee are often filled before midday on warm weekends, a proposed expansion of paid parking is raising concerns that access to the coastline could become more costly and less flexible for locals and visitors alike.
Plan to introduce visitor-paid parking moves forward after consultation
The proposal, raised in March 2026, would bring paid parking to key beach areas in Eastern Suburbs, while residents would be eligible for free permits. Details outlined on the council’s Visitor Pay Parking consultation page show the plan is designed to manage demand and shift part of the cost of maintaining the coastline onto visitors.
Consultation ran from early March to mid-April 2026, with Council now reviewing feedback and preparing an updated proposal.
Parking demand in Coogee already near capacity during peak times
Parking pressure in Coogee has long been an issue, particularly during weekends and summer. Council data referenced in media coverage shows beach parking can reach close to full capacity, leaving limited options for both residents and visitors.
Community discussion in Coogee has reflected a range of views, particularly around how a permit system would work in practice. In a post shared within a local Coogee community group, it was stated that council representatives had clarified that resident permits would only apply within existing time limits, meaning drivers would still need to move their vehicles once timed parking expires or face penalties.
Some residents questioned whether this detail had been clearly communicated during consultation, suggesting it could affect how people responded to the proposal.
Others in the same discussion argued that introducing meters would not increase the number of available spaces in an area already operating at capacity, but could allow visitors to stay longer by paying, potentially reducing turnover rather than improving it.
There were also concerns that residents without off-street parking could end up competing for fewer spaces or paying to park near their own homes.
At the same time, some community members supported the idea, suggesting that paid parking could reduce the number of visitors driving into Coogee and encourage the use of public transport.
Thousands respond as consultation draws strong interest
Randwick City Council has said it spends about $23.5 million each year maintaining its coastline, including lifeguard services, cleaning, stormwater systems and coastal infrastructure.
In its public statements, Council has said many beach users come from outside the local area, and that asking visitors to contribute through parking fees would reduce pressure on residents.
Reports cited that similar systems already operate in other Sydney coastal areas.
Council documents from April 2026 show more than 7,000 online responses and thousands of additional submissions were received during consultation. Community campaigns, including a petition on Change.org, have also highlighted concerns about access, cost and the broader impact on local areas.
Randwick City Council has indicated it is preparing a revised version of the proposal, which may address concerns raised during consultation, including permit limits and access.
Published 27-April-2026
