Council is sticking by its decision to extend paid parking in Burleigh Heads, with a local MP slamming the decision as “cruel and completely out of touch with community expectations.”
Three petitions were submitted to council after paid parking in the popular beachside suburb was extended from 7am to 7pm seven days a week, but local officers are refusing to budge.
According to Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster, the staff report to Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee recommends keeping paid parking, refusing a 30-minute free parking trial, and delaying any review until late 2026.
“This is a lifestyle tax on the whole Gold Coast,” Mr Vorster said.
“It’s absurd to charge people just to walk on the beach, attend church or go for a surf — and even families using the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre aren’t spared.”
Mr Vorster said the recommendation ignores overwhelming community feedback and warned that councillors would soon have to decide whether they stand with residents or not.
“The fight isn’t over. Councillors can still reject this miserable recommendation when they meet on 3 November.
“Burleigh deserves a fair go, not another cash grab.”
The extended parking charges have been in place since July, with Council vigorously defending the move, saying there are still plenty of free parking options available in the suburb.
