Randwick City Council is inviting the community to have its say on a proposal to fund beach services by introducing paid parking for visitors at local beaches.
The Council manages seven popular beach areas – Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay, La Perouse and Yarra Bay – and spends around $23.5 million each year maintaining them. These costs cover lifeguard services, beach cleaning, rubbish collection, park maintenance, coastal infrastructure and public amenities.
Each year, around nine million visits are made to the local beaches with up to 84% visitors coming from outside the Randwick Local Government Area, despite local ratepayers funding 100% of the cost of beach services.
The Council says its proposal would bring Randwick’s beaches into line with other Sydney coastal areas such as Bondi, Manly, Bronte, Dee Why and Watsons Bay, where paid beach parking has been in place for many years.
Under the proposal, local households would be exempt from paying for parking through a permit system making it easier for them to secure a space.
Mayor of Randwick, Dylan Parker said the consultation responds to growing demands for change from the community and rising costs.
“Our beaches belong to everyone, and everyone is welcome to enjoy them,” Mayor Parker said.
“But it’s only fair that people who visit our beaches also contribute to the cost of maintaining them.
“Right now, local ratepayers carry most of that cost, even though the bulk of beach users in summer are visitors. That’s not fair or sustainable in the long term.”
Mayor Parker said any revenue raised through paid visitor parking would be reinvested directly into providing beach services, funding new coastal infrastructure such as amenities buildings, surf clubs and walkways and supporting sustainable transport.
“Providing beaches that are clean, safe and inviting is a significant cost for locals alone to bear. This proposal is about ensuring we can fairly continue serving the needs of all beachgoers. I encourage everyone to look out for the information in your letterbox and encourage you to have your say,” he said.
Randwick City Council is seeking feedback during a six-week community consultation period from 4 March to 15 April 2026.
Residents are encouraged to complete an online survey: www.yoursay.randwick.nsw.gov.au/visitorpayparking.
