Byron Shire councillors voted at last Thursday’s meeting to allocate at least 50 per cent of paid parking revenue from Byron Bay to projects in the town.
The issue was raised by Cr Paul Spooner, who asked for councillor support for all future net revenue be allocated on projects and works in Byron Bay. Net revenue includes meter revenue but excludes resident exemption fees and parking fines.
He also asked the scheme be updated in the quarterly budget review process and ‘to identify all revenue and expenses allocated during the previous quarter.’
Instead, an amendment by Cr Basil Cameron passed (Crs Spooner and Hackett against), which will see that Council ‘note the commitment to ensure at least 50 per cent’ of paid parking revenue from Byron Bay is committed to projects in Byron Bay has been met.’ Council will also ‘affirm that 50 per cent of all non-Crown paid parking revenue from Byron Bay continue to be used to fund projects in Byron Bay and that the distribution of all paid parking revenue be reviewed, ‘should additional paid parking schemes be implemented.’
Cr Cameron’s amendment supported Cr Spooner’s request that online information be available to clearly display ‘estimated revenue, particular projects, estimated cost of project, actual cost of project, and completion status of project.’
During debate Cr Spooner made the point that Byron Bay paid parking is around three per cent of Council’s budget. ‘This money should go to fixing roads, public transport and make the town more livable,’ he said.
