Less parking more drainage say New Brighton residents

Bad weather on the weekend only served to highlight an ongoing drainage problem in New Brighton, with residents incredulous at Council’s plan to create dozens of new car parking spaces, yet they can’t, or won’t, fix the drainage problem.

The proposed Council work would see a total of almost 180 spaces between Park Street and North Head Road. The work would widen Park Street and Ocean Avenue and create 138 spaces to accommodate the Tuesday market.

Council staff say the parking and beach access in New Brighton, having identified several locations where there is potential to increase capacity. Council says the parking challenges in New Brighton include lack of public space; narrow roads and housing developments that were not designed to cater for such large numbers of visitors, and; sensitive beach (dune) and bush environments.

New Brighton resident, Lisa Corbett, said Council says there have been complaints about parking. ‘I’d love to know just how many complaints it took for them to consider spending our rates money on car parks. I’m absolutely astounded that they are prepared to spend money on parking, and yet the drainage issue and bridge maintenance has gone untouched’.

‘I have no doubt local complaints about drainage and the state of our bridge would far outweigh parking issues on market day.’

Some residents feel that the farmer’s market has grown beyond its humble beginnings 15 years ago and has outgrown the village. One resident said that Tuesdays are the only day that it’s busy in the village. They say car spaces are fine if you’re a tourist wanting to shop, but with the current drainage issue, no one can move safely through the town.

‘We do not have a patrolled beach, yet the parking will attract more beachgoers,’ said Ms Corbett. ‘They are planning to cut down a large number of established trees and foliage. It’s complete madness!’

To provide feedback take the survey at: www.byron.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘parking at New Brighton’.