The car parking on this Goulburn street might look a bit different soon. Photo: James Coleman.
A Southern Tablelands council is hoping to solve its parking woes as it prepares for a “whole lot of feedback” on its plan.
Possible solutions to parking issues in Goulburn’s CBD and hospital precinct were raised at a recent Goulburn Mulwaree Council (GMC) meeting, when councillors voted to move ahead to the next step in the process.
Residents can now have their say on the plans.
In the CBD, GMC has proposed expanding unrestricted parking areas in peripheral streets, while areas that see a higher demand would keep shorter time limits.
Business 2580 president Josh Matthews said it was too early to determine whether the proposals would solve issues around parking – including the overall availability and the number of accessible spaces – but he described them as being a “significant change”.
He said the CBD proposal could benefit cafes and other food vendors.
“They’re going to spend a little bit more time in those venues, without having to worry about getting booked for overstaying the welcome in the parking spot,” he told Region.
“However, that does raise the flow-on effect of how people might just sit there all day.”
The parking permit system at Goulburn’s hospital precinct will be scrapped.
According to council meeting papers, the hospital’s parking permit system has not been enforced since late 2024.
The documents also claim that some passes were copied and shared, while “significantly” more permits than available spaces were issued.
During the meeting, councillor Caitlin Flint asked for more information about the situation.
“I’m confused as to why we ever allowed permits in this area. … Looking at these plans, there is not adequate parking available on the fully developed hospital site to cover the amount of staff moving forward.”
She said residents of nearby areas, such as Albert and Prell streets, had been left to bear the brunt of the arrangement.
In response, a staff member said the project was a State Significant Development (meaning it wasn’t assessed by the council), but GMC had advocated around the issue.
“It [the permits system] wasn’t perfect – it served a purpose through the peak of construction.
“We also had the temporary carpark … We would agree that what has resulted at the hospital is probably underdone, in terms of parking spaces.”
Most timed restrictions would also be removed in the streets around Victoria Park and the hospital.
Instead, timed carparks would remain on parts of Albert, Clifford, Faithfull, Goldsmith and Prell streets.
Councillors also heard that the current proposal had involved consultation with the hospital about its parking needs.
Mr Matthews said that, as a major employer in the region, the quality and availability of parking at the hospital precinct should be a concern.
“Families come to Goulburn on the basis of mum or dad getting a job at the hospital – that feeds into the wider economic conversation as to how important the parking situation is.
“If parking is a bugbear and they can’t park their car in a safe environment, they’re parking it up side streets where it gets dinged or knocked … that really opens up a conversation about, ‘Well, is it worth me working here long term?'”
Ultimately, Goulburn councillors voted to exhibit the report – along with the proposed changes – for public feedback.
A report on the findings is expected to be presented to councillors at a future meeting.
The councillors’ discussion also raised community consultation around the changes.
Councillor Bob Kirk won support for his suggestion that the word ‘endorse’ be removed from the initial motion.
It had called for GMC to “endorse the exhibition” of the proposal, but he said this was premature without further consultation.
“Personally, I can’t agree with the changes, as proposed.
“But that’s just me – I’d like to see some more two-hour limits around the hospital. … We’re going to get a whole lot of feedback about this, I can tell you now!”
Maps showing the current arrangements, as well as the proposed changes, are available on Goulburn Council’s website.
