Parking is an emotive issue and affects almost everybody. It’s very much on both the business and communities agendas.

Smart Parking is a way to manage parking and the benefits include:

  • Fair and flexible access to public parking
  • Increased parking turnover during peak periods
  • Generates revenue to deliver public space improvements
  • Improves safety for pedestrians and motorists
  • Park Free Permits for Residents and Businesses

Smart Parking was installed in Nelson Bay CBD in 2020 and more recently extended to Laman Street and Fly Point in Nelson Bay CBD and also to Shoal Bay CBD and foreshore.

In November and December 2023 we ran a survey and provided face to face opportunity to talk to the community about expanding Smart Parking to other locations including:

  • Little Beach, Nelson Bay
  • Fingal Bay
  • Birubi Headland, Robinson Reserve, Anna Bay and
  • One Mile Beach car park, One Mile

We received 287 responses and reported findings back to Council on 12 March 2024.

Following the community feedback received we made some changes as follows:

Smart Parking – Nelson Bay Expansion (Little Beach)

  • The proposed parking regulations have been amended to address key concerns regarding impacts on neighbouring streets and the request for longer time limits;

Smart Parking – Fingal Bay

  • The parking regulations and proposed parking directional signage have been amended to address key concerns regarding impacts on neighbouring streets and the request for longer time limits. Additionally, the proposed Smart Parking Extents have been modified accordingly.

Smart Parking – Birubi Headland

  • The parking regulations and proposed parking have been amended to address the key concerns regarding impact on neighbouring streets and requesting longer time limits. Additionally, the proposed Smart Parking Extents have been modified accordingly.
  • Provision to run a shuttle bus during peak time has been included to address concerns relating to lack of parking and congestion.
  • Provision of digital parking guidance signage to advise motorists of parking availability to reduce congestion.

For full details please refer to the Council report from 12 March 2024 here.

Temporary VMS (Variable Message Signs) at both Little Beach and Fingal Bay are in the process of being installed. Smart Parking at Little Beach is anticipated to be operational in mid-April 2024 and for Fingal Bay by mid-May 2024. We’ll keep you informed of the timing for Birubi Beach as this is not yet confirmed.

If you already have a permit it will cover these new areas and you don’t need to do anything. Registered permit holders will receive an email reminder when their permit is due for removal. If you don’t have a permit and are eligible, please go to our Smart Parking website pages to learn more and to register your vehicles/s here

Information about Smart Parking is being further developed on our website here