Free parking for nomads rejected | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast

GREY nomads will not be given a free parking area in Maryborough CBD.

Councillors knocked the idea on the head at a meeting of the Fraser Coast council in Maryborough yesterday.

“I thought there were good grounds to have a trial,” said Gerard O'Connell, who had pushed for a trial period, after an 8-3 vote against the proposal.

“There's no doubt it was contentious.”

The question of how motor home parking at McDowell Car Park on Kent Street would be policed emerged as one of the contentious issues.

Taking customers away from Fraser Coast caravan parks was another thorny issue. Councillor Debbie Hawes said there were already two free parking areas in Tiaro that could be used and supported by council.

Those voting against the proposal were Mayor Mick Kruger, deputy mayor Belinda McNeven, Barb Hovard, Sue Brooks, Debbie Hawes, Julie Arthur, Anne Nioa and Linda Harris.

David Dalgleish and Les MucKan voted with Mr O'Connell in favour of a trial period.

Mr O'Connell told fellow councillors his intention was not meant to be detrimental to caravan park owners but was aimed at attracting more money into the region.

“It's just got too many problems,” Ms Hovard said, adding there were already dump points for sewage waste at Maryborough Airport and Maryborough Park.

Ms Hovard, along with Ms McNeven, did not see why a free area should be created when self-contained motor home users already parked overnight in the city's streets for free.

They agreed that was hard enough to police without introducing another unmonitored spot.