Parking fees to go up by 150%

WOLLONGONG businesses are furious over plans to increase parking fees by 150 per cent.

Wollongong City Council has more than doubled its CBD parking fees in a revenue-raising move which has some businesses seething.

Hairdresser Peter Bielefeld was shocked to find the council was planning to increase his parking fees from $41 to $100 a month from July 1.

The owner of Peter's Hair Styling in Kembla St, Mr Bielefeld said he felt helpless to challenge the decision which would strain his already stretched budget.

"This is just not right," he said.

"We are just a little business and we already have a recession to deal with."

Next door to Mr Bielefeld, vintage clothing store Something For Doris will also be hit with the fee hike.

Store owner Jude Felton said she felt sick when she saw the increased charges.

"You expect in business that your rent goes up in small increments, but to have a big hit like that is not really fair," she said.

"Life's tough enough in small business without things going up that much."

The move comes as the council's three administrators decide whether to support a property department proposal to increase rooftop parking in the Stewart St car park from $54.25 a month to $105 - a hike of nearly 100 per cent.

Undercover parking may also rise from $78.70 to $120, an increase of 53 per cent.

The proposal, if approved, will affect all council's six paid parking stations and will bring fees in line with commercial rates.

A council spokeswoman said the proposed hikes were part of a routine fees review.

"Each year as part of its management plan and budget process council reviews all fees and charges.

"As part of this process, and in line with its inner city parking strategy, council is currently considering bringing the fees it charges at all its paid parking stations in line with other local parking providers. These fees, if adopted, would apply to all users."

The proposal affects council car parks in Auburn St, Belmore St, Rawson St, Stewart St, Thomas St and Victoria St.

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