newy.com.au – Labor candidate for Newcastle lord mayor Declan Clausen has pledged to make the first 30 minutes of parking free in the Newcastle CBD if elected, saying the measure would ease cost-of-living pressure and help local businesses.
Cr Clausen said the policy was aimed at making short trips into the city simpler and more affordable.
“Parking shouldn’t cost more than the coffee you’re grabbing, or the errand you’re running. When parking and transport are accessible and more affordable, more people visit our local businesses.
“Novocastrians want to support local businesses, but too often they tell me parking costs make a simple trip harder than it should be.
“Free 30-minute parking means you can grab a coffee, run an errand or duck into a shop without worrying about the cost.”
Cr Clausen said Newcastle’s city centre had about 10,000 on-street parking spaces, and said the way they were managed was as important as the total number available.
“We’ve seen big changes in our city over recent years, including new infrastructure and redevelopment in the CBD.
“My focus is making sure our parking system keeps up, and works for local businesses, workers and residents.”
Citing Council’s Parking Plan, Cr Clausen said more than 1,100 on-street spaces across the city centre were tied up in restricted or reserved uses, and said better management of those spaces was part of the solution.
“We’ve got spaces sitting empty because of outdated rules. We should be putting those spaces back to work for the community.”
Cr Clausen said the policy was intended to be budget neutral over time through smarter management of existing parking.
“When parking is simpler and more affordable, more people visit our local businesses and spend time in our centres.
“That’s good for local jobs, and good for Newcastle.”
The Newcastle Lord Mayoral by-election will be held on 18 April 2026.
