Mallard backflip on Chippendale parking meters

Liberal Councillor Shayne Mallard has labelled a plan to install parking meters in Chippendale a “money grab” the community doesn’t want.

However the motion to install the meters was carried unanimously by City of Sydney Council, Cr Mallard included, last December in response to parking strains in the area.

Cr Mallard told City News Chippendale shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of lost parking revenue in the Central Business District.

“A lot of parking meters are being taken out of the city because of bicycle lanes and I think that there’s an objective to make sure that they’re protecting their revenues,” he said.

“And I don’t think it’s right that Chippendale, which is essentially a sleepy little suburb on the edge of the city should be having CBD parking meters imposed upon it. It’s not good for business [and] it’s not good for residents.

“If we’re taking out how many parking meters … for bicycle lanes and I fully support that, then I think that the existing parking meters should be adjusted to reflect the less number of spaces and the higher demand.”

Cr Mallard refuted the findings of a 2007 study that found high demand for spaces was placing a strain on the area.

“The study … was done in 2007 so there’s a whole question about the accuracy of that study, it being so old,” he said.

“The study says that [there is a shortage of parking]. But there’s anecdotal evidence that that’s not the case from the local businesses I’ve been talking to there and some of the residents.”

But a City of Sydney spokesperson said Council had unanimously endorsed the parking changes following an extensive process of public consultation.

“The proposal aims to increase vehicle turnover to improve access to parking for residents, provide short-term parking for customers for local businesses, encourage public transport use, deter long-stay commuter parking and reduce traffic congestion,” the spokesperson said.

Council records indicate the motion was carried on 7 December 2009, with mention that “The Chair and Councillor Mallard thanked staff for the work undertaken on this matter.”

Chippendale Residents Interest group spokesperson David Pocklington said the community was glad to see Council acting on the parking issue but said businesses and residents were divided on the solution.

“The business community is saying that the restrictions will affect their customers [but] some residents maintain that they’re more concerned about their own parking for staff and managers … some residents have witnessed staff come out and rotate their cars around,” he said.

“Some would suggest that councillor Mallard is speaking not for the residents but for the business community … I’m not in a position to say that he is or isn’t but he’s known to have connections with the business community.”

In December, City News reported the Greens had accused Cr Mallard of receiving illegal donations during his 2008 election campaign.

Allegations against Cr Mallard of voting on a DA after receiving a donation from the client were dismissed in January by the NSW Department of Local Government.

But accusations that he received in-kind donations by using free CBD office space for his campaign were not addressed.