Second parking permit fee increase removed from Woollahra budget changes

Residents seeking a second car parking permit in Woollahra will not face the proposed fee increase if the committee’s amended budget package is adopted by Woollahra Municipal Council.

The Strategic & Corporate Committee recommended removing the changes to the second car parking permit fee increase as it considered the council’s 2026-27 Operational Plan, budget, rating structure and Long Term Financial Plan.

The package records $57,497,461 in rates and $20,451,750 in annual charges. Together, rates and annual charges total $77,949,211 for 2026-27.

The committee also recommended continuing to explore pedestrianisation of Knox Street and/or Knox Lane in Double Bay centre, linking the parking change to wider transport planning in the area.

Six submissions were received during the public exhibition of the draft Operational Plan and Long Term Financial Plan from 1 to 31 May. The committee recommended adopting the documents subject to the listed amendments and other changes agreed during the meeting.

An amendment proposing further investigations into alternative uses for the Grafton Street car park was lost.

Other recommended budget changes include installing a rain garden and gross pollutant trap, supporting greater uptake of rooftop solar and batteries, particularly in apartment buildings, and establishing a mechanism to manage the distribution of affordable housing contributions.

The committee’s recommendation remains subject to final adoption of the budget and related plans by Woollahra Municipal Council. If adopted, the removal will apply to the proposed second-permit fee change across the Woollahra local government area.