Opposition to the proposed paid beach parking scheme is continuing to grow in Maroubra, where residents and business owners say the changes could reshape the character of the suburb and make beach access harder for families.
The proposal would introduce paid parking for visitors near beaches across Randwick’s coastline, including Maroubra Beach. Residents would receive free permits under the scheme, although Council is now reviewing how many permits each household would receive after strong public backlash.
The parking changes are intended to help cover rising beach maintenance costs and improve parking turnover in busy coastal areas. According to council figures, annual maintenance costs across local beaches total about $23 million.
Longtime Residents Reject ‘Pay to Visit the Beach’
Many Maroubra residents say the proposal conflicts with the suburb’s long-standing beach culture and community identity. A longtime resident recalled earlier attempts to introduce parking meters in Maroubra decades ago also faced strong resistance from locals.
Several residents have also raised concerns about larger households with multiple vehicles and the impact paid parking may have on visiting family members, workers and younger drivers.
Maroubra Businesses Fear Changes to Local Atmosphere
Business owners near Maroubra Beach are also watching the proposal closely amid concerns parking charges could discourage people from spending time in the area.
Some owners said they were already facing difficult conditions and feared higher parking costs could affect regular customer visits. The residents have also expressed concern the changes could shift the atmosphere of Maroubra toward a more tourist-focused beach culture similar to other parts of Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
South Maroubra Chamber of Commerce president Richard Walsh said expectations that parking meters would solve congestion problems during summer weekends were unrealistic.
Randwick Council has not yet announced when a final version of the parking proposal will be presented.
Published 18-May-2026
