Petition to the City of Greater Geelong

Why this matters
We call on the City of Greater Geelong to reinstate two hours of free parking in the Geelong CBD.

The recent removal of two hours of free parking has created an unnecessary barrier for people who rely on accessible, affordable parking to visit the city centre. At a time when the cost of living continues to affect households across our community, this decision places additional financial pressure on residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Winter is traditionally one of the most challenging periods for CBD businesses. Free parking encouraged people to visit Geelong's cafés, restaurants, retailers, fitness studios, and service providers, helping to keep the city centre active during quieter months. Without this incentive, many people are choosing destinations where parking is free, reducing foot traffic and impacting businesses that are already operating in a difficult economic environment.

The removal of free parking also affects people visiting loved ones at University Hospital Geelong. Family members, carers, and friends should be able to spend time supporting patients without the added concern of parking costs, particularly when many visits are relatively short.

Access to essential government services is another important consideration. Many people visiting Centrelink and other support services in the CBD are already experiencing financial hardship. Introducing parking costs for these visits creates another obstacle for those who can least afford it and may discourage people from accessing services they need.

Independent fitness studios throughout the CBD are also feeling the impact. Many clients attend classes before work, during lunch breaks, or after work, with visits often lasting around an hour. The previous two-hour free parking period made these businesses more accessible and competitive. Its removal may discourage attendance and place additional pressure on small business owners who contribute to a healthy, vibrant city centre.

A thriving CBD depends on being accessible, welcoming, and affordable. Parking should support-not discourage-people from shopping locally, accessing healthcare, attending appointments, exercising, and spending time in the heart of Geelong.

Our request
We respectfully call on the City of Greater Geelong to:

• Reinstate two hours of free parking across the Geelong CBD as soon as possible.
• Review the impact that the removal of free parking has had on local businesses, healthcare access, community services, and visitor numbers.
• Work collaboratively with local businesses, residents, healthcare providers, community organisations, and service users to develop parking policies that support a vibrant, accessible CBD.

Reinstating two hours of free parking is a practical investment in Geelong's future. It will encourage more people to return to the CBD, support local businesses during challenging trading conditions, improve access to essential services and healthcare, and ensure the city centre remains a welcoming destination for everyone.

We urge the City of Greater Geelong to listen to its community and restore two hours of free parking for the benefit of residents, businesses, visitors, and the wider Geelong region.