Hobart Alderman Marti Zucco has proposed two new parking initiatives that he says would make the CBD more accessible, encourage more people to visit the city, and support local businesses.

“The message from businesses is loud and clear,” Alderman Zucco said in a media release on 10 July.

“People want to come into the city, but the cost and frustration of parking has become a major barrier. Parking should be encouraging people to visit the city, not discouraging them.”

Under the first proposal, motorists using on-street parking would register their vehicle at a parking meter or through the parking apps EasyPark and PayStay, but would not pay a fee if they left within the allocated time limit. Drivers who overstayed would incur parking charges and, where applicable, infringement notices.

The second proposal would introduce a 12-month ‘Shop and Save’ pilot program on selected trading days. Customers spending at least $20 at participating Hobart businesses would be eligible for up to two hours of free parking in a council multi-storey car park.

“For decades, parking has been treated primarily as a revenue source,” Alderman Zucco said.

“I believe it should be viewed as an investment in the future of our city.”

The proposals have been released as policy discussion papers, which also recommend reinvesting future parking revenue into transport and parking infrastructure, including additional off-street parking, park-and-ride facilities, ferry infrastructure, motorcycle parking, cycling connections, and longer-term public transport projects such as light rail.

The discussion papers will be circulated to businesses, industry groups, and the broader community for feedback before being considered further by Hobart City Council.

Callum J. Jones studied English, History, and Journalism at the University of Tasmania and lived in Western Sydney from 2022 to 2024 while working as a journalist for Professional Planner, a leading online publication for financial planners. He has written for Tasmanian Times since 2018 and has also been published in a range of other outlets, including Quadrant and the BAD Western Sydney anthologies.

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