Letter to Councillors - Merimbula CBD Parking

Sent 1st March 2026 Re: Merimbula CBD parking motion Dear Councillors, We note a motion put to the Council’s meeting of 25 February 2026 regarding parking in the Merimbula CBD and offer the following feedback. As one of the region’s most important visitor destinations, Merimbula’s town centre plays a critical role in supporting the local tourism economy, small businesses and employment. Decisions regarding traffic flow and parking therefore have implications well beyond the streetscape and must be considered in the context of the town’s role as a regional economic hub. Merimbula Tourism has several serious concerns regarding both the process undertaken to date and the potential impacts of the proposed changes. Firstly, we are concerned that tourism stakeholders, businesses and the broader community have not been adequately informed about the details of the plan. The design process appears to have been undertaken largely within council administration with limited transparency. Stakeholders only became aware of the scale of proposed changes, including potential parking reductions, late in the process. For a project that could significantly alter the functionality and accessibility of the town centre, this is concerning. Secondly, there has been a clear lack of meaningful consultation with community, tourism and business stakeholders. The previously presented proposal indicated the potential loss of a substantial number of CBD parking spaces, yet those most affected were not engaged prior to the proposal progressing to council. Accessible parking in the CBD is essential to the visitor economy. Many visitors – including older travellers, families and those with mobility limitations – rely on convenient central parking to access shops, restaurants and services. Reducing available parking without appropriate replacement risks discouraging visitation and undermining the economic activity that sustains local businesses. Tourism is a major economic driver for Merimbula and the wider Bega Valley, bringing significant visitor spending into the community and supporting jobs across hospitality, retail and service sectors. Ensuring visitors can easily access the town centre is therefore not simply a convenience issue — it is fundamental to the economic health of the town. Thirdly, there remains uncertainty regarding Council’s ability to fund the proposed redesign and whether elements of the project may ultimately fall to ratepayers. At a time when many households and businesses are facing financial pressure, the full financial implications of any major town centre upgrade should be clearly communicated and transparently assessed. Finally, we are concerned about the potential interim and long-term disruptions that significant changes to traffic flow and parking may create for local businesses, residents and visitor experiences. Construction impacts, altered traffic movements and reduced parking availability could negatively affect the vitality of the town centre and the experience of visitors who contribute significantly to Merimbula’s economy. Merimbula Tourism therefore urges councillors to ensure that any future planning process is transparent, consultative and grounded in a clear understanding of the town’s role as a key tourism destination. We respectfully request: - Meaningful consultation with tourism operators, businesses and community stakeholders before further design decisions are progressed. - Clear public communication of the proposed changes and their impacts on parking availability and traffic movement. - Transparency regarding project costs and any potential financial implications for ratepayers. - Careful consideration of both short-term disruption and long-term accessibility for visitors and local businesses. - A clear commitment that any future CBD design will result in no net loss of car parking within the Merimbula town centre, with any displaced spaces replaced in nearby and practical locations. Merimbula Tourism supports thoughtful improvements that enhance the attractiveness and functionality of the town centre. However, these improvements must maintain accessibility and support the visitor economy that underpins Merimbula’s prosperity as a regional destination. Your sincerely, Shahram Saber President