Date: 1st July 2026

Randwick City Council has voted to reject a controversial paid beach parking proposal following intense community opposition.

The Daily Telegraph reported on a tense Tuesday night council meeting, where two thirds of the fifteen member council voted against the recommended plan, which aimed to generate up to three point six million dollars annually for coastal infrastructure.

The decision leaves the council seeking alternative funding streams to cover a twenty-three million dollar beach maintenance deficit.

While some believed the plan would shift the financial burden away from local ratepayers, opponents were support by a petition with over eleven thousand signatures.

The decision means parking will remain free for visitors at several of Sydney’s popular beaches, including Coogee and Maroubra.

Watch last night’s meeting: