Community outcry over plans for metered parking in popular Sydney beach suburbs

Beyond the cliffs of Bondi are the neighbouring beaches of Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra.

Here, residents and business owners are at war with council over proposed metered parking.

"Everyone's struggling enough as it is, businesses are on their knees," said Coogee Courtyard owner Dave Martin.

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"It's another kick to the guts really, you have to pay to park and grab a coffee," said Martin.

"If this stops people from coming down here, it's gonna hurt us."

The plan involves installing parking meters at Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay, La Parouse and Yarra Bay.

Randwick City Mayor Dylan Parker said the revenue from meters would contribute to the $23 million spent maintaining the beachside areas every year.

"Currently, locals pay 100 per cent of the cost of managing our coastline, we don't think it's fair for locals to shoulder that burden."

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The proposal is considering one free parking permit per local household.

Jay Merten lives at Maroubra on a street where the parking meters could be positioned.

The father of two says one permit won't be enough.

"With a 13 (year-old) and 15-year-old we could have a couple more cars in a few years time."

It's not the first time Randwick City Council has proposed metered parking.

Locals rallied against the plan back in 2005 and again in 2015.

Both times the community won the fight.

The proposal is open for community consultation until Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Watch the full video in the player above.