About the project

Shellharbour is growing, and with more people comes more pressure on public parking. To help make sure these stays safe, fair and easy to use, Council has developed the Shellharbour Parking Strategy, helping us plan ahead, rather than circle the block.

This Strategy takes a look at how parking works across nine town centres today - what’s working well, what’s not, and where things could be improved. This is to ensure that the public parking spaces (on street/ off street) are available in a fair and equitable manner to all users.

It sets out a clear plan for how Council will manage public parking over the next five years, including on‑street and off‑street spaces. The goal is to make it easier for residents, visitors, workers and local businesses to get to the places they need, now and as our city continues to grow.

The Strategy aims to:

Important Documents

Get to know your town centers

What is proposed?

  • Clear peak‑hour parking rules on Tongarra Road to help traffic flow.
  • More accessible (mobility) parking near shops and crossings.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging in existing car parks.
  • Long‑term improvements at the Showgrounds for extra parking.

What is currently there?

  • Plenty of parking overall.
  • On‑street parking on Tongarra Road fills up quickly.
  • Off‑street car parks are often underused.

Other key points

  • Traffic congestion is the main issue, not lack of parking.

What is proposed?

  • EV charging and motorcycle parking in existing car parks.
  • Better signs to help people find off‑street parking.
  • Small layout changes to improve how car parks work.

What is currently there?

  • Enough parking to meet demand.
  • On‑street parking is busy on weekdays, quieter on weekends.
  • Off‑street parking is available most of the time.

Other key points

  • Parking patterns reflect commuter use.

What is proposed?

  • Short‑stay (2‑hour) parking on key streets.
  • A trial shuttle bus for workers from the train station.
  • Long‑term investigation of better walking connections.

What is currently there?

  • Parking supply generally meets demand.
  • Some streets are busier during workdays.
  • Weekend parking is mostly empty.

Other key points

  • Informal parking on verges affects safety and walkability.

What is proposed?

  • EV charging in public car parks.
  • Better loading zones for businesses.
  • Education around safe parking near schools.
  • Short‑stay parking near busy areas.
  • Options for off‑street storage of boats and caravans.

What is currently there?

  • Parking supply generally meets demand.
  • On‑street parking is preferred.
  • Off‑street parking is available during the day.
  • Some illegal parking on verges.

Other key points

  • School drop‑off and pick‑up creates local pressure.

What is proposed?

  • A full review of parking across the suburb.
  • More accessible parking near key destinations.
  • Parking rules on narrow residential streets.
  • Work zones for construction vehicles.
  • Long‑term investigation of multi‑level parking.

What is currently there?

  • Parking demand is very high.
  • Off‑street car parks are often full.
  • On‑street parking near the town centre fills early.
  • Residential streets are under pressure from visitor and worker parking.

Other key points

  • Construction and tourism add to parking demand.

What is proposed?

  • More accessible parking on main streets.
  • EV charging in public car parks.
  • Long‑term investigation of multi‑level parking.
  • Options for off‑street storage of caravans and boats.

What is currently there?

  • Parking demand is high most days.
  • Off‑street car parks are often full, especially near the beach.
  • Timed and unrestricted parking fills quickly.

Other key points

  • Weekend and holiday demand is highest.

What is proposed?

  • Simpler, more consistent parking time limits.
  • More short‑stay parking near shops and services.
  • EV charging in council car parks.
  • Long‑term investigation of multi‑level parking.

What is currently there?

  • Overall parking supply meets demand.
  • On‑street parking is most popular.
  • Off‑street parking is available but less used.
  • Parking signs can be confusing.

Other key points

  • Weekdays are busier than weekends.

What is proposed?

  • Safety‑based parking changes on George Street.
  • More accessible parking near shops.
  • EV charging in public car parks.
  • Flexible use of car parks for events and markets.
  • Options for off‑street caravan and boat storage.

What is currently there?

  • Parking supply generally meets demand.
  • Weekdays are busier than weekends.
  • Some car parks are underused.

Other key points

  • Recent upgrades have improved accessibility and safety.

What is proposed?

  • Safer on‑street parking layouts.
  • Parking education around businesses.
  • Options for off‑street storage of boats and caravans.

What is currently there?

  • Parking supply meets demand overall.
  • Weekdays are busier than weekends.
  • Illegal verge parking is common in some streets.

Other key points

  • Verge parking can force pedestrians onto the road.