Australia wastes more than $1 billion a year on unused car parks
A new Grattan Institute report finds that Australia spends more than A$1 billion a year on off-street car parks that end up sitting unused. The report recommends that mandatory parking minimums be abolished from planning rules.
A new Grattan Institute report finds that Australia spends more than A$1 billion every year on off-street car parks that are required by planning rules but end up sitting unused or unwanted. The report says current planning codes still assume a car-first urban design template from half a century ago.
Researchers say the number of mandatory parking spaces built into housing and retail projects far exceeds actual local demand. As a result, developers pass on higher costs for smaller apartments, retail rents rise, and the supply of affordable inner-city housing tightens. Removing minimums could lower housing costs meaningfully, the report argues.
Grattan describes the recalibration of planning codes in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne as an urgent urban-reform priority. State governments are expected to study the report over the coming months and weigh it alongside public transport investment. According to ABC News, the findings have triggered active debate in local government circles.
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