Renters would get the same rights to beach parking permits in council areas that run two-tiered schemes favouring homeowners, under reforms proposed by the NSW Government.
Mosman and Northern Beaches councils issue free parking at local beaches to ratepayers - those people who own their own property - but charge people who rent for the same permit to park at the beach.
For example, on the Northern Beaches, homeowners are issued two free, annual parking permits to 40 local beaches whereas renters need to apply and pay $250 for a parking sticker.
Homeowners are also allowed to purchase two more permits for a total of four per household - twice as many as a rented household can access.
In Mosman, property owners get a free access sticker to four car parks, including Balmoral and the Spit, while resident renters can purchase up to two permits for $61 each. Mosman property owners who reside in their property can also purchase two more on top of a free permit for the same price.
Casual car parking charges at beaches like Manly and Balmoral are up to $10 an hour for those without a permit and Bondi Beach is $10.80 an hour.
A third of people rent their home in NSW and the proportion of those renting is rising.
The NSW Government is alerting councils with parking permit schemes of the proposed changes and inviting their feedback.
Any change would be issued as part of an update to parking Guidelines under the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2021.
The changes are part of a suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government aimed at ensuring access to Sydney beaches does not depend on someone's postcode and they remain open and welcoming to all.
An update to the Guidelines in June last year requires that street parking duration is of a minimum one hour when it is combined with permit holder exemptions.
In one case, Woollahra Council had put a time limit of 15 minutes on visitors to Watsons Bay unless you were a resident with an all-day parking permit.
The NSW Government is also considering changes to the Guidelines which will stop councils excluding residents of strata units and multi-dwelling properties from obtaining residential parking permits on the same terms as other residents.
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
"In NSW, the beach belongs to everyone. That same egalitarianism should also extend to the beach car park.
"We do not believe a distinction should be made based on whether someone owns their own home or rents it when it comes to access to the beach. This is a fairness issue, and a cost-of-living issue.
"Similarly, drawing lines based on whether someone lives in a block of apartments or in a house also fails the fairness test.
"In Watsons Bay, we have already put a stop to a parking arrangement that was closer to speed dating than a relaxing visit to the beach and we are asking councils everywhere to consider the equity of their rules. We look forward to their feedback.
