Townsville City Council is handing out an early Christmas gift with free parking rolling out across the city centre for all of December.
Christmas free parking will include all 2P, 3P, 4P and 8P parking spaces, however time restrictions in car parking spaces will still apply.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the decision to roll out free parking meant more people would be able to travel into the city centre during the festive season.
"Council is focused on growing a city with great connectivity and creating more accessibility to the city centre during peak consumer periods like Christmas aligns with that goal," Cr Greaney said.
"I know how many great shops and eateries are in the area so I'd highly encourage locals who otherwise don't travel into the city to take advantage of our free parking this Christmas. You can shop for Christmas presents at the boutiques and treat yourself to a meal or a coffee while you're at it."
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said Council would be working on replacing existing parking meters with roughly 130 parking meters during this period.
"Council is phasing out its old parking meters and replacing them with brand new Australian-made meters this December. To make the transition smoother, Council has decided to deliver free parking across the city centre parking spaces while these works occur," Cr Rehbein said.
"We are changing our suite of parking meters as the current ones have reached the end of their useful life. We have engaged Australian company Duncan Solutions to provide two types of solar-powered parking meters.
"These parking meters will be coin, card and app operated for 2P parking spots, and card and app operated for all 4P and 8P parking spots. The app will roll out in January and will make it quicker and easier to pay for parking in the city."
To learn more about what Council is doing for you this Christmas, visit our Christmas Together 2022 page.
