Time to focus on Bunbury city promotion, not parking

Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants the spotlight off parking and onto promoting the city.

President David Kerr revealed the chamber’s position on the city’s parking strategy this week and called on time to be better spent on the positive aspects of the CBD.

The chamber supports one-hour free parking at on-street bays and an increase to three-hour limits to “visitor shopper” carparks.

“One of the results of a continuing dispute over parking is that it reinforces the negative message to potential visitors to the CBD,” Mr Kerr said.

“The chamber believes we will be much better served by adopting the recommended actions, working together and focussing on the positive aspects of the CBD and the vibrancy and experience it can deliver.”

He said the city’s key message should be “the CBD has free parking options, specialised retailing, delivers a rich arts, cultural and waterfront experience and provides a vibrant and entertaining space that everyone can enjoy”.

Chamber chief executive officer Mark Seaward said the Bunbury Central Marketing steering committee was focused on marketing and promoting the city.

“We’ve managed to get the City of Bunbury, Go Geo, Commercial Realty and the Retail Co around the same table and as a group, parking is something we want nothing to do with,” Mr Seaward said.

“One part is about getting more businesses into town and activating it, whether that’s short-term or pop-ups.”