Proposed parking and visitor bus access fees
Blue Mountains City Council is seeking community feedback on proposed new annual membership fees for both visitor parking and bus access.
The proposed memberships are a key contributor to the sustainable management of visitation to the region and will assist with the responsible care and protection of our environment. They will increase compliance with Council's Visitor-Pay Parking Scheme and the upcoming bus management program. This is in addition to promoting Council's experiential offerings, creating a more resilient and financially sustainable Blue Mountains.
Before any decision is made, Council is inviting the community to review the proposed fees and provide feedback during the public exhibition period.
Why are these memberships being proposed?
The Blue Mountains attracts more than one million visitor vehicles and over 50,000 visitor bus arrivals each year. As visitation continues to grow, Council is working to balance visitor access with the protection of the City's unique natural environment and the efficient operation of the local transport network.
The proposed memberships build on initiatives already introduced through the Visitor-Pay Parking Scheme and the Visitor Bus Management Plan. They are intended to:
- provide a convenient annual access option for frequent visitors and bus operators
- encourage use of Council's developing experiential offerings.
- encourage compliance with visitor parking and bus access requirements
- support more effective management of parking demand in high-visitor locations
- contribute to the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the City's infrastructure
- encourage and assist with the responsible care and protection of our place and environment.
Over time, Council may also consider including additional benefits within the membership program, such as access to Council-led experiences, events or educational activities that promote stewardship and connection with the Blue Mountains.
Proposed Fees
Council is seeking feedback on the following proposed annual membership fees (valid for 365 days from the date of purchase):
| Membership | Proposed Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Parking Membership – Light Vehicles | $100–$300 |
| Annual Access Membership – Commercial Visitor Buses | $2,500–$5,000 |
The proposed fee ranges provide flexibility as the membership program develops and as Council continues to monitor visitor demand, program uptake and operational outcomes.
How were the proposed fees developed?
The proposed pricing has been informed by visitor travel patterns, the existing Visitor-Pay Parking Scheme and Council's long-term financial sustainability objectives.
For light vehicles, the proposed annual membership has been benchmarked against the cost of multiple day passes and is intended to provide value for visitors who travel to the Blue Mountains regularly throughout the year.
For commercial visitor buses, the proposed membership reflects the current bus access fee structure for high-demand visitor locations and recognises the differing operational needs of regular operators.
As the program evolves and further data becomes available, Council will continue to review the memberships and associated fees through its annual Fees and Charges process.
How can memberships be purchased?
If adopted, memberships will be available to visitors and residents through Council's preferred pay-by-phone parking platform. Council will also explore opportunities to make memberships available through Council facilities, including Visitor Information Centres.
Residents will continue to receive their existing free parking entitlements under the current resident parking arrangements.
Public Exhibition
The proposed fees are being publicly exhibited in accordance with Section 610F of the Local Government Act 1993.
Exhibition period:
Monday 13 July - Monday 10 August
Community feedback received during this period will be considered before a final report is presented to Council for determination.
Have Your Say
Council welcomes feedback from residents, visitors, businesses, commercial bus operators and other interested stakeholders.
Your feedback will help inform Council's consideration of the proposed annual membership fees before any final decision is made.
Please complete the survey below.