The University Senate has approved revised parking arrangements at UQ for 2009, with most changes at the St Lucia campus.
The new arrangements follow a review by the University’s Traffic & Parking Policy Advisory Committee, including staff, student and administration representatives.
Manager of UQ Traffic & Parking Anthony Fletcher said parking was a complex issue.
“Parking at St Lucia is always a focus of interest as the campus is the second largest generator of traffic in the Brisbane area,” he said.
“To reduce parking and traffic problems, the University encourages public transport, walking and cycling as alternatives to driving to UQ.
“The University has an historic responsibility to provide parking for a range of constituents including staff, students and visitors.
“Our surveys have shown that the current parking amenity is adequate for present circumstances. On every day during 2008 spaces have been available.”
The committee examined evidence, including traffic surveys, environmental considerations such as sustainability, noise, air pollution, vibration and traffic congestion; and the needs of staff, students and visitors. A public meeting was held to get further input.
“The good news for students is that there will be no fee increases in 2009 — the third year in a row— and there will be more spaces,” Mr Fletcher said.
Mr Fletcher said one of the most common complaints was that the current hierarchical parking arrangements were elitist and not appropriate for a 21st century institution. This feedback had been incorporated in the revised arrangements to create a simpler system.
“We are combining the old blue (staff) and green (student) zones into all-day parking zones for staff and students. This will also help us to weed out those non-University commuters who park their vehicles at the St Lucia campus all day but work elsewhere.
“We will substantially increase the daily fee for parking by non-University commuters as the technology becomes available. This will free up more spaces for staff and students."
He said that the number of old red (staff) parking zones had gradually shrunk as the University changed its priorities for land use, and these zones would be abolished and re-allocated as additional long-term or short-term casual parking.
New short-term or long-term casual parking zones from 2009 include: Mill Road, Blair Drive, the car park adjacent to Campus Kindy, University Drive, and Staff House Road.
Current red zone permit holders would be accommodated in their choice of the Multi-level or Conifer Knoll carparks.
The open air Keith Street car park — popular with students — is being resurfaced which would also cut down dust levels for staff in nearby buildings and for neighbours. The University was re-opening an information centre for visitors on the corner of Coleridge Street.
Mr Fletcher said arrangements with the Queensland Police Service to manage and educate cyclists would be implemented in 2009. The service would also manage the University’s speed limits.
Retired staff permits would continue to be made available to staff members who had retired after 15 years continuous service.
Senate has approved a new schedule of annual parking permit fees for 2009, which includes modest increases for a number of categories. The schedule, and a map showing new arrangements, will be available on the Parking at UQ website: www.uq.edu.au/parking
Mr Fletcher said UQ Traffic & Parking had invested more than $50 million since 1991 to create new parking facilities, to purchase modern and user-friendly equipment, and to make campus parking more safe, secure, equitable, accessible and environmentally responsible.
Media: Jan King 07 3365 1120
