The Property Council is seeking an assurance that the State Government will not increase current CBD and West Perth parking bay license fees beyond CPI movements.
Executive Director of the Property Council in WA, Mr Joe Lenzo, said, "An increase in parking license fees will hurt Perth businesses."
"Perth retailers, who already are feeling the slowdown in consumer spending, will suffer further against their suburban competitors if parking fees rise."
"Increased parking bay license fees will also deter businesses from locating in the CBD and West Perth."
"We believe that at a time of fragile business and consumer confidence, a commitment not to increase the parking bay fees would be a positive signal to the business community from the Gallop Government."
The move to establish the parking bay license fees in 1999 was opposed by the Property Council on the basis that the Government would use the fees as a revenue-ratcheting tool.
"A commitment from the Labor Government would assure Perth retailers and other businesses that the parking bay fee is not to be used for a tax grab."
Retail trade in the CBD region is a significant contributor to Western Australia's economy- it generates $252 million in wages for 13% of Perth's workers.
However, retail sales in the CBD appear to have fallen since the early-mid 1990's. Growth in retail sales has gone regional shopping centres.
Mr Lenzo said, "Less retail activity in central Perth limits its amenity for tourists, inner-city residents and commuters alike."
"Higher parking bay fees will not help Perth's retailers."
"We are asking the Government to commit to no increase- only to limit any increases to CPI movements."
"No other states apart from New South Wales have parking bay license fees as we do in WA."
"Property Council members are currently finalising their budgets for the next financial year and are looking for certainty in their budgeting."
