The Property Council of Australia, Queensland Division welcomes the State Government’s commitment to block a Brisbane City Council proposed $400-per-bay parking levy for the CBD and fringe areas.
Property Council executive director Robert Walker said that he received confirmation today from Steve Bredhauer, Minister for Transport, that the State Government had "no plans to introduce such a levy nor does it intend to enable the Brisbane City Council to introduce such a levy".
The levy was a vital element in the Council’s
Transport Plan for Brisbane 2002-2016, released by Lord Mayor Jim Soorley in September.
"The commitment from the Government is a huge relief for the CBD," Mr Walker said.
"The State Government has recognised the disastrous effects the imposition of the tax would have on the CBD and the businesses who operate within that area.
"Property owners in the CBD have already been slugged significantly over the past few years with increases in rates and in particular with the Government’s decision to abandon the rebate on land tax. The decision by the Government has provided some small relief."
Last month the Property Council conducted an e-poll survey across businesses in the Brisbane CBD and fringe areas to ascertain the public’s reaction to the levy, and found that ninety-three per cent of CBD and fringe businesses would opt to relocate rather than pay.
The Property Council has been strong in its opposition to the proposed levy, and believes that it would increase the cost for those who require their cars for work-related purposes and would "achieve little in the way of travel demand management".
