Waverley Council has plunged Bondi into a parking crisis after suddenly closing its flagship £1.7 million parking garage without warning, leaving local businesses and residents furious.
The multi-storey facility on Waverley Street, a critical parking hub for the iconic beachside suburb, was abruptly shuttered indefinitely this week following the discovery of serious concrete degradation during routine maintenance.
Businesses Left Reeling
Local shop owners report devastating impacts already, with one retailer describing the situation as "catastrophic" for trade. "Customers can't park, they're driving straight past," said a frustrated business owner who wished to remain anonymous. "The council gave us zero warning - this will ruin businesses."
Council's Controversial Response
Despite the massive inconvenience to the community, Waverley Council has provided scant alternatives. Their solution? Directing motorists to already overcrowded street parking or suggesting public transport options that many argue are inadequate for the area's needs.
A council spokesperson stated: "The safety of the public is our primary concern. The structure requires immediate comprehensive assessment and repairs." However, they failed to provide any timeline for reopening, leaving the community in limbo.
Structural Concerns
Engineering reports indicate significant concrete spalling and structural weaknesses that could pose safety risks. The garage, which serves hundreds of vehicles daily, requires extensive remediation work that could take months to complete.
Local residents have expressed outrage at the lack of contingency planning. "They've had years to maintain this property properly," one local remarked. "Now we're all paying the price for their negligence."
The closure comes during a critical period for local businesses, many of which rely on holiday trade and summer tourism. The absence of viable parking solutions threatens to cripple the local economy during its busiest season.
