General News
11 May, 2026
New parking system worry
NEW paid car parking systems are being rolled out across Cairns, but not everyone is happy.’
“You may have noticed new signage being installed across Cairns North and Cairns CBD in recent days,” a Cairns Regional Council statement said.
“Council is introducing ‘Pay by Plate’ parking across all paid parking areas to provide a more streamlined and reliable way to pay for parking.
“From 5 May, 191 parking meters will be upgraded and rolled out across the city.
“An initial 45 meters were implemented in 2024 as part of a trial to guide the broader rollout, with further upgrades to be delivered progressively.
“Pay by Plate removes the need for paper tickets and returning to the vehicle to display them.
“Drivers simply enter their vehicle registration number at the meter and pay using coins or card.
“Alternatively, payment can still be made via the EasyPark app.
“This upgrade is designed to improve the parking experience for residents and visitors across key locations, including the city centre and Esplanade.”
But community advocate Perri Bella Conti said in a Facebook post not everyone would be able to use the system.
“How are elderly people going to cope with this?,” she said.
“My elderly mother has no idea what an app is let alone know how to use one.
“She doesn’t even know how to send a text message.”
Lorraine Paganini, also on Facebook, said it was not only a problem for the elderly, but for tourists, rental vehicles and tradies.
For more information, visit www.bit.ly/4cUoiHC
