Parking Management Framework adopted

The Framework was adopted by Council on Tuesday 11 March 2025. Check out the Framework and the engagement report below.

Parking congestion is an increasing issue across the municipality and standard restrictions are no longer enough in some areas.

The purpose of the draft Parking Management Framework (PMF) is to provide guidance for Council when making decisions about the management of parking. The PMF sets out the main principles behind managing parking on land which Council is responsible for in a consistent, equitable and transparent way for the benefit of the residents, business operators and visitors. The PMF responds to Council's long term Integrated Transport Strategy.

If you would like to provide information about current parking issues or concerns, please see the links below or contact 1300 368 333.

- To pay a parking fine (infringement notice) - How to dispute a fine

- Accessible Parking Permits (formerly Disabled Parking Permits)

- Report a parking/ traffic concern

Outline of key sections in the PMF

- Unrestricted parking: residential streets and smaller shopping strips with low demand.

- Time restricted parking: in a shopping area or key destination, near train stations or schools

- Allocation to specific users: in a shopping area or key destination, near train stations. Examples include Accessible parking, loading/taxi/electric vehicle charging zones, resident permit zones. These areas will be supported by enforcement when required.

- Digital parking solutions: technology to show drivers available parking spaces. In townships or key destination areas with both on and off-street parking.

- Paid parking: areas of high tourist demand (Yarra Ranges residents will not be required to pay).

  • Identify parking issues and background information related to existing land-use and enforcement.
  • Evaluate parking occupancy and patterns to understand regular parking behaviour.
  • Develop a plan outlining the proposed restrictions and present it to relevant stakeholders for feedback, including the need for resident or trader parking permits, if required.
  • Review feedback and make relevant adjustments to the plan.
  • Install relevant signs and infrastructure.

The draft PMF includes further information on the following:

  • Areas with No stopping at any time
  • Bus and taxi zones
  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Loading zones
  • Electric vehicle charging zones
  • Parents with prams and seniors parking spaces
  • Car share scheme parking
  • Bicycle parking
  • Roadside trader parking

The draft PMF provides more information on the following:

  • Accessibility parking permits
  • Local resident parking permits
  • Permit for free parking for Yarra Ranges residents in paid parking areas.
  • Trader parking permits
  • Construction parking permits

Before considering any digital/ paid parking solutions, an investigation would be undertaken to consider:

  • Location of parking areas where these measures would be suitable.
  • Level of use by the local community and visitors from outside Yarra Ranges.
  • Availability of private parking areas for residents, businesses and visitors.
  • Need for permits for residents, staff and volunteers from local businesses or community groups.
  • Types of treatment and associated costs required.
  • Identification of areas with different restrictions to meet the needs of different users.
  • Appropriate costs of parking for visitors.
  • Feedback from the local community on proposed parking solutions.

If digital/paid parking measures are considered appropriate, a pilot study of at least 6 months will be undertaken to evaluate the impact to the community.

What we heard

  • Key themes

    A range of themes were raised including issues with residential parking, uncertainty around the impact of paid parking on local businesses, and the need for enforcement.

    When an issue regarding parking is identified or changes to restrictions are requested, the Council process is to verify the issue, identify causes or influential factors, and determine whether a change is warranted. If applicable, Council will discuss options with relevant stakeholders.

  • Location specific feedback

    The purpose of the Parking Management Framework is to provide guidance for Yarra Ranges Council when making decisions relating to the management of parking across the municipality.

    Council will continue to review parking infrastructure in individual towns/ areas as required.

  • Engagement summary report

    Read more about the engagement for the Framework.

    Read more 

How did people get involved?

Residents in Yarra Ranges found out about the engagement and got involved in the following ways...

  • In-person

    Throughout August, our team attended each local Community Link (Healesville, Lilydale, Monbulk, Upwey, Yarra Junction), to discuss the Draft framework, and answer questions.

  • Online surveys

    This page had 1720 visitors, with 97 contributors to our survey.
    An email was sent to Shaping Yarra Ranges members, with 2367 recipients, advising that this project engagement had opened.

  • Social media

    Promoting the project page via Facebook, Instagram, and the YR Local e-newsletter recorded a total of 715 clicks from these channels.