Saturday parking will be free at eight off-street car parks in Burnie from this weekend, as the council looks to encourage more people to shop and spend time in the city centre.
The six-month trial will allow drivers to park all day without paying at council-owned car parks, including the Marine Terrace multi-storey, King Street, Portside and Burnie Arts car parks.
It will also cover Columnar Court, Wilson Street Concourse and two North Terrace car parks near West Beach and the Basalt Columns.
“The free parking trial applies to council-owned off-street car parks only,” the council said.
“All on-street parking fees, time limits and other parking regulations continue to apply and will still be enforced.”
Under the current system, on-street parking costs $2.30 an hour for short-term spaces and $1.90 an hour for long-term spaces.
Council-owned off-street car parks have different charges depending on the location.
The Marine Terrace multi-storey offers the first hour free, with the second hour costing $2.90 and each additional hour $1.80.
Parking is already free on Sundays and public holidays.
The north-west council said the Saturday trial was designed to encourage people to visit local shops, cafes and other businesses.
It forms part of the council’s Parking Operational Action Plan 2026-2030, which includes measures to improve parking access and support the city centre.
The plan also proposes annual reviews of parking prices and incentives to encourage people to use off-street car parks.
The council will monitor whether the trial increases visits to the city centre and supports local businesses. The trial is expected to run until May next year.
