The 15-minute parking spots have already been installed. Photo: Griffith City Council.
Griffith City Council has introduced a new 15-minute short-term parking area at Griffith Airport, six months before ticketless paid parking for longer stays is set to come into effect.
The free spots close to the terminal building are targeted at those who drop off and pick up those departing or arriving on flights.
At present, the front rows of parking spots close to the terminal are often filled by those who have taken flights to Sydney – meaning the spaces are occupied for days or weeks. That means those coming in for short stays are forced to park far away, often in an unpaved dirt area, and carry their luggage a fair distance to get to the terminal.
Council says the new zone is designed to reduce congestion, streamline vehicle movements, and enhance overall accessibility within the airport precinct.
Director of Sustainable Development, Joe Rizzo, said the feedback from the community was clear.
“Airport users told us they needed a short-stay option close to the terminal, and we have responded. This 15-minute zone will support smoother traffic flow and make it easier for people to duck in to the terminal when picking up or dropping off passengers,” he said.
Council says the new 15-minute parking area will be monitored by council rangers to ensure it remains available for genuine short-stay use. This includes patrols of the remainder of the carparking area. Fines will apply for non-compliance.
Prior to this initiative, all parking at the airport was free and limitless. However, paid parking is coming soon, with council introducing a user pay system to generate funds for future improvements at the airport.
Earlier this year, Griffith Council appointed tech company SKIDATA to supply and install a licence plate recognition (LTR) ticketless paid parking system at the airport for a cost of just over $130,000.
Future parking fees are not yet known but will be considered by a council-run airport committee that will recommend a fee structure. A detailed report on the proposed fee structure will be debated at a council meeting in early 2026.
It is expected the new paid parking system will be operational before June 2026.
Council says the new system will differentiate between short and long-term parking. It’s possible that those parking for 24 hours or less could still do so for free, but a decision on this hasn’t been made.
A poll of around 500 Region readers revealed that 61 per cent opposed paid parking at the airport, while 12 per cent thought it was a good idea and 27 per cent believed it was acceptable for long-term parking only.
Businesswoman Sarah Armstrong summed up the views of many concerned about how this impacted residents already struggling with the rise in Qantas and Rex Airline flight prices.
“We are already disadvantaged when a price for a return flight from Griffith is the same as if not more expensive than one to Asia or NZ,” she said.
“Slug parking fees on top of that? You could avoid if you are in town or have relatives to drop you but if you are coming from out of town you’ve got no choice but to pay.
“And it’s not like the parking is undercover or you get a free car wash with it.”
