October 22, 2025
Say NO to paid parking in Elsternwick Village
Elsternwick Village belongs to the community and a new paid parking push from Glen Eira council threatens that balance.
Glen Eira council are voting on Tuesday, December 16 to install paid parking meters across Elsternwick and all of the City of Glen Eira.
Why it matters
Elsternwick Village works so well because it’s easy to get around. You can swing past for a coffee, grab something from the chemist, pick up dinner or visit a local service without thinking twice about parking. That ease is part of what keeps people coming back. When people can visit often, even for just a few minutes, our streets stay lively, our traders stay busy and the village feels active and welcoming.
Free short-stay parking keeps foot traffic high, supports quick errands and keeps the area feeling safe and connected. Introducing paid parking would change that rhythm. Instead of a quick stop, it becomes a transaction and when that happens, people rethink the trip or head to other places where parking feels simpler and free. We’ve seen this happen in other Melbourne shopping strips after paid parking was introduced, and the drop in casual visits hurt small businesses the most, the very businesses that make places like Elsternwick Village special.
How you can help
Sign the petition
If you want Elsternwick Village to stay accessible and thriving, now is the moment to speak up.
A petition is now live on Change.org – add your name to show Glen Eira Council that locals value free and welcoming access to the village.
Let council know you oppose paid parking
You can also contact your Glen Eira councillors directly to let them know you oppose paid parking in Elsternwick. A short email or call goes a long way when councillors see how many residents care about this issue.
You can lobby the Mayor of City of Glen Eira Simone Zmood or the other Councillor members who will be deciding the vote on December 16:
https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/about-council/councillors
You can use the following message when contacting council, or write your own:
I am a local visitor/resident and I strongly oppose the introduction of paid parking in Elsternwick Village. The village relies on quick, casual visits, grabbing a coffee, picking something up or supporting local traders. Free short-stay parking keeps our streets active, safe and welcoming. Paid parking would push people toward large shopping centres with free parking and harm the character and economy of our local village. Please keep parking in Elsternwick Village free and accessible for the community.
Spread the word
Please also share the petition with neighbours, local Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats or anyone you know who loves visiting Elsternwick Village. The more community voices involved, the stronger our position.
You can also access our “Say No” pack to download digital and print assets to print or share on socials.
This parking policy vote also impacts all wards in the City of Glen Eira, so it’s important to let friends and family who live in these wards to lobby their representatives as well. You can find contact details for all the City of Glen Eira councillors here.
Elsternwick Village is strongest when locals speak together. Let’s keep our precinct welcoming, easy to visit and open to everyone.