Kuranda Pedestrian, Traffic and Parking Study
Situation Analysis and Action Plan Report
14.
PARKING STRATEGIES
14.1
GENERAL
This section details the proposed parking strategies to be implemented in and around Kuranda Village.
Table 14.1 lists the recommended parking strategies based on the potential implementation timing and also
demonstrates the applicable Key Objectives each strategy addresses.
Table 14.1:
Parking Strategies
Strategy
No.
Strategy Description
Timing
Immediate (I)
Short (S), Medium
M), Long (L)
Applicable
Objective(s)
2.01
Coondoo Street on-street parking at BP
I
1,3,4,5
2.02
Directional signage to off-street parking areas
I
2,3,4
2.03
Update regulatory parking signage
I
2,4
2.04
Remove reserved parking Therwine Street
I
1,4
2.05
Designated Camper Parking on Thooree Street
I
1,2,4
2.06
Off-street parking area advisory signage
I
2,4
2.07
Increase Parking Enforcement
I
1,2,4
2.08
Reconfigure Thongon Street parking and time limits
I
1,3,4,5
2.09
Coondoo Street Residential Parking Scheme
I
4
2.10
Motorcycle Parking
I
1,3,4
2.11
Bicycle parking and end of journey facilities
I
1,3,4
2.12
Increase Lower Therwine Street parking area
S
1,2,3,4
2.13
Update on-street parking on Therwine Street
S
1,2,3,4
2.14
Reconfigure Moorong Street parking area and access
S
1,4,5
Further details on each parking strategy are provided below. Appendix D provides overall concept plans for
relevant strategies across the village and Section 20 provides an Implementation Plan which takes into
consideration accompanying strategies, timing, overall impact and cost.
14.2
STRATEGY 2.01 - COONDOO STREET ON-STREET PARKING UPDATES
The existing angled parking bays as shown in Figure 14.1 are recommended to be converted to parallel
parking bays. This reconfiguration removes/reduces safety concerns due to insufficient passing lane width
and sight lines for vehicles entering and exiting the BP Service Station.
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Figure 14.1:
Existing Angled Parking Bays on Coondoo Street
Figure 14.2 shows a concept plan for the proposed parking bay reconfiguration. The conversion to parallel
parking bays shall provide a safer and more efficient road way for Coondoo Street and access to and from
the BP Service Station by increasing separation between parking bays and through traffic. The previously
identified traffic strategies involving clearing of vegetation and improvements to line marking at Rob Veivers
Drive/Coondoo Street intersection are recommended to be undertaken in coordination with this strategy.
Figure 14.2:
14.3
Proposed Parallel Parking Bays on Coondoo Street
STRATEGY 2.02 - DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE TO OFF-STREET PARKING AREAS
In line with previous traffic Strategy 1.04 to improve directional signage to key destinations around the
village, a key component is to include Parking Service Symbols (MUTCD No. S14) within directional road
signs in order to inform and direct drivers to key parking stations around the village. Figure 14.3 provides
an example of signage including parking symbols. In addition to the standard parking symbol it is
recommended to include “ALL DAY” within the sign to further inform drivers of the long term parking areas
around the village.
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Figure 14.3:
14.4
Directional Parking Signage
STRATEGY 2.03 - UPDATE REGULATORY PARKING SIGNAGE
Parking control signage is generally in poor condition, with many signs faded or not clearly legible to allow
appropriate parking enforcement. It is therefore recommended to update parking signage where required
to ensure all signage is compliant, properly located and can be enforced. Figure 14.4 provides some
examples of signage that requires replacement.
Coondoo Street
Figure 14.4
Barang Street
Thongon Street
Existing Deficient Signage Examples around Kuranda
In December 2011, Council adopted a new Local Law and Local Subordinate Law relating to parking area
designation within Kuranda as well as other local centres within the Tablelands Region. Figure 14.5
demonstrates Council’s designated parking area for Kuranda within Council’s new Local Law. With the
introduction of this enforceable parking area, it is recommended to revise parking signage within Kuranda
to include Parking Area signage at each entry point (i.e. Rob Veivers Drive and Thongon Street) for 2P
PARKING AREA as (conceptually) shown in Figure 14.6.
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Source:
Tablelands Regional Council Local Law No. 5 (Parking)
Figure 14.5:
Local Law No. 5 (Parking) – Kuranda Parking Area
Figure 14.6:
Kuranda Parking Area Signage
The 2P Parking Area allows the reduction in the amount of parking signage around the village. For parking
bays within the parking area that are not a two hour parking limit (i.e All Day Parking, 15min Parking,
Disabled Parking) standard parking signage in accordance with the MUTCD shall be retained.
The MUTCD also recommends that internal reminder signs be placed within the parking area. However,
consideration should be given to the location of internal reminder signs in order to reduce the number of
signs required.
14.5
STRATEGY 2.04 - REMOVE RESERVED PARKING THERWINE STREET
It is recommended to remove existing reserved parking areas designated for 'Cairns Wildlife Safari' located
along southern extent of Therwine Street as shown within Figure 14.7. These parking bays are located in
prime locations and it is understood the leasing arrangement has lapsed.
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Figure 14.7:
14.6
Reserved Parking Bays for Cairns Wildlife Sanctuary
STRATEGY 2.05 - DESIGNATED CAMPER PARKING ON THOOREE STREET
Kuranda is registered as a ‘RV friendly town’, however no designated parking for recreational vehicles or
campers is provided. The undulating terrain and restricted road network makes it difficult for campers to
find an appropriate location to park.
On-street parallel parking along the northern side of Thooree Street is recommended to be designated as
Camper Parking only. This shall include updating existing standard parking bay linemarking to include a
single yellow box as shown in Figure 14.8. As each end of Thooree Street includes relatively steep grades,
it is recommended to include camper parking along the central section only (opposite the off-street parking
area). Signage is also proposed to be provided restricting parking to Campers, Vehicles with trailers and
larger vehicles. Directional signage is also suggested at Rob Veivers Drive/Therwine Street/Thooree Street
intersection. Signage should also be implemented enforcing the existing restriction on ‘No Overnight Stay’
within the camper parking area.
Figure 14.8:
Reserved Parking Bays for Cairns Wildlife Sanctuary
This strategy is aimed at providing a convenient designated parking area for camper vans and recreational
vehicles, and reduces the adverse impacts associated with camper parking around the village. This
parking location within the village is already identified by the Camper and Motorhome Club of Australia as
the preferred location to park.
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14.7
STRATEGY 2.06 - OFF-STREET PARKING AREA ADVISORY SIGNAGE
Currently the off-street parking area does not include any signage directing drivers into the parking area or
informing drivers of the unlimited parking time limits. It is recommended to include directional signage as
well as entry signage off Thooree Street designating the parking area as “ALL DAY PARKING”.
14.8
STRATEGY 2.07 – INCREASE PARKING ENFORCEMENT
A key issue associated with parking availability around Kuranda is the lack of enforcement. This has
created a culture for locals and staff to exceed parking time limits on a daily basis. Council is therefore
recommended to increases parking enforcement within Kuranda, with the assignment of enforcement
officers daily between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Council’s amendments to the Local Subordinate Law also includes the increase in parking fines to the
following:



Parking Bay time limit overstay:
Loading Zone time limit overstay:
Parking in a disabled bay:
$30.00;
$50.00; and
$200.00.
Whilst loading zone and disabled parking infringement fines are considered appropriate, the overstay
infringement fine for standard parking bay time limits is considered low and not an effective deterrent to
reduce parking overstay. As such, it is recommended that parking time limit overstay fines be increased to
$50.00.
14.9
STRATEGY 2.08 - RECONFIGURE THONGON STREET PARKING CONFIGURATIONS AND TIME
LIMITS
The combination of the closure of Barang Street and relocation of Foodworks to Thongon Street resulted in
a significant increase in on-street parking as well as pedestrian/vehicle conflicts and service vehicle
movement restrictions on Thongon Street. Following the relocation of Foodworks, the parking configuration
and time limits have not yet been updated. It is therefore recommended to update parking time limits to
include a maximum stay of 15 minutes along Thongon Street between Coondoo Street and Thooree Street
as shown in Figure 14.9 in order to promote longer stay parking use of Foodwork’s off-street undercover
parking area.
The parking configuration updates along Thongon Street also include the relocation of the loading bay to
the southbound side of Thongon Street, disabled bay moved onto a level grade closer to Coondoo Street
and addition of motorcycle parking bays.
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Note:
Time limits marked within parking bays are indicative only. Signage and linemarking to be applied in accordance with TMR’s MUTCD
Figure 14.9:
14.10
Parking Configuration and Time Limit Updates – Thongon Street
STRATEGY 2.19 - COONDOO STREET RESIDENTIAL PARKING SCHEME
Coondoo Street currently includes a number of residential properties that are not provided with a driveway
crossover and subsequent provision for off-street parking. As parking time limits are located along
Coondoo Street, it is recommended to provide residents with a ‘Residential Parking Permit’ which allows
residents to park vehicles on-street without being subject to time limit restrictions.
In addition, it is recommended to provide additional on-street parking within proximity to identified
properties (i.e. western extent of Coondoo Street) where achievable. Proposed reductions to traffic lane
widths and the existing wide road reserve provide an opportunity to construct additional angled parking
bays on Coondoo Street between Therwine Street and Thongon Street as shown in Figure 14.10.
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Figure 14.10:
14.11
Reconfiguration of Parking Bays on Upper Coondoo Street
STRATEGY 2.10 - MOTORCYCLE PARKING
Motorcycle parking is currently deficient with only a few designated motorcycle parking bays along
Coondoo Street. It is recommended to increase motorcycle parking across the village as shown in Figure
14.11.
Figure 14.11:
Motorcycle Parking Locations
Motorcycle parking is recommended on Coondoo Street, Thongon Street and Therwine Street. Coondoo
Street parking shall include upgrading of existing facility as well as additional motorcycle parking on the
southern side of Coondoo Street fronting Kuranda Tavern. Thongon Street motorcycle parking is
recommended to be located at the current Loading Bay location immediately north of Coondoo Street.
Therwine Street motorcycle parking bays should be located at the far southern extent on the eastern side
prior to the pedestrian table-top crossing location.
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14.12
STRATEGY 2.11 - BICYCLE PARKING AND END OF JOURNEY FACILITIES
Cycling facilities are recommended to be improved across the village including the installation of cycle
racks at the following locations:




14.13
Centenary Park - adjacent to Tourist Visitors Centre;
Coondoo Street - within proximity to existing motorcycle parking;
Thongon Street - Fronting Foodworks and/or the Community Notice Board north of the Post Office;
and
Lower Coondoo Street adjacent to Ngoonbi Cooperative Society.
STRATEGY 2.12 - INCREASE LOWER THERWINE STREET PARKING AREA
In line with the Kuranda Infrastructure Program (KIP) strategy to increase parking on Lower Therwine
Street, it is recommended to extend the existing parking area on Lower Therwine Street as shown in Figure
14.12. This strategy aims to provide additional parking (approximately 33 spaces) by extending the oneway parking configuration along the western side.
Figure 14.12:
Lower Therwine Street Parking Area
It is recommended to coordinate this strategy with adjacent improvement to pedestrian crossing facilities,
footpath widening and landscaping. Amenity for some form of staff parking within this vicinity was heavily
requested during the Situation Analysis stage of the study. Therefore, Council should consider
implementing extended stay for a proportion of the parking bays (i.e. 11 parking bays at the north-western
extent of the parking area), with remaining parking restricted to a 2 hour time limit.
This provides for staff parking whilst still providing additional parking for short term stay trips to the markets
and surrounding retail areas.
It should be noted that comments received during the consultation process indicated some negative
responses to this strategy as a result of the loss of parkland. Council should therefore consider retaining
vegetation where possible or providing native landscaping in and around the parking area to reduce the
visual impact of the parking area.
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Funding for this strategy is expected to be primarily through Council’s received development contributions
for parking infrastructure.
14.14
STRATEGY 2.13 - UPDATE ON-STREET PARKING ON THERWINE STREET
This strategy is based on the Kuranda Infrastructure Program (KIP) strategy for converting existing parking
areas on Upper Therwine Street to 90 degree spaces as showing in Figure 14.13.
By converting parking bays to 90 degrees, and together with the traffic strategy of reducing lane widths,
drivers accessing the parking bays are required to approach at a slower speed. This improves safety for
drivers as well as pedestrians crossing this section of Therwine Street. Whilst these parking bays can be
reconfigured immediately, it is recommended to undertake this strategy in coordination with a number of
other complementary strategies along this section of Therwine Street including:





lane width and line marking improvements;
bus stop improvements;
footpath and landscaping upgrades to the eastern side of Therwine Street;
motorcycle parking; and
pedestrian crossing facility improvements.
Figure 14.13:
14.15
Upper Therwine Street Upgrade – 90 Degree Parking Bays
STRATEGY 2.14 - RECONFIGURE MOORONG STREET PARKING AREA AND ACCESS
The eastern end of Coondoo Street exhibits a high level of parking overstay, predominately by staff and
was identified as a potential location for additional parking. Therefore, it is recommended to provide
additional parking bays on the lower side of Moorong Street as conceptually shown in Figure 14.14.
Construction of the additional parking bays shall include the removal of the landscaped batter and
construction of a vertical retaining wall. Wheel stops and an appropriate guard rail should be added to the
parking bays on the high side of Mooring Street to restrict vehicles and pedestrians from accessing the
vertical drop.
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These additional parking bays together with existing parking bays on the higher side of Mooring Street are
proposed to be converted to all bay parking in order to provide a level of longer term parking at the eastern
extent of the village and reduce overstays in premium parking spaces along Coondoo Street.
Figure 14.14:
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Moorong Street Parking Bays
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