Rodney Stevens

If you’re flying from Ballina airport, you could be slugged more than double for parking following upgrades to the airport’s car parking system introduced last month.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager Julie Stewart said the parking upgrade works include 650 car parking spaces, automated boom gates with number plate recognition and shade sails for the new premium parking area.  

When regular traveller and Yamba resident Bill Grainger went to park as he usually does on October 11, he realised he could have to pay twice as much as he previously did.

“They used to have what was called long stay parking and I’d go to Sydney and use it to park overnight, sometimes for two nights,” he said.

“You just drove in and paid, and you got a ticket you put on your windscreen and paid in advance, then when you got back you hopped in your car and left.

“Now they have put in premium parking, with a gate on the way in so you need to get a ticket before the gate will open and the whole area is shade covered.

“I think it’s a huge hike going from overnight to 24 hours that basically doubled my cost for parking.

“It’s $30 for 24 hours and previously it was $14 overnight.

Mr Grainger said on a recent trip he caught an early morning flight and arrived back late at night.

“Because the cost is now based on every 24 hours, no matter how long you stay, it cost me $60 in premium parking,” he said.

“They said please pay by QR code on your mobile device or use pay stations and the QR code doesn’t work…yet.

“When you go inside the terminal to pay there’s a pay in advance button which indicates the time you will check out and it doesn’t work yet either.”

Recently on a three-night trip Mr Grainger said he shopped around and found a cheaper option that was undercover, secure and close.  

“I parked in a storage shed next to Ballina Airport and it cost me $77 for three nights,” he said.

“If I parked in the premium parking at Ballina Airport that would have cost me $120.”

Ms Stewart said the inclusion of a new solar PV system as part of the upgrades will support the airport’s energy needs.

“Our airport continues to be one of the busiest regional airports in Australia and is central to our local economy,” said Ms Stewart. 

“This car park system upgrade is another important enhancement to our airport precinct and is set to improve the travel experience. 

“The new system allows visitors to choose either premium or general parking areas.

Ms Stewart said premium parking is covered by new shade sails and solar panels which are helping power the airport. 

“Each parking area is only a short walk to the terminal and are accessed through new automated boom gates with number plate recognition,” she said.

The general parking area is conveniently located close to the terminal, Ms Stewart said and offers hourly and daily rates.

“The premium parking area is to the west of the airport terminal providing undercover parking,” she said. 

The flat daily rate for a 24-hour period in the premium parking area is $30, there is no hourly rate, so if you park for 1 hour or 24 hours the minimum you will pay is $30. 

Rates in the general parking area start at $4 for 1 hour, $6 for 1-2 hours, $8 for 2-4 hours, $10 for 4-5 hours, $12 for 5-6 hours, $14 for 6-8 hours and $20 daily. 

Car park users can either pay at two pay stations located inside the terminal, or at the boom gate when exiting the car park.

Construction works to expand the front section of the airport terminal are also complete, which has been expanded to accommodate new security screening equipment and improve access for passengers entering the departure lounge. 

The finishing touches are now being completed, including landscaping and new furniture.