Dee Why Beach will be one of the first places where traditional parking stickers are phased out, with permits shifting to a digital system linked to vehicle registrations.
Timeline for Change
The staged rollout will begin with smaller schemes including Western Foreshore, Church Point, Rowland Reserve and Illuka Reserve on 1 November 2025. From 1 December, about 4,500 permits will be distributed to groups such as surf clubs, schools, independent living facilities and local charities.
Larger schemes, including Dee Why and Manly, will follow in mid to late 2026. Until then, current stickers will remain valid, and residents will continue to receive their 2026 beach parking stickers with annual rates.
Council’s Position
Council leaders have stated that the new system will simplify the process and cut costs. They point to annual savings of around $75,000 by removing the need to print and distribute stickers.
The system aims to prevent common issues such as lost permits, adhesive problems, and misuse of transferable stickers. Mayor Sue Heins said the staged introduction will help residents transition more smoothly across the region.
Community Concerns
Local response has been mixed, with many residents voicing frustration on social media. Several raised concerns about enforcement without a physical sticker, worrying about incorrect fines and difficulties proving they have a permit. Others questioned how the system, which ties permits strictly to one vehicle registration, will accommodate renters, people driving company cars, or multi-car households.
The shift also effectively ends the long-running practice of residents reselling extra stickers online under the guise of “pen” sales, which some families used to cover multiple vehicles. While some welcomed the end of this trade, others said it offered flexibility that will now be lost.
What It Means for Residents
Residents who rely on parking at Dee Why Beach will notice the biggest change in how they apply for and manage permits. The council plans an online portal that will let landlords nominate tenants’ vehicles.
Councillors have discussed whether landlords should be required to share permits, though no rule is in place. Broader state talks could expand access beyond locals, raising concerns about more pressure on already limited spaces.
Published 18-August-2025
