At the August Council meeting, the SRC passed a motion to support and actively participate in a campaign demanding the University change parking rates for students to $5 (capped) per day, to be in line with other universities across Queensland and the country.
Over 700 people reacted and commented on a recent StalkerSpace post asking students how this will affect them. The majority of comments talked about how students are struggling to add these extra costs into their budget, how they specifically chose online study because of the cost of parking on campus, and how they feel the University is not supportive of students.
While parking costs at QUT might be in line with the market rate for parking in the vicinity, other universities offer below-rate prices for students. For example, the University of Queensland offers $5 all day parking, as does the University of Sydney and University of Sunshine Coast.
This is the first parking rate increase the University has implemented since 2017, however the increase will have serious wide-reaching effects on many students. Including those who are already struggling to get by, and students who have no choice but to drive to campus, like those who live far outside the CBD, don’t have access to reliable public transport or students with disabilities.
Students are in a cost-of-living crisis that disproportionally affects young people. And the university has chosen to implement a price increase at the same time, further exacerbating the financial stress students are already under.
Glass will continue to bring students coverage of this campaign. If you have a story to tell, reach out to us at media@qutguild.com
