Central Geelong meters go cashless

Coin payments at parking meters across central Geelong will be phased out from Monday 9 March, as the City of Greater Geelong moves to a fully digital system.

From that date, drivers will only be able to pay by debit or credit card, digital wallet or the EasyPark app. Paper receipts will no longer be produced.

More than 95 per cent of motorists parking in central Geelong already pay digitally, meaning most drivers will notice no change. A smartphone is not required to use digital payment options.

The shift follows a steady seven-year decline in coin use, which has fallen to less than 5 per cent of all transactions. The City also spends more than $275,000 each year collecting cash from meters.

Councillor Andrew Katos said the move reflected changing habits and responsible financial management.

“There are more than two million parking transactions annually in central Geelong and like other Victorian municipalities, we’ve seen a shift towards drivers preferring to pay via credit or debit card, digital wallet or EasyPark app.”

“In fact, coin payments have dropped locally to less than 5 per cent, so it’s a logical and fiscally responsible next step to switch to digital.”

He said going fully digital would make machines more reliable and reduce maintenance costs.

“Going 100 per cent digital will make machines more reliable, cut costs for ratepayers and give EasyPark users more control by letting them extend or dial back their stay and avoid paying for time they don’t use.”

More than 900 people engaged with the City during consultation between 24 September and 15 October 2025, including around 500 survey responses.

Executive Director City Life Anthony Basford thanked the community for its input.

“The community insights have been valuable in understanding why a small number of people still choose to pay with coins and how we can support them to move to digital payments.”

Information sheets, multilingual resources and stickers linking to a parking meter guide will be rolled out to support the change. Details will also be provided on where to purchase pre-paid Visa and Mastercard options.

Drivers experiencing issues with a meter can text 0447 400 500 or call 03 5272 5272 for assistance. EasyPark app enquiries can be directed to 1300 734 070.