City of Whittlesea Cancels $627 Parking Fines Following Community Backlash
In a notable reversal, the City of Whittlesea has revoked 42 parking fines issued in August 2026 for parking on grassed reserves during junior football events, citing disproportionate penalties and community feedback. The council plans to review past fines under the same offence code and adjust enforcement accordingly.
On September 22, 2026, the City of Whittlesea officially cancelled 42 parking fines, each valued at $627—a total of $26,274—that were issued in August to motorists parking on grassed areas near the Mernda Football and Netball Club oval during junior football matches. This decision came after strong reactions from the local community who found the penalty excessively harsh for the nature of the offence. The fines had been issued under the Community Local Law that imposes a uniform penalty for parking on reserve land, but the council reconsidered this approach due to the specific circumstances involved (1). [1]
Dan Hogan, CEO of the City of Whittlesea, acknowledged the feedback from residents and emphasized that the fine category in question is intended primarily for parking-related incidents that cause actual damage to reserves, rather than for cases like those occurring near the football oval where no such damage was reported. Hogan conveyed the council’s apology for any distress caused to the fined individuals and expressed appreciation for community engagement, which influenced the decision to revoke these fines (1). [1]
The council's new stance advises motorists who received the infringement notices (offence code 2339 for parking on reserves) in August not to worry about upcoming payment deadlines, as they will receive direct communication about the cancellation and reimbursement process in due course. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to resolve the issue transparently and efficiently, minimizing confusion for affected drivers (2). [2]
Furthermore, the City of Whittlesea has announced a broader review of all infringements issued under the Community Local Law since its implementation on July 1, 2024. Each case will be individually assessed to determine whether the offence caused damage. In instances where no damage occurred, such as recent cases, the council intends to issue formal warnings rather than impose substantial fines. This nuanced policy shift aims to align penalty severity with the actual impact of the offence, fostering better community relations and fairer enforcement (1). [1]
This recent development is indicative of a local government keen to balance regulatory measures with community sentiment, ensuring that penalties are proportionate and justified. While the City of Whittlesea has taken concrete steps to correct the fines related to parking on grassed reserves, ongoing monitoring will be necessary to assess the long-term effectiveness of this revised enforcement framework, and whether it adequately deters harmful parking behaviour without unduly penalizing residents (1,2). [1][2]