Mount Isa City Council identified the need for the extra spaces because of the seasonal rise in caravan traffic.

Mayor Tony McGrady said the revised parking was limited to between 6am and 6pm, including weekends.

“There will be a maximum three-hour parking permitted. This will provide visitors with increased opportunity to shop in the CBD,” Cr McGrady said.

“It is our hope these provisions will attract visitors to stay and spend time in our great city and not just stop off on the way through.” 

The council surveyed the carpark behind the Civic Centre for a week and found spare capacity available perfect for caravan use, he said.  

Cr Joyce McCulloch, who promotes regional tourism, said she welcomed the new parking options and hoped visitors would use these spots.

“This will enhance tourism in the city as this service has been noticeably absent in the past, and created a great deal of frustration for visitors and locals alike trying to find decent parking to spend time in the city,” Cr McCulloch said.

Bringing the number of city bays available to 47, the new caravan parking bays were marked out by work crews with signage to be added in coming days.

The bays are located at the Civic Centre, Mullen St near Outback at Isa, Camooweal St near Woolworths, Grace St at the Carwash, and Rodeo Drive near Kmart.