Last week Warrnambool City councillors voted to consider introducing free car parking before 10am and after 4pm in three CBD car parks from early December to the end of January.

The motion was mooted by Cr Peter Hulin who said it was a step in the right direction to help reinvigorate business in the main street after the $18 million revamp.

While the move would cost the council about $20,000 in lost revenue, councillors hoped it would ease the financial pressure on businesses.

Max Taylor, of Taylor Surfodesy, said the move was "good in one respect, but not good in a lot of other respects".

"We need free 90-minute car parking every day of the year, and to be free before 10am and after 4pm isn't satisfactory," Mr Taylor said.

"We need that 90-minute free car parking all day in December in Parkers car park and Ozone."

Mr Taylor described the council's motion as a "minute" step forward.

"I can see it having little effect," he said.

"It's only for a certain period. There's a beginning and end to it which is still no good.

"We require free 90-minute car parking in the two off-street car parks 365 days a year."

Mr Taylor said the summer period had brought in extra shoppers, with many choosing to holiday in the south-west rather than in their traditional locations because of the bushfires.

But since the deadly coronavirus outbreak had cut Chinese tourists numbers along the Great Ocean Road, business at his store had taken a dive.

In December, Mr Taylor vowed to never give up his fight for free parking in the CBD, and promised to ramp up his campaign this year.

Warrnambool City Council is reviewing its city centre parking strategy and wants community feedback on community attitudes and parking habits.

Surveys are available at www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au or at the council offices. The survey closes on March 2.

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