Staff are to prepare a report for a council meeting in April that will consider the economic, social and environmental implications of paid parking in council-owned shopping centre car parks and major recreational areas such as the Eastern Recreation Precinct and Stamford Park.

Cr Darren Pearce said the council needed to review "how are we going to raise revenue, away from being dependent on rates".

He said 67per cent of the council's revenue came from rates, much higher than the 45per cent of some inner-Melbourne councils.

"That's because they've got better-diversified revenue sources, one of which is car parking."

He said the council would need to analyse the capital cost of implementing paid parking and enforcing it, whether it was justified by the revenue received and the effect on activities in the area.

"It's an issue that needs to be looked at right now for planning over the next five or 10 years."

Cr Peter Cole opposed the move. "With rising fuel and insurance costs, what motorists don't want is another slug," he said.

Cr John Mortimore said he would not support fees in community neighbourhoods, but might consider it for major activity areas, such as the Eastern Recreational Precinct, which is currently under construction.

"Even modest fees can offset the costs of maintaining these areas."

Mayor Joe Cossari said he would consider paid parking at the Eastern Recreational Precinct but not at shopping centres such as Wantirna Mall.

"They're doing shopping, they're locals and pay their rates."

Boronia trader Murray Gibson said he would be dead against the proposal. "It's hard enough as it is. It's just not on."

Neighbouring councils Maroondah and Monash do not have paid parking.

Council-owned car parks in Knox include Studfield Shopping Centre and Wantirna Mall.

The council also owns sections of car parks in Alchester Village, Dorset Square, Bayswater Village, Mountain Gate and Scoresby Village.

Privately owned car parks, such as at Knox City Shopping Centre, would not be affected.