Rates to be announced: Five-level carpark for Redland Hospital will come at cost to commuters and staff
UPDATE: After years of waiting, a massive $50 million-plus, five-level, 1162-space carpark will be built at this major SEQ hospital, but parking will not be free for visitors and patients.
Redlands Coast
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RESIDENTS learnt they will have to pay for parking for the first time in decades at a Brisbane hospital as a five-level carpark was announced at a long congested site today.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Steven Miles announced the funding for the $50.5 million, 1162-space car parkproject at Redland Hospital this morning but could not specify how much commuters would have to stump up.
The announcement comes after years of community members pushing for the solution to what has been the arduous task of getting to the facility.
The significant parking shortfall at the hospital has meant patients and staff often have to walk lengthy distances, up hill, from their vehicles.
“The Queensland Government’s approach to parking is to keep the fees as low as possible,” Mr Miles said.
“That is why we no longer outsource the construction of carparks, however in order that we don’t redirect funds from our health services we do seek to recoup those funds.
“We have discounted rates for outer urban carparks and we also have concessions available for those who need to attend hospitals regularly as well as to allow our staff to salary sacrifice.”
Mr Miles said specific rates would be determined in the lead up to the car park being completed in early 2022.
A $34.5 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government and a $16 million contribution from the Federal Government will support up to 74 construction jobs.
It comes after upgrades to the hospital’s emergency department and its maternity ward in recent months.
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