A huge car park run by the State Government sits idle as Robina is in traffic chaos

A 1500 space car park owned by the State Government is sitting idle opposite CBUS Super Stadium as nurses, students and football fans fight to find a park. Find out why

A 1500 space car park owned by the state government is sitting idle opposite Cbus Super Stadium as nurses, students and football fans fight to find parking in Robina.

Area councillor Hermann Vorster has written to a Tourism, Innovation and Sport Minister Sterling Hinchliffe asking for the car parks to be opened up saying it is a “scandal” given the parking chaos in the central Gold Coast business district.

The fact the parking, located within a short walk to the sports ground and managed by Stadiums Queensland, is not being used is a sore point for Robina residents, visitors and rugby league fans frustrated by difficult access to Cbus, Robina Hospital, TAFE and the train station.

In his letter to Mr Hinchliffe, Cr Vorster said all that was needed would be a sprinkler system and upgraded pavement for about 1000 vehicles.

“It would help those who depend on state services for work, transport and healthcare,” he wrote.

“It would also clean up the mess in Robina’s narrow streets and be a boon for Titans supporters. Minister, please take a look at this sensible proposal.”

Parking around Robina Stadium on Titans game day is in chaos. Councillor Hermann Vorster stands outside the entrance to an unused Stadiums Queensland car park opposite the ground.

No public parking is available at the stadium, and two-minute parking restrictions are put in place from 10am on game days for the Titans.

Fans are encouraged to use Park and Ride services on event days. As crowds have increased in recent games, trains to Robina during peak arrival and departure have been packed.

Titans supporters on limited occasions have been offered carparking at locations within walking distance of the stadium for several games at a cost of $120. However, they have been available only to long term members.

Parking around Robina Stadium on Titans game day is in chaos. This is an unused car park opposite the ground operated by Stadiums Queensland.

Both the Robina Hospital car park and adjoining train station are at capacity after the early morning peak hour with the majority of commuters parking until late afternoon.

A health worker told Cr Vorster: “Every day we have patients arriving late for appointments, angry and frustrated they couldn’t get a park.”

Minister Hinchliffe accused Cr Vorster of “grandstanding” to snatch LNP preselection for the state seat of Burleigh from incumbent MP Michael Hart.

He said Cr Vorster raised this matter in January and knew free on-street parking at the front of Cbus Super Stadium was already under-utilised.

“A detailed Traffic and Transport Management Plan is in place for all stadium events,” he said.

“Cr Vorster knows the best way to get to Cbus Super Stadium on game day and avoid congestion is by public transport, which is included in the cost of a stadium ticket.

“Misinformed letters leaked to media for the sake of headlines won’t give Cr Vorster’s campaign the credibility he so badly desires.”

The Bulletin understands the vacant car park opposite the stadium was built as part of conditions for developers creating nearby units. A handful of VIP guests including some involved in game day operations have used it.

“The state has locked out nurses, students and commuters from a public car park on the doorstep of Cbus Super Stadium,” Cr Vorster said.

“Hundreds of spaces sit idle for 90 per cent of the year while our must vulnerable frontline workers are forced to park in unsafe places.”

Parking around Robina Stadium on Titans games day is in chaos. This is a car park opposite the ground, run by Stadiums Queensland, which is not being used.

Feedback from commuters indicated they were avoiding public transport because of limited parking at the nearby station.

“Robina has become the dumping ground of the State’s infrastructure problems, but they’ve taken it to a new nasty level with this car park lockout,” Cr Vorster said.

“For the cost of some bitumen and sprinklers, they’re purposefully ignoring an opportunity to deliver 1500 car parks opposite their stadium.

“This could be an absolute game changer for game days and help bring more fans into the precinct to cheer on the Titans.

“Instead, we have unmitigated chaos in residential streets where spectators could otherwise be parked safer and legally.

“I’m sick of excuses and believe the state need to take responsibility for their traffic mess and get this done.”