‘I think it’s the very least the government can do to recognise our health heroes’

The State Government is remaining silent after a request to reduce the high costs of parking for Gold Coast University Hospital staff during the coronavirus crisis, says the Opposition.

THE State Government is remaining silent after a request to reduce the high costs of parking for Gold Coast University Hospital staff during the coronavirus crisis, says the Opposition.

Shadow health spokesperson Ros Bates said Health Minister Dr Steven Miles did not raise the issue during a private briefing this week and has yet to respond to her emails.

Nurses have told the Bulletin they are driving to work to reduce contact on public transport but were faced with huge parking fees at the privately owned car park at the hospital.

Parking at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

The Mudgeeraba MP, who is a registered nurse, has backed a campaign for free parking or at least some discounts during the global health pandemic.

“I think it’s the very least the Government can do to recognise the contribution of our health heroes and its been disappointing to say the least that the Health Minister hasn’t even replied to my correspondence on the issue,” Ms Bates told parliament this week.

“The rapid containment of the coronavirus disease is down to two main factors – the efforts of Queensland in adhering to social distancing measures and other suppression measures to

contain the spread of the coronavirus and our amazing hospital and health staff who have gone above and beyond and done us all proud.”

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Outside parliament, Ms Bates also spoke out strongly for the LNP’s coronavirus amendment bill which introduces a stay in massive land valuation hikes in the Coast hinterland.

The Bulletin this week reported some property owners at Gilston, Springbrook and Numinbah were facing a 500 per cent increase in land values; their properties valued about $270,000 in October 2017 now considered to be worth $1.3 million.

Vehicles parked at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

The LNP has called for a moratorium period through to at least October in which the last valuation of land remains intact for councils to base their rates.

The amendments were not passed as the Government pushed through its Bill late on Wednesday.

“These are not standard, run-of-the-mill increases. What I received in reports sent to my office were increases of up to 500 per cent since the last evaluation just two years ago – a complete shock to the local families in my area,” Ms Bates said.

“Local farming families I have known for years are seeing their $300,000 properties skyrocket up to over $1.8 million in their valuation report. This completely unprecedented rise in value will force some local families to pay triple the rates they would usually pay on their properties.

State Shadow Minister Health and Ambulance Services Ros Bates.

“We are talking about families who have lived in the Gold Coast Hinterland for many generations who could be forced to sell off their properties just so they can afford to live. These families deserve better and they deserve a hand.”