Hospital paid parking plans stir strong reactions
NEW paid parking regulations near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital have been described as a council cash grab.
Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie was critical on Tuesday of Sunshine Coast Council's move this week to implement paid parking on 127 bays on Birtinya Blvd, Eccles Blvd, Bright Place and Shine Ct at Birtinya.
"Residents and visitors to the hospital have a right to question why council need to introduce paid parking," Mr Bleijie said.
"If it's merely to make sure people park in the right places as they claim, they should simply enforce the two-hour limit without charging a fee to park.
"This seems to be a blatant cash grab from council and I'm calling on the mayor to reconsider this decision."
Reader poll
Should people have to pay for parking around the hospital?
This poll ended on 08 February 2017.
Current Results
Yes. Otherwise it'll be impossible to get a park.
8%
No. Time restrictions would do the same job.
52%
There should at least be some free parking.
38%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
Some residents have also voiced concerns about parking regulations stemming from the council's plans for the area.
Birtinya Island resident Janice Crawford said a public meeting to discuss the issues had been organised for Sunday afternoon.
It will be held from 4.30pm at Genoa Circuit Park.
Councillor Peter Cox is anticipated to be there.
A council spokesman said paid parking was part of a strategy to ensure the right people parked safely in the right places.
"Council will keep a close watch on the residential areas of Birtinya Island and Birtinya Peninsula to monitor whether spill-over parking from the health precinct becomes an issue," he said.
"At this stage, there is no requirement for a residential parking permit."
