Nationals candidate for Dubbo Dugald Saunders will lobby the state government for the construction of additional car parking spaces on-site at the Dubbo hospital.
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Mr Saunders has started a petition which he says will send a powerful message to the government that people want extra parking at the hospital and “not 10 kilometres down the road.”
“This is not political; this is personal, the petition is about showing those who make decisions that people care about this issue,” he said.
“It’s common knowledge there are parking problems around the hospital, and it’s one of the biggest complaints I’ve heard.
“Everyone I speak to is delighted with the massive redevelopment of the hospital and the inclusion of the cancer centre, but the discussion always turns to parking and the hassles people have with parking.”
Mr Saunders conceded the actual amount of car parking spaces needed is up for debate.
“I am calling for as many spots as is needed, in simple terms the hospital just doesn’t have enough car parks for the staff and public who are accessing vital health services, and I’m determined to get that fixed,” he said.
“I’ve started this petition to ensure the right people know just how important this issue is to hospital patients and visitors across the Dubbo electorate, and right across the broader Western region which is serviced by this hospital.
“I met with members of the Dubbo Health Council recently and parking was mentioned as the top priority to get right.”
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Dubbo Health Council chair Elizabeth Allen said she firmly believes there is a need for extra car parking spaces at the hospital.
“We don’t want a situation like Orange for us here in Dubbo,” she said. “The hospital is being built in stages but an essential element, which is parking, is not being addressed.
“We have so many more medical services available at the hospital which brings more people and it’s of paramount importance that they have somewhere to park that is on the hospital grounds. Think of the elderly that use us; they can’t be walking great long distances to access the services they need.”
Mr Saunders said there would be copies of the petition at his campaign office in Macquarie Street and he will be taking a copy on his travels for people to sign.