State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has welcomed the news that changes will be made to public hospital car parks, making them cheaper to use.
Patients and carers currently face excessive car parking fees and the announcement by the State Government will see savings of up to $50 per week at the John Hunter Hospital.
Car parking concessions will become available to more patients and carers, and those who must regularly visit the hospital will now be eligible for car parking concessions and pay as little as $21.20 a week.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“This is welcome news for patients and carers who have to visit the hospital on a daily basis.”
“The Government has finally listened to the community’s outrage over the excessive charges being imposed, especially on those who can least afford it.”
“18 months ago we saw the end of the free park and ride bus service from Hunter Stadium because of the new car parks at John Hunter Hospital.”
“People had no choice but to pay for parking at the campus and, in some cases, were forced to walk fairly significant distances in order to get to the hospital itself when they couldn’t afford to pay the fees.”
“Removing the service had a negative impact on visitors, patients and staff at John Hunter Hospital who were forced to pay up to $70 per week to park at the Hospital.”
“This announcement by the Government will mean a huge saving for some people who have really struggled to pay the excessive fees the John Hunter were charging.”
“This is a great win for the community and shows that we must continue to fight to have our voices heard.”