It seems there’s been some confusion as to where the free parking at Lismore Base Hospital is. 

On social media recently, people were complaining of seeing $114 parking fines on cars parked near the hospital.

This comes after last week’s report that some 10 hour parking areas around the were now free to park in. Read more: New map reveals where the free parking is at Lismore Base Hospital

So, just where are the free parking areas and who are they for?

Lismore City Councillors voted last month to introduce free parking in the 10-hour zones on Hunter and Dalziel streets for the next six months.

Parking restrictions have also been waived on Weaver Street, Laurel Avenue and McKenzie Street to enable all-day parking for the same six month period.

With parking patrol officers now checking for infringements, The Lismore App contacted Lismore Council to find out why people might be confused.

Lismore City Council’s Manager Development and Compliance Chris Watts said street signage around the hospital precinct has already been amended to reflect the changes.

“People now need to need to look at the signs and check to see if they are in one of the free parking areas before they park,” he said. 

During the first two weeks the free parking was first announced, Mr Watts said no one was fined for non-payment - just warned about where they could park. 

“Once the street signs were changed, patrols began fining people who were parking illegally or dangerously and getting in the way of ambulances,” he said.

Do health care workers get free parking?

Another question raised by members of the public is if the work of all our health care workers has been deemed so crucial and essential, why are they not all given free parking anywhere near the hospital?

Mr Watts said there were no special car stickers given to any health care staff to differentiate them from a member of the public.

“We don’t know who is a health care worker or not, so we treat all cars the same to avoid confusion,” he said.

What is Lismore Base Hospital doing about staff parking?

With more health care staff being recruited, and an increased demand for all-day parking - what is Lismore Base Hospital doing to manage parking for hospital staff?

Lismore Base Hospital general manager Ian Hatton said since the NSW Government’s April 10 announcement to provide rostered medical staff with free parking, Lismore Base Hospital staff can now access additional free parking.

“The free parking is in the single level Hunter Street car parking station, which is within the grounds of the hospital campus boundary,” he said.

“This is currently available for any staff to park free of charge at any time. 

“Staff members with pre-existing paid access to the multi-storey carpark on Uralba Street can also use this car park free of charge at present. 

“Free parking is also available in the multi-storey carpark for staff on afternoon and evening shifts, including staff who do not hold a pre-existing paid permit.”

Parking costs

The hospital’s multistorey level carparks can be accessed from Uralba Street and the prices for non-rostered staff and members of the public are as follows: 0 - 15 mins Free; 15 mins - 1 hr $3.50; 1 - 2 hrs $5.50; 2- 3 hrs $6.50; 3 - 4 hrs $7.50; 4+ hrs $8.60.

There is a 5 minute drop-off and pick-up area at the Main Entrance and a 5 minute drop off–pickup area outside the Emergency Department.

Accessibility car parking is available at the hospital front entrance on Uralba street, and in the Uralba Street carpark.

Free parking map

You can also navigate your way to hospital parking bliss by looking at Lismore City Council’s handy parking map at: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information-updates