Work on a near 50 per cent expansion in the number of all-weather car parks at the hospital is expected to be completed during the second half of the year.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui, who won’t speak to Cape York Weekly but did put her name on a media statement, said the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service would have an engineering consultant in place to develop a plan for the works by April.
“It will take about a month to six weeks to complete the engineering plan,” she said.
“Following this, tenders will be called for a contractor to do the works, with completion expected during the second half of the year, weather permitting.’’
Ms Lui said the new all-weather car parks would be developed in an open area between the side of the hospital precinct and John Evans Drive.
“This area is used by staff during the dry season up to a capacity of about 15 vehicles.
“However, it is dirt ground and gets muddy and difficult to use during wet weather.
“The plan is to convert this area into all-weather parking for about 30 cars, maybe a bit more, with lighting and line marking.
“This will be a significant addition to the existing all-weather car park at the front of the hospital that has a capacity of about 75 cars.
“I know parking has been an issue at the hospital in recent months, primarily because of an increase in the number of visiting clinics and the increased delivery of a broad range of other health services.
“There are currently an additional $8.86 million worth of works under way, or about to get under way at the hospital, including provision for a CT scanner and a new birthing service, and this will add to the numbers of people visiting the hospital.
“I therefore commend the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service for its commitment to expand and improve the availability of parking at the hospital to manage increased visitation.
“It should also be noted that on-site parking at Weipa hospital is free and will continue to be so – unlike the situation at many larger provincial hospitals.’’
