Premier Gladys Berejiklian, South Coast MP Shelley Hancock and Kiama MP Gareth Ward announced tenders had been called for the $9.8 million parking upgrade during a visit and tour of the hospital on Wednesday.

The increase will see the hospital’s parking capacity increase to 550 spaces and will be built on the site of the current car park, meaning the historic Nowra Park, is for the moment safe, however it is understood there will be further encroachment by the medical precinct into the park under the hospital’s long term masterplan.

The car park will be a five split-level multi-deck structure, three-storeys high. An additional 60 ground-level car parking spaces will also be delivered.

But the downside is it will be a paid facility. However concessions would be put in place for veterans, patients and hospital staff (see below).

At this stage costing on parking prices have not been determined.

Mrs Berejiklian said the announcement reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to providing improved access to state-of-the art health facilities to the Shoalhaven region.

“The government is dedicated to improving hospital car parking across the state, and will continue to deliver purpose-built infrastructure that meets the current and future needs of the Shoalhaven area,” Ms Berejiklian said.

It was  a satisfying day for Mr Ward and Mrs Hancock who have long lobbied for improved parking facilities at the hospital.

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“The provision of additional parking at Shoalhaven Hospital has been long overdue and I thank the community for their efforts over what has been a long campaign to get this done,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Once this project is complete, patients, visitors and staff will have easier, safer access to the hospital and will no longer have to walk unacceptable distances to reach services.”

The proposed car park will connect with the current hospital allowing easy and convenient access for patients and visitors.

As part of planning for the car park upgrade, the hospital has undertaken master planning for the entire hospital site to ensure any future hospital enhancements and expansion on the campus will not be compromised.

“Together, Shelley and I have worked hard to secure $9.8 million in funding from the government in the state budget to deliver this important car parking upgrade at Shoalhaven District Hospital,” Mr Ward said.

“This investment will make a real difference in peoples’ lives – for patients, visitors and staff who travel to this facility and I will continue to fight for our fair share of funding.”

The successful tenderer will be announced in the coming weeks.

The GP Super Clinic will contribute an additional $1 million to the NSW Government’s funding.

Construction is set to begin on the ground-level parking in mid-2018, shortly followed by work on the new multi-storey car park.

One of the challenges will be temporary parking arrangements during construction, which is expected to take around 12 months.

Discussions have been held with Shoalhaven City Council and other stakeholders over alternative parking proposals during construction but at this stage it doesn't look like the nearby Nowra Park will be utilised with alternatives being sought both on and off site.

NSW Health previously provided parking concessions for certain categories of patients and carers. This applied to a limited number of hospital car parks operated by local health districts and specialty health networks. From July 1, 2017, this was expanded to include all public hospital car parks in NSW where fees are applied.

Public hospitals where car parking is provided at no cost will not be affected unless the site is subject to future car park development.

Eligibility

NSW Health recognises the burden that regular or long term hospitalisation and/or treatment places on patients and their carers, and has expanded eligibility for the concession rates to include: