According to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, parking is temporarily free as part of the NSW Government's response to COVID-19. Once the COVID response is over though staff will have to pay for parking again.

Cr Bob Proudfoot brought forward a motion at the ordinary meeting on Tuesday, September 22 asking that council staff make representations to the State Government to ensure that nurses at Shoalhaven District Hospital are provided with 'free parking stickers', which cover on-street parking as well as on-site carpark parking.

The motion passed unanimously.

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Following a council resolution last year on January 21 Shoalhaven City Council had written to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Local Health District and both Local Members requesting that hospital staff be exempt from parking fees.

Cr Bob Proudfoot said several people, including hospital nurses, had approached him to lobby on their behalf.

"It's crazy to think a private company comes in and runs what should be a public car park and then passes on the costs including the workers," he said.

"They're being fined for going to work - they're finishing up with less in their pay packet than they otherwise would have."

Cr Proudfoot said he would not stop pushing for the change.

"I know it happens in other areas but that doesn't mean it's right.

"I do not intend to let this one go away - if it means we need to embarrass a few people to start making tough decisions then so be it.

"If you beat the drum for long enough people will start listening."

In a statement the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said it had worked with Shoalhaven City Council during the planning and delivery of the multi-storey car park and no changes to fees were planned.

"There are no changes planned to staff parking fees at this time or for compensation," a spokesperson said.

"Revenue from car parking fees contributes to the operations and maintenance of car parks. Any additional revenue is reinvested in improving the services and facilities at the Local Health District."

Staff are able to apply for an on-site parking space at regional rates which is line with NSW Health policy. More than 415 spaces have been allocated to staff, volunteers and fleet vehicles.