Philippa Clark
The Health Services Union has called on Lismore City Council to reconsider a decision to cancel free all-day street parking at Lismore Base Hospital.
The free parking scheme for staff and visitors is set to end this Monday 18 January, with the re-introduction of paid parking along Hunter and Dalziel streets and time-limited parking along Weaver and McKenzie streets and Laurel Avenue.
The HSU called the decision a ‘big ugly road-block’ to providing a speedy COVID testing service. ‘I am flabbergasted that Lismore City Council would crab-walk away from its clever decision to offer free street parking during the COVID-19 pandemic,’ said HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes. ‘This decision just punishes local residents who do the right thing and visit the hospital for vital COVID tests – and who are already struggling with hours long delays, wearing masks during high temperatures and social distancing pressures.’