Much needed extra car parks adjacent to the Caboolture Hospital are one step closer, with an important agreement reached between the Department of Education and Training (DET) and Metro North Hospital and Health Service. 

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said the green light had been given to expand the existing hospital car park to provide an extra 300 free car parks.

“The new car park, which will be located at the rear of the hospital, is expected to be completed later this year,” he said.

“The development will also provide ambulances with all-weather emergency access to the Caboolture Hospital Emergency Department during a flood event.

“The Palaszczuk Government is driving improved healthcare for locals, along with better access for their families and friends.

“The car park expansion is also a win for employment, with four full-time jobs for two years expected to be created by the project.”

State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said he was thrilled the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on its commitment to the Caboolture community.

“I have been fighting very hard on behalf of the community for this car park and I’m very glad the Government has listened to my advocacy,” he said.

“It is fantastic that surplus land has been identified because it means an unused area has now been earmarked for a very important purpose.

“Locals will be particularly pleased that the expanded car park will make the car park accessible - rain or hail - after the hospital was essentially isolated in May 2015 because of flooding.”

State Member for Pumicestone Rick Williams said the Palaszczuk Government had done its part to deliver the car park, now it was time for the Federal Government to do the same.

“During the Federal election campaign the LNP pledged $2 million to this development but the funds are yet to be transferred to Queensland,” Mr Williams said.

“Queensland has done its job and I call on the Federal Minister, Fiona Nash, to release the Commonwealth funds for this important local project.”

Funding for the car park development was announced in the 2016-2017 State Budget as part of Advancing Queensland’s Health Infrastructure Program.

“Procurement for the construction of the car park will be finalised by late March and people should see construction commence by early April,” Mr Dick said. 

The car park expansion is part of a larger upgrade currently underway which includes 32 extra beds at the hospital.