A PETITION is calling for free parking at the new Redland Hospital car park when it opens mid-2022.
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LNP candidate for Bowman Henry Pike, and Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson want Metro South Health to keep free parking at the hospital.
A health spokesperson said the purpose of the parking rates was cost recovery and the hospital would not be profiting.
A new $50.5 million, seven-level car park is being built at Redland Hospital, which is expected to be completed in mid-2022.
The federal government has contributed $16 million to the project.
Mr Pike and Mr Robinson are pushing a petition calling on the state government to not set parking rates for the new car park, and rule out reducing the free car parks elsewhere on the hospital campus.
"We're pleased the state government has come to the table to finally make this overdue upgrade a reality, but we're very concerned that they are going to use this as a cash cow to fill central coffers," Mr Pike said.
"The federal government did not help fund this new carpark just to create a new revenue stream for the state government.
"We want to see the a firm commitment that parking will remain free at Redland Hospital."
A Health Department spokesperson said the car park will be owned and operated by Redland Hospital.
"Every dollar collected from parking rates will come back to the hospital to be used for capital repayments, operations, and maintenance of the car park.
"Data analysis completed for recent parking projects showed 76 per cent of hospital patients and visitors park for two hours or less. That means most visitors will pay $5.00 or less per visit," she said.
Parking rates at the new Redcliffe Hospital multi-level car park are about $7 for two-three hours.
Visitors to PA Hospital can expect to pay up to $20 for two hours at privately operated car parks nearby.
Mr Robinson said unlike some other car parks built through private partnerships elsewhere in Queensland, this project was entirely public funded.
"This is a taxpayer funded facility. Our community has already paid for it and shouldn't have to keep paying for it in perpetuity.
"There is also a risk that the Labor government may start charging fees on the current free parking areas at Redland Hospital. That is what occurred at Redcliffe Hospital when they got their new car park," he said.
Metro South Health spokesperson said as with all hospitals in south east Queensland, Redland Hospital would transition to paid parking for staff and the public across the campus once the car park opened.
Mr Robinson said he didn't want to see hard-working hospital staff stung by new parking fees.
The cost for parking at Redland Hospital will be finalised in the lead up to the opening of the new car park and concessions will be available.
