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NOVEMBER 08, 2024
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Parking crisis
Hospital staff at wit’s end over lack of spaces and huge fines l CAIRNS NORTH | Nick Dalton CAR parking around Cairns Hospital has reached a crisis with many staff members being slugged with hefty fines as they struggle to juggle their heavy workloads with managing their vehicles. Registered nurse Natasha Kelly – who has started a petition on the issue – said it was almost impossible to find free car parking within a reasonable distance of the hospital. The staff were also battling with tradies working on the new mental health unit, outpatients, family and friends visiting patients, Cairns State High School and Cairns Private Hospital staff for spaces. Mrs Kelly of Redlynch said in the morning from the start of the 7am shift and the ending of the night shift at 7.30am it was not too bad, but as administration employees started arriving between 8am and 9am spaces started filling up and by the start of the 1pm afternoon shift workers were doing laps trying to find a park. She said the nearest reasonable spaces to the hospital offered four hour limits which required staff to leave work (or in most cases not
at all) to shift their vehicles. “We need eight hours at a minimum,” Mrs Kelly said. “In the past fortnight I’ve been hit with $96 fines,” she said. Mrs Kelly said it appeared the council had started a crackdown and at times numerous parking officers were patrolling the streets around the hospital issuing fines. “Townsville (hospital) has a free staff car park and we need one here,” she said. “As a person who has recently been subjected to multiple parking fines while working at Cairns Hospital, the escalating financial burden has made me realise the extent of this troubling issue. “In the heart of an economically challenging period, it is devastating that local authorities seem to be capitalising on our circumstances rather than offering us support. Parking fees and fines have become an unnecessary additional expense – almost becoming a punitive measure for those who are already grappling with health concerns and the related costs. “We understand the need for effective parking management, but the council must also acknowledge the unintentional adverse effects this parking situation is causing. CONTINUED PAGE 2-3
Registered nurse Natasha Kelly has started a petition calling on Cairns Regional Council to ease up on parking patrols around Cairns Hospital. Picture: Nick Dalton
Crime top of list for Premier l CAIRNS CBD NEW Premier David Crisafulli, in his first visit to Cairns as the state’s leader, has promised to boost Far North police resources and fast-track tough new youth crime laws. He’s also prioritising a business case for the Barron River bridge at Kuranda, which would be made public. Mr Crisafulli was in Cairns on Wednesday, visiting Cairns police station where he pledged to reduce the number of police officers leaving the service, a quick roll-out of early intervention programs and more support for crime victims. He also thanked Far Northern voters for trusting his candidates in three seats: Bree James, (Barron River), David Kempton (Cook) and Terry James (Mulgrave). Michael Healy has retained Cairns for Labor. With new Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber, Mr Crisafulli outlined a plan to deliver on preelection law and order pledges, emphasising adult time for adult crimes performed by youth offenders. He said the aim was to have the ‘Making Queensland Safe’ legislation law before Christmas. Mr Crisafulli has asked new Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg to make the bridge business case a priority with a short term fix followed by a long term solution.
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION EVENING! WEDNESDAY 20th NOVEMBER 5:30PM to 7:00PM You are invited to come and meet our Bachelor Qualified Early Childhood Teachers and learn all about our 2025 Kindergarten program.
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Canapes & refreshing drinks provided!
*Kindergarten Curriculum *Learning Outcomes *Free Kindy, Fees, Subsidy & Funding *Preparing your child for Prep *Extra Curricular Activites *Working together with our families
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