$15 MILLION TO HELP FUND BATHURST CBD CAR PARK

The Australian Government is stepping in to help fund the much-needed multi-storey car park linking the Bathurst RSL Club and the proposed new medical centre in the Bathurst CBD, with a $15 million commitment to the project.

The five-level car park will be able to accommodate more than 900 vehicles, a massive increase on the 330 spaces currently available in the existing outdoor car park. Parking will be free for the general public.

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the funding commitment was a huge win for the Bathurst community.

“I continue to hear from the community that this is the next big infrastructure project we need for Bathurst, and I am delighted the Australian Government is getting behind it with this significant investment,” Mr Gee said.

“After he became Mayor, Robert Taylor told me this was the council’s top infrastructure project and I told him I’d do everything I could to get it delivered.

“Parking is already at a premium in the heart of the CBD, and with the new $70 million Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre (BIMC) on the way, things are only going to get worse.

“The current outdoor car park only holds 330 vehicles, while the new multi-storey facility will cater for almost three times as many.

“My Bathurst office backs on to the existing site, so I know how full the open-air car park gets and the impact that the lack of parking is already having on local businesses. Having no undercover spaces is also an issue.

“The new multi-storey car park will provide critical parking for doctors, nurses, staff and patients at the new medical centre and will also free up spaces for RSL members and guests, and nearby business in the CBD. Bathurst is growing and medical services need to grow with it.

“I have been fighting for this, along with Bathurst Regional Council, the Bathurst RSL Club and our community. I made it clear in Canberra that this project needed to be funded at a federal level and I am pleased I’ve been able to help secure this significant commitment to get it done. 

The car park is expected to cost around $28 million, with a further $2.5 million to upgrade the traffic network on Howick and Rankin Streets.

Bathurst RSL and BIMC are each committing $4.2 million to the project, while the Council are looking to fund the remainder.

“It’s great to see business, local and federal government working together to deliver the significant infrastructure projects that Bathurst needs,” Mr Gee said.

“There is widespread community, health and business support for the car park and I know today’s announcement will be warmly welcomed.

“This is about ensuring our community has easy access to the best possible medical facilities, supporting local business, growing our economy, and making life easier for the people of Bathurst.”

The car park and BIMC will now require State Government planning approval to progress.

Media contact

Sinead Fogarty | 0417 852 386

Photo caption

Ian Southorn (Director, Environmental, Planning and Building Services at Bathurst Regional Council), Peter Sargent (Bathurst RSL CEO), Ian Miller (Bathurst RSL President), Andrew Gee MP, Cr Robert Taylor (Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council