MORE parking spaces could be made available to the general public on the Bathurst Hospital campus and close to the health facility during the $200 million development.
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The topic of hospital parking was raised at Bathurst council's December 2025 policy committee meeting, with councillor Warren Aubin requesting a future report, as well as an update on discussions.
Director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, said there is "no quick, simple answer" regarding parking, and confirmed discussions are ongoing with Health Infrastructure, the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), and the hospital itself.
Regarding the conversations with the health district and hospital, he indicated there have been discussions about a temporary car park on Victoria Park, as well as about relocating fleet vehicles.
One of the public car parks on the hospital campus has been restricted to use for fleet vehicles due to the commencement of works on the redevelopment, creating even more of a parking shortage for staff, patients and visitors.
If the fleet vehicles are relocated, Mr Southorn said it could provide around 35 spaces during the early stages of construction.
"None of those discussions have been finalised, and so I can't confirm exactly what is being proposed," he said.
A spokesperson for the WNSWLHD confirmed to the Western Advocate that relocation of fleet vehicles is being considered.
"We understand access to car parking is an important issue for our community and we continue to explore options to help maximise the number of spaces available for staff, patients and visitors at Bathurst Health Service," the spokesperson said.
"We are working with the Bathurst Regional Council to identify and assess any potential opportunities outside of the Bathurst Health Service, including our recent discussions regarding a temporary relocation of fleet vehicles to a nearby, off-site location.
"We are confident of reaching an agreement soon which will enable additional car spaces to be available on campus without causing significant disruption to staff or the vital in-home, outreach and community care services our fleet cars support."
They said arrangements are being finalised to trial a regular shuttle bus service for staff, which could also alleviate some of the pressure on the existing on-street parking provisions by allowing staff to park further away.
Regarding using Victoria Park for additional parking, the WNSWLHD spokesperson said it would be a matter for the council.
"We also recently met with Bathurst Regional Council to discuss land adjacent to Bathurst Health Service," they said.
"However, this land is not within Western NSW Local Health District's ownership and any investigation into its future use or development remains a matter for the Bathurst Regional Council.
"We thank the community for their patience and understanding while temporary changes are in place to undertake the work necessary to deliver a safer, more accessible and better-connected health service for people in Bathurst and the surrounding region."
