GOOD SAMARITAN COMES TO RESCUE
A SOUTHPORT man says Donna Watts Smith can park on his property free to escape high parking fees at the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Touched by the financial pain families are feeling while visiting loved ones, Glen Crawford yesterday said Ms Watts Smith could park on his front lawn.
“My home is very close to the light rail station on Queen St, just two stops from the hospital, so I am happy for her to use it,” he said.
“It is purely a commercial decision that dictated the privatisation of the hospital car park. People shouldn’t struggle because of it.”
Mr Crawford was the brains trust behind the Gold Coast Parking Solutions Facebook page, which allowed residents to rent out their driveways during the Commonwealth Games.
“What is sad is there are vacant lots owned by the State Government near the Queen St station which could be used as car parks for those going to the hospital,” he said. “Instead, they are sitting fenced and empty.”
Ms Watts Smith said she hoped to be in contact over the generous offer and wanted to thank everyone for their support.
“There are hundreds of families on the Coast that have the same problem we have, hopefully something will be done to lessen the burden of families that need to use the hospital,” she said.
Mr Crawford did not consider his offer anything out of the ordinary.
“It is just part of being part of the community. There are so many empty driveways.
“We could all offer them up to the nurses and doctors and people coming to visit their families.”