BAYSIDE Health have announced they will be introducing parking fees at Rosebud Hospital and The Mornington Centre.
The parking fees will come into effect from 27 October.
CEO of Peninsula Care Group and Bayside Health Jana Gazarek said in a statement the changes to paid parking at Rosebud Hospital and The Mornington Centre are due to rising operational and maintenance costs.
“Rosebud Hospital and The Mornington Centre are experiencing rising operational and maintenance costs associated with managing our car parks,” said Gazarek.
“Introducing paid parking will ensure safe, available and accessible care parking for the people who need it the most, especially patients, visitors and hospital staff.”
Gazarek also said the parking fees will match other healthcare sites in Frankston and on the peninsula.
“Parking fees will be the same as the other Peninsula Care Group sites, including Peninsula University Hospital and Golf Links Road rehabilitation centre – concession rates are available,” said Gazarek.
“Clear signage will be installed at both sites to guide patients and visitors through the payment process, flyers are available at both hospitals, and information is available on our website.”
Nepean MP Anthony Marsh said he opposes the changes to paid parking at Rosebud Hospital.
“Introducing parking fees for hospital staff and patients in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is completely tone deaf,” said Marsh.
Marsh said it is a slap in the face to the healthcare workers who show up every day to care for the community.
“Our community should not have to fundraise for essential equipment, and local healthcare workers should not be charged simply to park at work, while Rosebud Hospital continues to fall into despair,” said Marsh.
Under the changes, staff will pay $4.50 per-eight-hour shift, which has always been the policy at Peninsula Health and Peninsula Care Group.
Marsh has written to the Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt in hopes she would be able to intervene.
Marsh said in his letter to Stitt that imposing parking fees on hardworking healthcare workers while the (Rosebud) hospital itself continues to languish after years of under-investment is unacceptable.
“The prospect of nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff being charged simply to turn up to work is utterly indefensible,” said Marsh in his letter to Stitt.
“Should any such charges be contemplated, I call on you to intervene immediately and ensure they do not proceed.”
Parking rates at Rosebud Hospital and The Mornington Centre will remain free for visits less than 30 minutes.
First published in the Mornington News – 28 October 2026
