PLANS to reclaim a small portion of Victoria Park for an extra 45 car parks outside the Warwick Hospital have been met with relief by Warwick Hospital's acting director of nursing.

It is a plan that has been discussed for many years and during this week's budget proceedings the Southern Downs Regional Council approved to put $300,000 towards the project.

Warwick Hospital acting director of nursing Janet Reid said the extra parking spaces would make a "tremendous" difference.

"The car parks out the front are the only ones for visitors to use," she said.

"We have the potential to have over 100 people visiting at a time plus the 60 plus patients we see in the accident and emergency area every day.

"There is also no off-street parking for early-shift workers."

Mrs Reid said many visitors had to park further down Locke St and up other surrounding Sts.

"It is tremendous to see that it is going ahead," she said.

A council spokeswoman said the project had been on the drawing board for a number of years.

"Council has for a period of time, been in discussion with Queensland Health and Department of Natural Resources and Mines regarding the possible extension of the public car parking area adjacent to the Warwick Hospital in Locke St," she said.

The spokeswoman said the department approved the council's request to turn 882sq m of Victoria Park into a carpark late last year.

The Daily News was given mixed reactions when they asked their Facebook likers what they thought about the extra car parks.

Mavis March was for the expansion.

"I have had issues getting a park at the hospital," she said.

"Visiting time to see patients being the worst time.

"Feel sorry for the elderly and frail having to park down the hill in William Street."

Donna Page said the money for the car park should not be coming out of the council's pocket.

"There is plenty of ground behind the hospital that could be turned into parking if the State Government would put their hand up to support there buildings," she said.

"Council shouldn't have to foot this bill and lose parkland."

Colette Williamson said it was a shame that it was taking away from the park space.

"We have so few decent parks in this town, taking from one of the best is a disgrace," she said.

"Staff should be forced to bus it, walk it, ride it, or park round the back."

Head to the Warwick Daily News Facebook page or comment below to have your say.