DESPITE the sometimes busy environment created in the Port Macquarie central business district there is no sign of panic from not-for-profit organisations such as the Red Cross Blood Service.
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There have been calls from members of the community for dedicated parking in Port Macquarie for those who donate blood, particularly from long time donor Denis McGrane.
Currently there is no dedicated parking on site or surrounding the premises which is located on Clarence Street.
Mr McGrane believes there is a need for at least five dedicated spots in which people who are donating can park their car.
"People who donate are undergoing a medical procedure and I'm simply trying to get the council to give the centre dedicated parking for those people," he said. "You get donors of all ages, as well as the elderly who may struggle after giving blood. You don't want to see them walking hundreds of metres to their cars."
"There is an area on Munster Street and I'd at least like some signs put up that state they are reserved for donors during business hours from Monday to Friday."
Director of development and environment, Matt Rogers said that the precedent of providing special parking provisions for particular interest groups would have a significant impact on the availability of parking for the broader community, particularly in the Port Macquarie CBD.
"The best way for organisations with specific parking needs to deal with this issue is to locate at premises with their own off street parking," he said.
"I am aware of requests by not-for-profit community groups operating within the Port Macquarie CBD for similar parking allocations and council's policy position in this regard has been fair, equitable and consistent.
"Parking is a premium in Port Macquarie particularly in tourist period."
The Red Cross Blood Service issued the following statement.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Port Macquarie council and its work in promoting the need for blood. Mayor Besseling is himself a blood donor," they said.
"We'd like to assure the community that parking at Port Macquarie Donor Centre is not impacting on blood supplies.
"We have had wonderful support from the local community over Christmas and New Year period. We'd like to thank our blood donors for taking the time to save lives and support local patients.
"We will of course welcome any changes that may make donation easier for workers, shoppers, students and visitors.
"Our blood donors are extraordinarily generous people; we simply couldn't save lives without them.
"We will continue to liaise with Council at intervals on any opportunities to enable this, but respect their decision on behalf of the community."