Minister for Health Brad Hazzard on Wednesday said the government would build the car park.

Although critical of the state government for “throwing money around like confetti” during the election campaign, Michael Daley described the car park as crucial for Wagga.

Dan Hayes, Labor’s candidate in the Wagga byelection, said the issue of parking had previously been ignored by the government.

“For years, the community has been pushing for this,” he said.

Mr Hazzard on Thursday provided more details about the car park, said using it would be free, and that he would be bringing plans for the project to Wagga when he visits next week.

“Following representations from the Liberal candidate Julia Ham, the new car park will be built as soon as stage three is complete and earlier if possible and will be free to patients of the hospital, visitors and staff,” the Minister said.

However, not all candidates are in favour of the plan.

Independent Paul Funnell had earlier raised concerns about traffic, location and whether it would be “pay to park”.

Joe McGirr, who is also an independent, described the plan as an “announcement on the run”.

“In 2011, when I ran, I made a focus of the hospital and I believed we delivered it,” he said.

“Ten days ago, I put my hand up and I’m running again and I think it has really generated concern among the Liberals.

“My understanding was that we had been told we didn’t need this car park. That’s the power of the credible alternative.

“There seems to be a lack of detail about this.”