Consultation begins for Canberra & Yass Junction train station upgrades

The New South Wales Government is calling on community members to have their say on the designs for accessibility upgrades planned for Canberra and Yass Junction train stations.

The upgrades are part of the Minns Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program that aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage as well as other who may have mobility challenges.

Yass Junction station (source: NSW Government)

These planned upgrades have been designed with input from People with Disability Australia, the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee and Guide Dogs Australia. Improvements include ramps, increased disability parking spaces and bus shelters.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering safer, more accessible public transport so people can get where they need to go, regardless of age, ability or mobility needs.

“Canberra and Yass Junction stations are important transport hubs for their communities, and it is critical that they are inclusive, safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and people carrying luggage.

“These proposed upgrades, funded through the Minns Labor Government’s Safe Accessible Transport Program, are about removing barriers to travel and improving the overall station experience, both on platforms and in surrounding precincts.

“We are investing in detailed investigations and design work to ensure these upgrades are done properly, and we want to hear directly from the community before moving to the next stage.

“I encourage anyone who uses these stations, or who currently avoids them due to accessibility or safety concerns, to review the designs and provide feedback so we can deliver outcomes that reflect local needs and expectations,” Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from fully participating in their communities with dignity and safety – accessible public transport is a critical part of that.

“I urge locals to have their say, especially people with disability, because we know we get better outcomes when lived experience helps shape our communities,” Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said.

Both projects will upgrade the stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliance, improving amenity, access and safety while acknowledging the important role these locations have in the communities they serve.

Canberra station (source: NSW Government)

The State Government has funded $900,000 for each project which enabled investigations, design development and obtaining planning approvals for the Canberra and Yass Junction station upgrades.

Feedback on the designs can be provided until 31 March 2026. The feedback from this consultation period will be considered and will inform the detailed design development.

“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement today regarding accessibility upgrades to the Kingston train station in Canberra. The additional investment in accessibility infrastructure in Yass is also welcome news for our region.

“The improvements also represent an encouraging first step in the broader work that has been underway with the NSW Government to improve the Canberra-Sydney rail experience.

“The upgrades will help ensure the stations better meets the needs of all passengers, including people with disability and older Canberrans or people with mobility issues. I encourage everyone to have their say on the upgrades,” ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

“These proposed upgrades are a welcome step forward for the Yass community and will make it easier and safer for more people to use Yass Junction station.

“Improving accessibility helps ensure our transport network works for everyone, including older residents, people with disability, families with prams and visitors to the region.

“I encourage local residents to take part in the consultation and share their feedback so the final design reflects the needs of our growing community,” Mayor for Yass Valley Council Jasmin Jones said.

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Government – Have Your Say