Seven train stations in New South Wales will be receiving much-needed accessibility upgrades as part of an $800 million election commitment for transport infrastructure upgrades.
The program of works is a combination of the old Transport Accessibility Program, the Commuter Carpark Program, and the additional $300 million commitment from the State Government at the 2023 election.
“In 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t access a station in NSW.
“We committed to upgrading train stations to make them more accessible, safe and secure for the people who need them the most, and that is what we are delivering,” Premier Chris Minns said.
Thousands of commuters across the State will benefit from the rollout of upgrades designed to improve public transport safety and make them more accessible, especially for vulnerable community members.
The 136-year-old Macquarie Fields Station is one of the seven stations that will be upgraded. This station has never been fully accessible, with Platform 1 only accessible via stairs.
For more than eight years, many have been campaigning for lifts to be installed at the station that caters to more than 10,000 passengers each week.
Upgrades to the Macquarie Fields Station will include a new footbridge with lifts, stairs, a covered walkway to the platforms, a new family accessible toilet, improved lighting and CCTV. Six accessible parking spaces will also be provided along with two new accessible drop-off spaces and a relocated bus stop on Railway Parade. To improve access to the station, a new pedestrian crossing and signage will be provided.
“Macquarie Fields Station dates back to 1888 and has long been in need of a facelift. I’m thrilled that the NSW Government is able to deliver this and give the local community the transport interchange they deserve.
“We know the community has been advocating for these improvements for a long time and they will soon have the opportunity to have their say on this much-needed project.
“Transport hubs should be safe and welcoming places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is committing $300 million to the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible,” Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.
Transport for NSW will now undertake targeted stakeholder engagement over the coming months, following the completion of an early stakeholder engagement with vulnerable members of the community.
The community will be invited to have their say on the draft concept design for the station upgrade toward the end of this year.
Major works to upgrade the station are due to begin by the end of 2024 after the development of planning approval documentation. Construction is expected to take up to 18 months to complete.
“A big focus for our Government is investing in disability access improvements where they’re urgently needed. The Macquarie Fields community should not have been left with such an inaccessible station for so long.
“The lifts, accessible parking and toilets will open up new opportunities for people with disability, parents with prams, and anyone with mobility issues,” Disability Inclusion Minister Kate Washinton said.
“We have a very diverse community, with many young families and carers with prams, people with disabilities, the elderly, women and girls – to whom this station upgrade is going to mean a world of difference.
“There will be some disruption during the construction phase, however it’s short-term pain for long-term gain – as we know this upgrade will deliver a safer, more accessible and more inclusive station,” Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP said.
Other stations that will receive accessibility upgrades include:
Source: Transport for NSW; NSW Government – Media Releases