Train station accessibility needs prioritisation in NSW Budget

Media Release

18 June 2015

Train station accessibility needs prioritisation in NSW Budget

Questions asked by the Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong in NSW Parliament have revealed that train station accessibility works on Redfern Station Platforms 6 & 7 will be complete by the end of the year, and have advocated for other stations in the area to be prioritised in the next tranche of station upgrades.

"It's good to see this government taking train station accessibility seriously, but they need to move quicker," Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong said.

"After 16 years of Labor governments, only 1 train station in this electorate was fully accessible to people with mobility issues: Central Station.

"Thanks to spirited local community campaigning, including from Greens on local councils, we now have lifts at Newtown station, with works underway and on track at Redfern Station for one new lift.

"The government has confirmed that by the end of the year, platforms 6 and 7 will be accessible at Redfern Station. This is at least a start, but we need a timeline and commitment for full accessibility.

"We have raised our concerns with the government about full accessibility at other stations in the Newtown electorate - Petersham, Stanmore, Lewisham, St Peters, Erskineville and Macdonaldtown - and have advocated for them to be in the mix for the next round of station upgrades.

"In terms of local priorities, we will be pushing for the rest of the platforms at Redfern to be made accessible at the same time, rather than the piecemeal approach that has been taken so far.

"The existing bridge and steep stairs at Petersham Station are unsafe for all users and a real danger for elderly and less-mobile residents, especially in wet weather. This needs to be a priority, as well as addressing similar concerns at Erskineville and St Peters.

"Accessibility challenges crossing under Stanmore Station are also a significant concern which we have raised with the Minister's Office.

"The state government has an obligation to ensure all stations are accessible. The Greens will keep the pressure on the government until all train stations are fully accessible for everyone in the community, regardless of any mobility issues they may have," Jenny said.

Media contact: 0433 753 376

The questions asked by Jenny and answers from the government are online here: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/la/qala.nsf/18101dc36b638302ca257146007ee41a/8e861709a72608a1ca257e3c001909af?OpenDocument