The NSW Government is inviting community members to have their say on the designs for accessibility upgrades planned for Canberra and Yass Junction train stations.
The upgrades will be delivered as part of the Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, which 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 and others who may be experiencing mobility challenges.
Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Jasmin Jones said the proposed upgrades were 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,” said Mayor Jones.
“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.”
The planned upgrades, designed with input from People with Disability Australia, the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee and Guide Dogs Australia, include ramps, increased disability parking spaces and bus shelters.
“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,” said Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison.
“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.”
Both SAT projects will upgrade the stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliance.
The NSW Government has funded $900,000 each for investigations, design development and to obtain planning approvals for the Canberra and Yass Junction station upgrades.
ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said his Government welcomed the accessibility upgrade announcement.
“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,” said Mr Barr.
“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.”
Consultation is now open to community feedback on the designs until 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March.
The NSW Government said feedback will be considered and will inform the detailed design development.
