The NSW Government today announced it will fund upgrades for seven train stations, including the 136-year-old Macquarie Fields Station in south western Sydney.
The station has never been fully accessible, with the City-bound Platform 1 only accessible via stairs. More than 10,000 passengers travel through the station every week, while the community is home to 2,000 people aged over 60.
Upgrades to 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. There will be six accessible parking spaces, two new accessible drop-off spaces and a relocated bus stop on Railway Parade. Access to the station will be improved with a new pedestrian crossing and signage.
“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,” said Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong.
“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.”
Transport for NSW says it will undertake targeted stakeholder engagement over the coming months. The community will be invited to have their say on the draft concept design toward the end of the year.
Major construction is expected to begin in late 2024, following the development of planning approval documentation, with work taking around 18 months to complete.
“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,” said Transport Minister, Jo Haylen.
“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.”
Other stations earmarked for upgrades include:
- Moss Vale
- Lewisham
- Griffith
- Bardwell Park
- Chester Hill
- Queanbeyan
The Government’s $800.7 million works program is a combination of the old Transport Accessibility Program, the Commuter Carpark Program, and the additional $300 million Labor committed 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,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“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.”
