The New South Wales Government has announced upgrades for seven new rail stations as part of its $800 million commitment to accelerating accessibility improvements for stations across the state.
Thousands of commuters are set to benefit from the rollout of the program designed to make public transport safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.
The 136-year-old Macquarie Fields Station is one of seven stations in line for an upgrade. 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 and the community is home to 2,000 people aged over 60, many of whom have been campaigning for lifts for over eight years.
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.
Having completed early stakeholder engagement with vulnerable members of the community, Transport for NSW 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 2024.
Major construction is expected to begin in late 2024, following the development of planning approval documentation, with work expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
Other stations include:
- Moss Vale
- Lewisham
- Griffith
- Bardwell Park
- Chester Hill
- Queanbeyan
The $800.7 million program is funded by a combination of the old Transport Accessibility Program, the Commuter Carpark Program, and the additional $300 million the government committed at the 2023 election.
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said that in 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t access a station.
“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,” Mr Minns said.
New South Wales Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, said that the Macquarie Fields Station dates back to 1888 and has long been in need of a facelift.
“I’m thrilled that the New South Wales Government is able to deliver this and give the local community the transport interchange they deserve,” Ms Haylen said.
“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 New South Wales 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.”
Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington, said that a big focus for the State 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,” Ms Washington said.
“The lifts, accessible parking and toilets will open up new opportunities for people with disability, parents with prams, and anyone with mobility issues.
“We’re now playing an important game of catch-up across the state, but everyone will be all the better for it.”
