Community consultation is due to commence on the proposed multi-million-dollar upgrade to Bundaberg railway station, with Queensland Rail inviting locals and customers to have their say.
Customers will have a number of avenues to have their say, including an online survey, face-to-face-engagement at the station and in local retail outlets.
The community consultation will mark the start of a $1 million feasibility study to be undertaken on the station later in 2023. Bundaberg railway station is a key regional travel hub with around 68,000 customers moving through the station each year.
The design proposal includes options for a new station to be built or the current station precinct to be upgraded, featuring improved customer facilities, such as an airconditioned customer lounge with improved seating and toilet facilities.
Accessibility improvements will likely include the installation of tactile ground indicators, handrails where required, variable desk height at the luggage check in desks and new accessible toilets.
Upgrades to station car parking will also likely be delivered along with a drop-off zone that integrates with other public transport providers.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the community consultation sessions will be a great opportunity for locals and customers to offer their views on what they would like to see delivered as part of the proposed upgrade.
“The project is part of an ongoing investment to upgrade priority stations across the regional network including Maryborough West and Rockhampton as well as feasibility studies at Townsville and Cairns,” Mr Bailey said.
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said, “The project is considering several options for delivering an upgraded station precinct with a range of new customer facilities such as a customer lounge and additional shelters, as well as accessibility features like priority platform seating and customer information screens.
“Upgrades to station car parking would also likely be delivered along with a drop-off zone that integrates with other public transport providers for improved connections to surrounding areas.”
Mr Smith encourages everyone in the community to have their say on the station upgrades, especially those with a strong interest in the station’s rich heritage.
“Future proposals will include much needed accessibility improvements and key upgrades to improve the customer experience,” Mr Smith said.
Queensland Rail Acting Head of Regional, Scott Cornish, listed the ways locals could share their feedback.
“Customers can complete a short survey on Queensland Rail’s website from 5am Monday 8 May to 11pm Sunday 21 May or at the station where they can scan a QR code to provide feedback,” Mr Cornish said.
“Customers are also invited to attend a face-to-face engagement session to meet the Queensland Rail Travel team, learn more about the project and provide feedback in person.
“Once the initial consultation has closed, the project team will focus on delivering concept designs for the community to view and provide further feedback on,” Mr Cornish said.
