The Queanbeyan Railway Station is set to receive an upgrade. Photo: File.
The 133-year-old Queanbeyan Railway Station is one of nine stations in NSW that will receive a significant upgrade to improve accessibility and safety for commuters.
The upgrades have been flagged by Transport for NSW after it found some railway stations fail to meet federal disability standards that ensure people with disability have equal access to public transport services.
The upgrades, due to be completed by 2023, will also make public transport accessible to people with additional mobility requirements, including parents and carers with prams, and customers with luggage.
The upgrades are being delivered through the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program (TAP), which found that almost 90 per cent of transport customer journeys begin from locations now accessible to people with a disability, those with limited mobility and parents with prams.
Train stations at Casino, Dubbo, Grafton, Griffith, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree and Taree will also receive accessibility upgrades.
Member for Monaro John Barilaro, speaking prior to his taking leave for four weeks, said the upgrade at Queanbeyan station will create about 50 local jobs. He also said local businesses can register their interest to get involved with the project.
Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole at Queanbeyan train station. Photo: Supplied.
“This project will be a huge boost for the region during these challenging times. We are seeking a variety of goods, services and materials for the station upgrade, so I hope that local businesses register their interest and get involved,” Mr Barilaro said.
“With Queanbeyan station one of nine stations across the State set to be upgraded, TAP is creating around 650 jobs across regional parts of NSW and injecting about $23 million directly into local economies.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the TAP upgrades build upon the NSW Government’s vision to make public transport a first choice option for people living in the regions.
“These are important projects for local communities that will also be a big boost to local economies. We want local businesses to benefit and that’s why we’re asking them to register their interest to help design and build the next round of upgrades,” Mr Toole said.
The upgrades include accessible pathways and ramps, markings on the platforms and targeted locations throughout the station, accessible parking spaces, upgraded amenities including waiting rooms and ticket offices, seating and accessible toilet facilities. Improvements will also be made to bus and coach parking facilities.
Original Article published by Michael Weaver on The RiotACT.
Loading ...
