Kotara and Cockle Creek will be among the next group of stations to receive accessibility upgrades, with design and investigation work for the two stations funded under the Government’s $800 million Safe and Accessible Transport program.
The design of the upgrades at Kotara and Cockle Creek stations will consider the installation of new lifts, stairs, ramps and footbridges to improve access to the station along with platform resurfacing, tactile ground surface indicators to assist the sight-impaired and increase safety at night, accessible car parking, boarding assistance zones, kiss and ride zones, bus stop upgrades, bicycle hoops and upgraded lighting and CCTV to boost station security.
Planning will also investigate improvements to surrounding footpaths and ramps.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair, a parent with a pram or a kid with a bike can’t easily access a station in NSW.
“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,” she said.
“Transport hubs should be safe and welcoming places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is investing $800 million in the Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport safer and more inclusive.”
The design of each accessibility upgrade will be tailored to the local area and developed with the community’s suggestions and ideas in mind.
Planning work at each of these locations, including consultation with local stakeholders to better understand each community’s needs, is expected to take 9-12 months to complete. Early consultation will begin shortly with people with disabilities.
Once this preparatory work is complete and depending on funding for the delivery of the project, the government can move to the tender process, then construction.
These upgrades aim to make public transport in the Hunter safer, more accessible and easier to use for passengers, especially for people with disability, seniors, people with prams, bikes or luggage and others who have mobility support needs.
