The New South Wales Government will reopen the historic Wallerawang railway station after it closed more than 30 years ago, delivering better services for families in the Central West.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said Wallerawang station will receive a $7 million upgrade, with train services expected to recommence in 12 months.
“I’ve heard repeated calls from the community that they want passenger services returned to Wallerawang and I’m excited that our Government will make that happen,” he said.
“This upgrade will mean Wallerawang station will be able to be a timetabled stop on the Bathurst Bullet twice daily train services between Bathurst and Sydney, offering a better service for commuters.
“This station has been part of the community since 1870 – and will soon return to its roots as a rail link that opens up another travel option for locals needing to travel to Bathurst or Sydney.
“Right across the state, we’ve invested to improve transport connectivity – from adding stops on the Bullet at Rydal and Tarana to a weekly train service to Griffith and two extra services for Singleton.”
The reopening plans for Wallerawang include upgraded parking, access improvements, and external station repainting to heritage requirements. The platform will also get an upgrade with resurfacing, new lighting, seating and signage as well as CCTV for added security.
Regional Transport and Roads minister Sam Farraway said the station upgrade and return of passenger services would give the Wallerawang community more travel options making getting to work or appointments easier.
“Putting Wallerawang station back on the map means the community has greater access to public transport and more flexibility to get from A to B,” he said.
“For more than 20 years, the Dubbo XPT was the only passenger rail service west of Lithgow until 2012 saw daily intercity services return with the first Bathurst Bullet service – which celebrated its 10th birthday on Friday.
“We added a second daily Bullet service in 2019 and today’s announcement will further add to the value of that connection.
“With more and more people choosing to call regional NSW home, our Government is thinking ahead and planning for a brighter future by building the infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier.”
Work is anticipated to start next year following community consultation, feasibility assessments and design work to confirm the scope of work needed to bring the heritage station back into service.
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