A multi-million dollar upgrade of East Ipswich train station in Brisbane has been officially unveiled, delivering improved access for the community including train customers using mobility aids, seniors and customers with prams or luggage.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard toured the upgraded facilities of the multi-million dollar upgrade, delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s $500 million Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.
Bailey said it was great to see first-hand how this important upgrade had transformed public transport accessibility for the local community, with East Ipswich station now able to be accessed without barriers, thanks to the installation of pathways and lifts.
“Here at East Ipswich, a new station building constructed 120 metres east of the former station building features full length raised platforms, a new pedestrian footbridge and lift, new station building and toilets, hearing augmentation loop and wayfinding signage,” he said.
“Other features include accessible parking, new bicycle enclosure and new station entrances.”
Howard welcomed the completion of the new station, saying it would be a great asset for promoting public transport use and greater accessibility for the local community.
“Not only will this be a great asset to service our growing community into the future, but this upgrade has also supported 250 jobs throughout the construction phase,” she said.
A large-scale mural was also unveiled at the station, which is a photograph titled ‘Brisbane Street early morning walk’.
The photograph, taken by local artist and long-time Ipswich resident Glen Smith, was the winning entry out of 65 photographs received by Queensland Rail as part of a competition.
The East Ipswich upgrade was delivered as part of the Government’s ongoing investment of more than $500 million to upgrade stations across the South East Queensland network. The program progressively prioritises and upgrades stations across the South East Queensland network to make it easier and safer for many customers to access the public transport system.
The former station infrastructure will be demolished now that the new facilities are operational.