A five-year campaign to improve access to Wentworth Falls train station has finally come up trumps with the release of designs for a major transformation, including three lifts, a covered walkway and bike parking facilities.
Residents of the committee who agitated for the upgrade were delighted at the news and full of praise for Blue Mountains MP, Roza Sage.
Spokesman Robert Deahm said Mrs Sage had put in "relentless efforts" to lobby on their behalf.
"Roza was very sympathetic to our plight and worked very hard to try to get it through for us," Mr Deahm said.
The campaign was the brainchild of locals Russell Mann and Barbara Bailey but the committee quickly gained widespread support from many residents, organisations and schools.
Mrs Sage said the station will be completely transformed and made accessible with lifts for the first time - a huge win for customers with a wheelchair, the elderly and families with prams.
"Improvements at the station will include three lifts so customers can easily access the footbridge and platforms, upgraded footpaths and landscaping, new kiss and ride areas, bike parking facilities and accessible toilets," she said.
The plans will also incorporate covers for the stairs and walkway to minimise the chances of ice forming, so reducing the risks of slips and falls.
Mr Deahm said during its campaign the committee had emphasised safety concerns as well as accessibility issues.
"We detailed some of the horrific accidents that have occurred on the icy steps during winter months, and the plight of many disabled residents unable to use this station at all."
He was also pleased to see that the design had taken into account the heritage appearance of both the station and the village and the lifts will be largely hidden by trees in the adjacent park.
Mrs Sage said she was "absolutely over the moon" at being able to present the designs.
"I'm really, really delighted. This is a large station with an older population and there have been numerous examples of people slipping so it will be very beneficial."
The design plans will be open for community feedback before the end of the year. Details about how to make a submission will be available online at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects. Information will also be advertised in the Gazette and in flyers delivered to local residents and handed out at the station.
Subject to community feedback, planning approval and contract award, work will start in the first half of 2015.
