Five months after the lifts opened at Wentworth Falls, the large “temporary” generator that powers the lifts 24/7 still sits in the corner of the train station carpark emitting diesel fumes.
Some disgruntled Wentworth Falls residents say the station looks more like Redfern instead of a quiet, sleepy village.
“It is polluting and noisy,” said Sandra Jakeman, who lives across from the station.
“Sleepy Wenty Falls is not as pretty as it used to be. It looks a bit like Redfern station at night.”
Her husband, Andrew Jakeman, said he was “dumbfounded at the planning procedure that allowed this planning debacle to occur”.
The Jakemans and other nearby residents are also concerned about the “over the top” lighting, the smell and the fumes from the diesel.
“Their answer to softening the lighting was to plant a row of trees ... but some Einstein with a landscaping degree planted a row of deciduous trees, not even native, very clever,” Mrs Jakeman said.
MP for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said: “Almost 12 months since construction finished, 11 months since they were supposed to open, 10 months since their bungling incompetence first came to light and now almost six months since a diesel generator was put in to run them, we still have no end in sight for a permanent, clean power connection for Wentworth Falls station’s lifts.”
A resident on the south side of the highway, Roberta Johnston, said her biggest concerns were the “undiluted, unfiltered diesel particles [and] the overpowering stench”.
Mrs Jakeman said the state government was behind the times.
“London city centre have increased the cost of driving into the city if you have a diesel vehicle and the same time here in Australia we put in diesel generators to power a country railway station in a heritage-listed area, quite bizarre.”
Ms Doyle said she had written twice to Transport Minister Andrew Constance about her concerns.
“Residents living around the station are being driven spare by the constant rattle and hum ... I can’t believe we are still trying to resolve this.”
Cr Romola Hollywood will raise the issue at council in support of the local member.
The lifts were opened by Member of the Legislative Council Shayne Mallard on June 19 “with a temporary generator to be installed whilst the power supply is upgraded”.
Mr Mallard said the state government had been working with Endeavour Energy on plans but changes to the proposed designs because of “extremely complex and unique geology” delayed the work. Mr Mallard was asked for a further comment on Monday.
He issued this comment after the Gazette went to press.
“Transport for NSW has been working closely with Endeavour Energy to complete the power supply upgrade at Wentworth Falls Station. Work is already underway and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks before Christmas, after which the generator will be removed. Customers will continue to enjoy the lifts with uninterrupted access while the power supply is switched over. Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience during this work.”
