Dozens of Woodfordians have campaigned for many years to get disabled access at their train station so it was with mixed feelings they heard of Hazelbrook Railway station’s good news.
Earlier this month Premier Gladys Berejiklian, announced this year’s budget would include a further $133 million for the Transport Access Program, with 11 new stations, including Hazelbrook, now in line for upgrades.
“WRAAG [Woodford Railway Access Action Group] members are very pleased to hear that Hazelbrook station is included in the state government’s 11 stations to be upgraded. After all, it is cheaper to get a taxi to Hazelbrook than Springwood,” Vangie Moller-Elliott said.
“However, our group is extremely disappointed that after many years of hard work and campaigning by our members – especially Erszi Gimes and Melinda Kelsey – that this government is still ignoring our plight.”
Ms Moller-Elliot said the group supplied “plenty of evidence” why Woodford must be included in an accessibility upgrade.
“Decisions must not always be made on numbers as these are not always fair and equitable for all citizens. Over the years our members assembled a large group of community members together to outline how we approach the state government.
“Following our two local members advice, we set out enthusiastically to prepare and submit a detailed submission together with photographic evidence, a feasibility study conducted by architect Ian McMillan, and numerous letters by Woodford citizens.”
Ms Moller-Elliot said they wrote to the Transport Minister and the Premier and then with the support of MP Trish Doyle, and Shadow Minister for Transport, Roads, Maritime and Freight, Jody McKay, “embarked upon the time consuming and arduous task of collecting not 10,000 but almost 14,000 signatures which were tabled at Parliament House”.
“This government has a lot of money from selling the electricity and consequently they must be proactive in spending this money wisely and economically to make all stations at the Blue Mountains accessible not only for the disabled but for all people.
“They could redeem themselves for their mistakes of ordering incorrect trains,” she added.
Last month a Transport for NSW spokeswoman said “preliminary investigations will be undertaken” to see what upgrades were needed at Hazelbrook – with lighting and a new lift – subject to “detailed design”.
“Once a concept design has been finalised consultation will be undertaken,” the spokeswoman said.
The premier said the government was committed to making public transport accessible for customers with a disability, mobility issues or using a pram.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, said 173 of the 307 stations on the networks were now accessible.