Disability advocate highlights shortcomings in proposed Mid North Coast train station upgrades

Accessibility and safety upgrades proposed for seven train stations on the Mid North Coast are now on public exhibition, however one Camden Haven disability advocate claims they fall short of the mark. 

As part of the NSW Government’s Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, draft designs for station upgrades at Kempsey, Kendall, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, Urunga and Wingham are now available for feedback.

What is changing?: The proposed upgrades are aimed at improving access for passengers with limited mobility, people with disability, older passengers and people with prams.

The aim is to upgrade stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT), legally enforceable standards under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

What’s proposed: Across the various stations, slated improvements include:

• wider platforms

• upgraded accessible toilets and pathways

• lighting, signage and security features

• new ramps and stairs

• improved accessible parking, bike storage and bus stop connections.

Over $800 million has been allocated to the SAT program across the state, providing funds for planning, site investigations and detailed design development, but not yet for delivery of the upgrades.

Overdue upgrades: Analysing the draft designs, Dunbogan-based disability advocate Rachael Thorpe said while it was heartening to see “serious consideration” given to accessibility upgrades, areas of concern remain. 

• “Published reports focus on safety and making travel easier, but neglect to mention a key component for people with a disability - independence.
  
  “Most NSW train station platforms have a significant gap and height distance to trains, meaning people with mobility devices require platform staff to obtain a ramp from a locked cupboard to enable boarding of the train - a situation that is problematic on small stations that are unstaffed for significant periods.
  
  “Without addressing this significant issue there is no true equity of access.”

Focus on physical disability: Thorpe noted the onus of the upgrades is heavily weighted towards physical access, with little mention of low vision, hearing, cognitive, or neurodivergent accessibility. 

• “And while media releases mention upgraded amenities there is no detail around whether they will meet contemporary accessibility standards which includes adult changing facilities and circulation space for large powerchairs,” Thorpe said.
  
  “The issue of how to safely evacuate disabled passengers from trains and train stations in the event of an emergency has also not been addressed, which I believe is a major oversight.” 

Have your say: Feedback on the station designs is open until 11:59am on Sunday 5 July.

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin is urging the community to provide all relevant feedback on the plans.

• “Upgrading these seven stations is about ensuring that an older passenger, a parent with a pram, or someone using a mobility aid can catch a train with total confidence and independence,” Saffin said.
  
  “We need local knowledge to get this right, which is why I urge everyone on the Mid North Coast to look at these designs and help shape the future of our local stations.”

To view the draft designs visit www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say or head directly to the pages for Wingham, Kendall,  Kempsey, Macksville,  Urunga, Sawtell and Nambucca Heads.