Tuggerah Station is finally getting the overhaul the community has campaigned for over the last five years.
Demolition of the existing foortbridge, stairs and ramps that have been generating complaints for many years is scheduled for 2024, as is a complete remodification of station access.
Campaigners had long complained about a lack of lifts at the station, ramps that were damaged and incomplete rails that people with mobility issues relied upon.
The new proposal has addressed those issues and includes a new pedestrian footbridge, lifts and stairs connecting the Pacific Highway, a commuter car park and station platforms.
It also includes new and extended canopies at station platforms, an extra disability parking spot, male and female ambulant toilets, platform widening and new and upgraded footpaths at station entrances.
Josephine Johnston, who has lived in Tuggerah for 20 years, and on the Coast since 1973, has been the convenor of the community campaign and said she was very happy to receive a leaflet from Transport for NSW in her letter box this week confirming the plans.
“Our campaigning has paid off,” she said.
“It is different to what I thought it would be … I didn’t expect it to include so much and the designs are very pleasing to the eye.”
NSW Government said the upgrades will enhance connectivity between the station and Tuggerah Precinct, improve the public domain and make it easier for everyone to access public transport services including people with a disability, people with mobility aids, parents or carers with prams and travellers with luggage.
Member for the Entrance David Mehan and Member for Wyong David Harris, who have also long campaigned for the station upgrades, welcomed the news.
“The belated but welcome commencement of this project is a tribute to the campaign supported and maintained by my constituents for lifts at Tuggerah Station which we have waged over the last seven years,” said Mehan.
Harris stressed that the proposal is in planning stage, and that residents should provide feedback on a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) taking place until 6 April.
The REF is on public display from now until Wednesday 6 April 2022, and community feedback is invited during this time – see nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/Tuggerah-Station-Upgrade
Nicola Riches