Media release: Rail workers outraged that Unanderra left off accessibility funding list again

5 June: Rail workers outraged that Unanderra left off accessibility
funding list again

Rail workers say the NSW Government’s decision to leave Unanderra Station off the list of railway stations that will receive funding to improve accessibility is outrageous and a slap in the face to local commuters.

The NSW Government yesterday revealed that 11 train stations will receive funding to improve accessibility in the upcoming state budget. Unanderra was not on the list despite local commuters and workers lobbying for action to be taken at the station for many years.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Secretary, Alex Claassens, said that while the announcement of funding for other stations in the state is fantastic and much needed, the decision to leave some stations off the funding list needs further investigation.

“It’s ridiculous that in 2018 we still have railway stations that are inaccessible to people with a disability, people with prams and people with mobility issues,” Mr Claassens said.

“Forget stadiums – this is what people actually want. If the NSW Government’s is actually committed to getting people onto public transport, why is it making it impossible for some commuters to access their local train?

“If Unanderra isn’t a prime candidate for having a lift put in so that local commuters can actually use the station, I’m not sure what the criteria is.

“Local commuters in the area have been calling on the State Government to make the station accessible for many years now.

“In 2012 we stood at the Unanderra Station and told the then Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian that something needed to be done. She promised to look into it then, but we’re still waiting.

“The Premier knows that accessibility at Unanderra is an issue. She claimed that she was distressed when she sure footage of local commuters struggling with the inaccessible station back in 2015.

“It’s an outrage that the NSW Government is continuing to turn its back on Unanderra commuters.”