Transport Minister Jo Heylan and Wollongong MP Paul Scully at Coniston Station to discuss plans for an accessibility upgrade. Photo: Supplied.
Coniston Station is in line for accessibility upgrades which may include a lift, more car parking and improved lighting.
It’s the latest Illawarra train station to be reviewed for an accessibility upgrade, with design and investigation work for the station funded through the NSW Government’s Safe and Accessible Transport program.
The upgrade plans will consider new lifts, changes to paths around the station to improve access, tactile ground surface indicators to assist the sight-impaired and increase safety at night, accessible car parking, kiss and ride zone, bus stop upgrades, bicycle parking and upgraded lighting and CCTV.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen visited the station with Wollongong MP Paul Scully to announce the start of planning work.
“In 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t easily access a station in NSW,” she said.
“We committed to upgrading train stations to make them more accessible, safe and secure for the people who need them the most, and that is what we are delivering.”
The planning work will include consultation with local stakeholders to better understand the community’s needs. It’s expected to take 9-12 months to complete.
Once this development work is complete and depending on funding for the delivery of the project, the government can move to planning approval, and the tender process, followed by construction.
It follows the completion of station upgrades at Unanderra, where new lifts were opened in 2023, and improved ramp access at Bellambi and Dapto.
Mr Scully said making sure that everyone could access their local train station had been one of his priorities.
“The improvements to Unanderra and Towradgi stations has not only improved the stations, but also access to them,” he said.
“With Wollongong City Council encouraging the NSW Government to consider the area around Coniston Station for further housing development, it’s important that we also examine upgrades to the station that will improve its accessibility.”
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