Killara Train Station will be one of five additional stations to receive an accessibility upgrade under the Transport Access Program (TAP), taking the NSW Government’s total investment in the program to more than $2.2 billion since 2011.
Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC, and member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, were both delighted the upgrade will go ahead, having campaigned for improvements to the station for a number of years.
“We have both surveyed our electorates about the issue of rail station access and it was a big concern for our communities” said Mr O’Dea.
Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC, said “The North Shore rail network is a very important community asset”.
“The upgrade will perfectly complement the Culworth Ave carpark which Mr O’Dea and I both fought to retain. Without a lift, access to Killara station is either very difficult, or impossible for commuters with a disability, limited mobility and those with children and prams” Mr Henskens said.
“The details of the upgrade are in the planning stage. The changes will be similar to other recent upgrades, including the one being constructed at the moment at Roseville station”, said Mr O’Dea.
Planning has started to identify what is required to make Killara Station accessible for all customers.
The upgrade is likely to include:
- Lifts from the station platform to Culworth and Werona Avenues
- Family accessible and ambulant toilet facilities
- Kiss and Ride and accessible parking spaces
- CCTV and lighting improvements
- Footpath upgrades
Community consultation on the proposed concept design is scheduled for early 2021.
The installation of a lift at Killara station will mean that every station between Roseville and Hornsby has a lift or has been approved for funding under the TAP program to make them accessible to all public transport customers.
“Apart from making life easier for local commuters the upgrade will employ dozens of people across engineering, design, construction and administration” Mr O’Dea said.
