Heffron MP, Ron Hoenig, recently inspected Redfern Station and wrote to the Minister for Transport requesting her to reconsider the government’s position so that funding for a lift on the underground platforms can be given immediate priority.
Mr Hoenig said: “In an ideal world a railway station the size of Redfern should be completely redeveloped with disabled access. Opened in 1855, a visit to the station looks like not a lot has changed other than some add-ons.”
“What the community has proposed is the construction of a lift that could be installed between platforms 11 and 12. Those passengers in need of “easy access” could travel to Central Station, where disabled access is available and transfer to another train. In the circumstances a modest, reasonable and responsible request,” Mr Hoenig said.
The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan, released in December, made no changes to the September draft regarding Redfern. It recognises an upgrade at Redfern and other city circle interchanges is needed but sees this as a medium-term priority. Which means it happens before the second rail harbour crossing. Under this timeframe residents might be much older before they see a full upgrade of the above ground platforms with lifts.
