Passengers across the Mid North Coast are being asked to help shape major upgrades to seven local train stations, with draft designs now open for public feedback.
The NSW Government has put plans on exhibition for Kempsey, Kendall, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, Urunga and Wingham stations under its Safe Accessible Transport program. Communities have until 11:59 am on Sunday, 5 July to have their say.
“Public transport is a lifeline for our regional communities, but it only works if everyone can actually use it,” said Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin.
“Upgrading these seven stations is about ensuring that an older passenger, a parent with a pram, or someone using a mobility aid can catch a train with total confidence and independence.”
The upgrades aim to make each station safer and easier to use, particularly for people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and anyone with limited mobility. While designs have been tailored to each station, proposed works include wider and safer platforms, upgraded accessible toilets and pathways, better lighting, signage and security features, new ramps and stairs, and improved accessible parking, bike storage and bus stop connections.
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said the scale of need was significant.
“One in five people in NSW have disability, many more have mobility issues, so these upgrades to regional train stations are critical to improving safety and accessibility for everyone,” she said.
The plans have been shaped by earlier consultation with people with disability, carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, local councils, and women and girls from local communities. That feedback pointed to a clear set of priorities: accessible parking closer to station entrances, safer access via ramps and handrails, better amenities including toilets, and stronger safety measures such as CCTV, help points and improved night-time visibility.
The stations are funded for planning, site investigations and detailed design, with the upgrades intended to bring them in line with national Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. The government has committed more than $800 million to the program statewide.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the benefits would extend well beyond passengers with disability.
“Whether you’re travelling with a pram or bicycle, using a mobility aid, carrying luggage or simply finding stairs more difficult, these improvements will help make catching the train a better experience,” said Minister Aitchison.
“We want to hear directly from local communities, so the final designs reflect the needs of the people who use these stations every day.”
Minister Washington said the consultation period was a genuine opportunity for local voices to be heard.
“This is a great opportunity for people with disability on the Mid North Coast to keep having their say in the design of their local train stations, ensuring these upgrades reflect the needs of the regional commuters they serve,” said Minister Washington.
“Features like better lighting, proper ramps, and accessible parking aren’t luxury extras – they are basic expectations for a modern regional transport network,” Janelle Saffin said.
“We need local knowledge to get this right, which is why I urge everyone on the Mid North Coast to look at these designs and help shape the future of our local stations.”
To view the draft designs and have your say, visit the page for your station:
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