David Harris (left) and Liesl Tesch with community members for the cccessibility upgrades are now planned for Tascott train station . (CLICK on image to view video of Liesl Tesch speaking about Tascott  train station.)

14 August 2024

 

TASCOTT will be the next Central Coast train station to receive plans for a much-needed accessibility upgrade, with design and investigation work for the two stations funded under the Government’s $800 million Safe and Accessible Transport program.

 

The design of the upgrade at Tascott Station will consider the installation of new lifts, stairs, ramps and footbridges to improve access to the station along with a platform extension, tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) 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 to boost station security.

 

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said “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.

 

“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.

 

“Transport hubs should be safe and welcoming places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is committing $800 million to the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible.”

 

Planning work at Tascott, including consultation with local stakeholders to better understand the community’s needs, is expected to take 9-12 months to complete.

 

Once this preparatory work is complete and depending on funding for the delivery of the project, the government can move to the tender process, then construction.

 

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said “I have long campaigned beside our community for these much-needed accessibility and safety upgrades at Tascott train station and I am thrilled to see the beginning of the design phase by the NSW Government.

 

“Everyone deserves to be able to access our public transport network. All our stations should be accessible, safe and secure, allowing the freedom that public transport provides for our community.

 

“After seeing the issues that the lack of public consultation created at Point Clare Station under the former Liberal government, I am glad to see that Transport will be undertaking a comprehensive round of community consultation to work out how these upgrades will work best for our local community. I encourage everyone in our community to take part, particularly those with disabilities and mobility needs.”

 

The announcement on Tascott comes as work on Tuggerah Station passes the halfway point, with the new accessible footbridge opening to the public in late 2024, ahead of work coming to an end in mid-2025.

CLICK on image to watch David Harris talk about the accessibilty upgrades at Tascott and Tuggerah train stations.

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said “It’s impressive to see how quickly work on Tuggerah Station is coming together.

 

“In just a matter of months, Tuggerah residents will have step-free access from their train to the footpath.

 

“It’s fantastic that the ball is now rolling to have Tascott Station upgraded.”

 

The roof over the new footbridge is complete, and installation of the new lifts has now begun.

 

The upgrade also includes a new station office and concourse, new accessible parking spaces and footpaths to the stations.

 

These upgrades aim to make public transport in the Central Coast safer, more accessible and easier to use for passengers, especially for people with disability, seniors, people with prams, bikes or luggage and others who have mobility support needs.

 

This is all part of the State Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods.