The Berejiklian Government’s election promise to finally build lifts at Unanderra Station is officially 100 days old – but there’s still no action or even a start date.

In the meantime, Transport for NSW has been busy exhibiting plans to build lifts at Fairy Meadow Station which closed on 14 May 2019.

Subject to planning approval the Fairy Meadow Station would include two lifts, platform modifications, a new footbridge, concourse and stairs upgrade, kiss and ride zones, accessible parking upgrades, toilet and safety upgrades.

In correspondence this week the Berejiklian Government confirmed that Unanderra Station’s upgrade would, subject to planning approval, include three new lifts for easy access between the footbridge, street and platform; new kiss and ride zones; upgrade to accessible parking; upgraded family accessible toilet; improvements to CCTV and additional safety lighting.

While no plans have been exhibited for public comment, Transport for NSW has previously confirmed that design work was completed for the project in September 2011.

The project, which was funded by the former Labor Government and was subsequently cancelled by the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian MP, when she was the Minister for Transport.

The funding was never returned for the project to be delivered.

And the people of Unanderra and its surrounding suburbs have waited patiently for their lifts ever since.

The Berejiklian Government made an election promise to match my own pledge first made at the Wollongong by-election in November 2016 to finally build the lifts at Unanderra Station.

The Government must include funding for the lifts in the upcoming June budget and they should be built and operational by June 2020.

Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:

“It is said Rome was not build in a day; but the people of Unanderra and its surrounding suburbs have been waiting 100 days for the Berejiklian Government to find out a start date for the lifts at Unanderra Station.

“The Government has started planning work on Fairy Meadow Station, which I welcome, and community comments on the exhibited plans have not long concluded.

“Unanderra Station lifts must be included in the upcoming June budget and they should be built and operational by June 2020.

“The community has waited long enough for action.

“You promised us lifts now give us a timetable and get on with it.”