Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, today announced that the first step in upgrading Unanderra Station and building its much-needed lifts has kicked off with community consultation on the concept design now open.

Transport for NSW is now inviting community feedback on the concept design, which features:

• Three new lifts to connect Berkeley Road east and west and the station platform;
• Upgrades to kiss and ride parking on Berkeley Road east and improved access paths;
• Improvements to the three existing parking spaces on Berkeley Road west;
• Widening the existing footpath on Berkeley Road west;
• New handrails and treads on all stairs; and,
• Additional lighting and CCTV.

Feedback on the concept design can be provided until Friday, 24 April 2020.

Mr Scully said, “This is the moment we have all been waiting years for: the kick off of the community consultation process starts the Unanderra Station upgrade and the building of its lifts is now another step closer.

“Unanderra residents, businesses and the neighbouring community have worked closely with me for years to get to this stage, including the Unanderra Access Group and disability service providers.

“I’m urging everyone to have a good look at the concept designs that have been developed and to provide feedback to Transport for NSW so all suggestions for improvement can be considered and captured in the final design.

“Due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic it will be necessary to conduct these consultations online and by telephone because of social distancing requirements.

“Unfortunately there will be no community information sessions at Unanderra Station because of the social distancing requirements currently in force.

“Despite all of the concerning and anxious news we are hearing at the moment in relation to COVID-19, the Unanderra and surrounding community at least has some positive news coming its way”, he said.

Mr Scully said once the concept design was finalised after community consultation was concluded, the next stages of the project would be its final approval, funding allocation, awarding of the contract to deliver the upgrade and build the lifts.

It is expected construction work will start on the project by mid-2021 and the lifts will be ready to use in 2022.

Mr Scully said he hoped the deferral of the 2020-21 NSW Budget to later this year would not delay the project.

“We all understand that we are facing some anxious and uncertain times but there is no better candidate for the Government’s Economic Stimulus package than the upgrade of Unanderra Station.”

As part of the NSW Government’s stimulus package announced last week, $1 billion has been allocated under the Working for NSW Fund to sustain businesses, create new jobs and retrain employees.

Feedback can be provided to Transport for NSW on 1800 684 490, or by email at [email protected] or by visiting www.transport.nsw.gov.au/unanderra

Anyone who does not have internet access can contact Mr Scully’s office on 4226 5700 to seek further information.