By Tate Papworth
The push to make Watergardens station more accessible has been given a major lift.
The state government has committed $16.3 million (to be split with Essendon station) to make the station more accessible for people living with a disability.
A solitary lift is currently the only way people with disabilities, elderly people, or people who have a child in a pram can gain easy access to the platform.
When the lift is out of order, there is no easy point of access for those wanting to catch a train.
However money secured in the 2018-19 state budget will be used to increase the number of lifts at the station to six.
Improved lighting and CCTV coverage will also be included in the upgrade.
The new lifts will be bigger, for easier access for passengers using a mobility device and will have semi-transparent walls for improved safety.
They will also include separate power sources to ensure continuous operation and battery power back-up so users won’t be trapped in a blackout.
Public Transport Victoria also investigated installing a ramp, however the six-metre high concourse meant passengers would have to travel 105 metres to reach the platforms.
The upgrades will be welcome news to residents who have been calling for better access for years.
An online petition calling for a ramp to be installed at the station has gathered 750 signatures.
Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins said she shared the community’s concerns and welcomed the funding.
“I’m supportive of the community petitioning all tiers of government,” she said.
“I have met with local residents who have mobility restrictions, residents who are older, carers and parents with young kids, who want to see the accessibility of Watergardens station improved and I share that goal with them.
“That’s why it’s great that the Andrews Labor government committed funding in the 2018-19 Victorian government budget.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2020.
