Locals to have their say on the new multi-million-dollar upgrade to Townsville railway station with community consultation starting next week.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the consultation sessions were a great opportunity for the community to offer their views on what they would like to see delivered as part of the upgrade.
“Townsville railway station is a major transport hub in our city, with close to 32,000 people moving through the station each year," Mr Stewart said.
“Community consultation will mark the start of a $1 million feasibility study to improve our bustling station.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the upgrade would deliver a refurbished station precinct on the existing site, with a range of new facilities.
“Our community will be able to take advantage of new station facilities including a customer lounge and additional shelters, as well as accessibility features like priority platform seating and customer information screens," Mr Harper said.
“Upgrades to station car park will also be delivered along with a drop-off zone that integrates with other public transport for improved connections to surrounding areas."
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker encouraged people to have their say.
“The number of passengers on our trains is increasing so it's important stations like Townsville keep pace with that growth," Mr Walker said.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Townsville upgrade was one of many regional rail investments across the state.
“The Townsville upgrade is part of an ongoing investment of more than $63 million over four years to upgrade priority stations across the regional network including Maryborough West and Rockhampton."
“Consultations on station upgrades will also kick off in Bundaberg and Cairns this year," Mr Bailey said.
Queensland Rail Acting Head of Regional Scott Cornish said this first stage of consultation would help inform the concept designs.
“Customers can complete a short survey on Queensland Rail's website from 7am Monday 20 March to 5pm Friday 31 March or at the station where they can scan a QR code to provide feedback," Mr Cornish said.
“Face-to face engagement sessions at the station will be held from 12pm-3pm on Wednesday, 22 March and Wednesday, 29 March and from 1pm-3pm on Friday, 31 March.
“Once the initial consultation has closed, the project team will focus on delivering concept designs for the community to view and provide further feedback on."
For more information, customers can visit the website HERE, call the project team on 1800 722 203 or email stationsupgrade@qr.com.au
ENDS
BACKGROUND
- The Townsville station design proposal includes an upgraded station building featuring a customer lounge with improved seating, tables and air-conditioning, breakout areas with device charging stations, and an integrated luggage check-in facility.
- Other proposed upgrades include refreshed platform seating, enhanced signage, service information screens, public announcement systems and a new emergency help system, significantly improving the customer experience.
- Accessibility improvements will include the installation of tactile ground indicators, handrails where required, variable desk height at the luggage check in desks and new accessible toilets.
- New accessible car parking will also be delivered along with a drop-off zone that integrates with other public transport providers.