Lifts to be installed at Wyee Station under major upgrade

After a decade of campaigning, we're getting lifts and a major upgrade of Wyee Station under plans approved today by Transport Minister Andrew Constance.

It's a great result for what has been another long community campaign at Wyee.

Under the plan, three lifts will be installed along with upgraded lighting and security.

My thanks to everyone who backed our campaign, and also to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald who provided great support.

Here's the formal statement released by myself and Scot MacDonald at today's announcement:

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC and Greg Piper MP, Member for Lake Macquarie have welcomed today’s announcement that Wyee station is to be included in an extra $133 million investment in the Transport Access Program.

“This announcement means planning for accessibility upgrades at Wyee station is set to commence with three new lifts and improved lighting to be installed to improve access,” Mr MacDonald said.

“The planned upgrades announced today are about getting as many stations accessible, as soon as possible, to improve the customer experience and comfort for those using the network.”

The Transport Access Program is a NSW Liberal National Government initiative to deliver safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure across the state.

The announcement of a further $133 million is in addition to the $1 billion invested since 2011. More than 450 projects have been delivered or are underway across the state, including accessibility upgrades at stations, better transport interchanges and upgrades to ferry wharves

“This is another fantastic win for the Lake Macquarie community which has campaigned for many years to improve access issues at Wyee Station,” Mr Piper said.

“Accessibility to the station has been a major deterrent for people wanting or needing to use Wyee Station because a lot of people, especially the aged or mobility impaired, simply can’t use the stairs.”

“This announcement is not just a win for the Wyee community but for the many thousands who live in the northern parts of the Central Coast who want to use Wyee Station to travel to work, school, or day trips to Sydney and Newcastle.”

“I thank everyone who has supported the campaign, as well as the Transport Minister and Premier, and Scot MacDonald MLC who has provided valuable support.”