Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Adjournment

Croydon train station

David HODGETT (Croydon) (19:00): (141) My adjournment is for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, and the action I seek is for a pedestrian ramp to be installed as part of the Croydon railway station upgrade. I am informed that the current standard design of a modern railway station is to have a combination of lifts and ramps for the public to access the railway platform, and an access ramp is a requirement under the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, the DSAPT code. This code is now the standard for all new railway station construction, and the concept plans that have been released for the Croydon station do not show that a pedestrian ramp is being considered.

Minister, I understand that the concept plans indicate that stairs and a lift have been incorporated into the station upgrade; however, there are local resident advocacy groups who would like the installation of a ramp. Stairs are not a viable option for all commuters for various reasons, and a lift can pose issues for those with claustrophobia or if the lift is out of order. However, a ramp does not generate the same challenges and would be a suitable option for commuters at all times.

I note that the Mooroolbark and Lilydale station upgrades did not include ramps as part of their design. I would hope that Croydon is not a copy-and-paste design and that real consultation and consideration will be afforded to Croydon residents at this stage of planning. Minister, I again request that a pedestrian ramp be installed as part of the Croydon railway station upgrade.