Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

The previous Transport Minister reported that the much needed upgrade of Edgecliff Railway Station will not occur until 2011, so I have asked the new Minister to bring this forward and provide easy access between the Edgecliff bus interchange, Railway Station and shopping centre.

While there are lifts and escalators in the shopping, car parking and railway areas, bus passengers must use stairs. There is a large elderly population using the Edgecliff centre, and many rely on bus transport to attend doctors, do their shopping, and take part in everyday activities. The lack of an accessible bus interchange impedes their active participation and impacts on their health and welfare.

Similar barriers arise for many other residents who have to take prams, babies and children, shopping and parcels up stairs to gain access to the bus. Constituents feel unsafe while waiting for buses, as there is no Help Point or surveillance at this level.

Edgecliff Bus Interchange is also dilapidated and unsafe. I have previously requested action on the poor amenity of this important facility. This site is a consistent "hot spot" for Rose Bay Police Local Area Command.

The Edgecliff centre should enable residents to safely and easily transfer between different transport modes, as well as use the shops, services and facilities. All residents need access and the current arrangements do not meet disability access standards.