Zoe Moffatt
As another year passes, the Sunbury community is once again rallying for a lift at the Sunbury train station, an issue that has continued to plague the community.
At a meeting on April 14, Hume council passed a notice of motion that council writes to the state government and Sunbury MP Josh Bull asking for details of when a lift system will be installed.
Speaking to the motion, Councillor Trevor Dance said the lift is so the elderly and the disabled can go from one side of the station to the other side, which currently they cannot do physically or even safely.
“It amazes me that a lift at the railway station hasn’t been a priority for the [local member] or even the state government,” he said.
“I think it’s about time the government comes good and takes the next step to build a better railway crossing facility for the many elderly and disabled Sunbury residents.
“The local MP has known about the lack of suitable amenities for our disabled and elderly residents for a long time.
“It’s not a new issue, but an issue that needs immediate attention from the minister and the local member to finally bring a lift facility to Sunbury.”
In addition to council support, the Sunbury Residents Association (SRA) has created a petition for a lift at the station.
Local resident Mary Nehmy, who has been advocating for a lift on and off for six years, said she had given up until she heard about the petition.
Ms Nehmy cannot use the overpass at the station due to her extreme fear of heights and said not being able to use the station limits her ability to travel.
“It really has impacted on my life, I used to go into the Melbourne CBD a lot, but I don’t do that much anymore,” she said.
“I’m fairly disgusted that the Big Build didn’t include putting a lift at the Sunbury station, it’s like we’re being neglected.”
Mr Bull said he thanks the community for raising the matter and he has been in regular conversations with constituents on the issue.
“Since coming to office we have invested significantly in transport right across the electorate and successfully delivered projects,” he said.
“As many would be aware, lifts at the Sunbury station are currently not funded, however I have advocated consistently to various ministers on this and will continue to do so.”
Petition: www.change.org/p/provide-elevators-for-sunbury-railway-station
