Accessibility, connectivity and amenity sit at the heart of Benalla Rural City Council’s concerns about the new station precinct, with council urging Inland Rail and Australian Rail Track Corporation to address these points.
When it comes to accessibility, Mayor Bernie Hearn said council was seeking assurances that the precinct provided safe, equitable and user-friendly access for all members of the community.
“Access to public transport should be practical, dignified and inclusive,” Cr Hearn said.
“Our community wants confidence that the station precinct has been designed to meet the needs of all users, including older residents, people living with disability and those with limited mobility.”
Council is calling for transparency around accessibility outcomes throughout the precinct.
This includes demonstrated compliance with contemporary accessibility standards, any independent accessibility and human rights assessments undertaken, and measures incorporated to support passengers with mobility challenges.
An Inland Rail spokesperson said the organisation had worked with V/Line and the community to deliver “important outcomes” for improved safety, accessibility and connectivity at the precinct.
“Inland Rail has worked closely with V/Line to ensure the new Benalla Station will meet all required accessibility standards, including those from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992,” they said.
Council has also noted its concern that the northern and southern sides of the station had not realised their full potential as a major gateway to Benalla.
“This is about more than accessibility. It is about ensuring a major infrastructure project delivers lasting benefits for the community,” Cr Hearn said.
“All access points to the station should be welcoming gateways to Benalla, supported by quality roads, landscaping, drainage, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and public spaces that enhance safety and connectivity.”
The spokesperson said Inland Rail had worked extensively with community, stakeholders and technical specialists to develop, review and determine the best solution for the precinct.
“Inland Rail engaged regularly with the Benalla Rural City Council throughout the consultation process for the design of the new Benalla Station and has continued to consult with council during the construction period,” the Inland Rail spokesperson said.
“Benalla Rural City Council has reviewed all designs, with their comments being addressed by Inland Rail.
“Inland Rail conducted a briefing and site visit of the Benalla Station works with representatives from the Benalla Rural City Council in May, and accessibility issues at the station were not raised with Inland Rail.”
Council is pushing for improved outcomes at the precinct and has welcomed the advocacy of federal Member for Indi Helen Haines around the topic.
“We believe there remains an opportunity for ARTC and Inland Rail to work with council and the community to improve the final outcome and create a station precinct that reflects Benalla’s role as a growing regional centre,” Cr Hearn said.
The spokesperson said Inland Rail would continue to work closely with council to address all appropriate issues before the project’s completion.
