Elderly and disabled access to redeveloped Benalla Station questioned

A BBR spokesperson said, for over 150 years, passengers and visitors to the station have been able to board a coach, car, or taxi directly at the entrance under the cover of a verandah.

However, the proposed changes to the station precinct will prevent drop-off and pick-up at the station entrance.

A new drop-off/pick-up zone for two cars/taxis is 40m from the station entrance, and further still to the new lift and underpass, with no shelter from rain, sun or heat.

The BBR spokesperson said this would significantly disadvantage disabled and elderly passengers, and people using walking frames, wheelchairs and prams

“Passengers arriving at Benalla Station by coach will need to take their luggage and walk with no shelter 85m to the station entrance and further to the lift and underpass,” the spokesperson said.

“In a final attempt to find a sensible solution, a discrimination complaint has now been lodged with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, claiming that current access to the station entrance is a protected amenity for disabled and elderly people under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.”

BBR has been advised that the commission has made contact with the Inland Rail Project stakeholder engagement lead for Benalla, with a reply deadline of January 12.

Since forming in 2019, BBR has supported the concept of the Inland Rail development while campaigning to ensure that proposed changes to the station precinct meet the needs of not only freight but rail passengers, providing Benalla with improved facilities.

Since the first concept plans were made public in 2021, BBR has repeatedly pointed out access and safety design issues, which included no vehicle drop-off/pick-up area at the station entrance, and inadequate coach parking to meet passenger needs.

“When project chief executive officer Wayne Johnson met with BBR in August 2023, he said that he saw ‘no reason why better access to the precinct could not be achieved to allow a drop-off area as near as possible to the main station building’,” the spokesperson said.

“BBR maintains this has not been achieved, as a large paved forecourt will replace the current vehicle entry, disadvantaging disabled and elderly passengers.

“Responding to this criticism, the Inland Rail Project declared the plans meet the requirement to provide separation between pedestrians and all modes of vehicles, yet this has not applied to Euroa and Wangaratta stations where drop-off/pick-up will continue at the station entrance.”

Over the past six years, BBR has pursued all avenues to amplify the community voice.

With the support of Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines, the group has made multiple representations to the office of Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, outlining problems with the design concepts.

Similarly, representations have been made to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen, Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes.

“BBR has had numerous meetings and provided reports to Benalla Rural City Council, yet the latest design still includes open space outside the station building rather than a drop-off/pick-up area,” the spokesperson said.

“Having exhausted all political avenues, BBR hopes the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission discrimination process will achieve the best outcome for elderly and disabled passengers.”

An Inland Rail spokesperson said it was too late to redesign the precinct, as the designs for the Benalla Station had been finalised and construction had commenced.

“During early engagement on the station design, the community expressed a desire for an open public area with green spaces, shade and landscaping at the front of the station,” the spokesperson said.

“In support of this, the final design includes a landscaped forecourt area outside the station building.

“The final design also separates passengers exiting the station from traffic and improves safety.

“Travellers will be able to walk seamlessly to waiting buses and the nearby pick-up zone without interacting with moving traffic.”

The spokesperson said a sheltered drop-off/pick-up zone was not part of the project.

“(However), a shelter will be available at the adjacent bus stop,” the spokesperson said.

“Inland Rail has worked closely with the community over several years, with the final designs reflecting a wide range of local ideas that will deliver a significantly improved station for Benalla.

“We’re modifying the station precinct by relocating the rail track, removing the approach road, building a new platform and improving pedestrian access with a new underpass served by stairs, ramps and lifts.

“We’re also increasing car parking to 50 spaces, upgrading pedestrian access around the station precinct and improving disability parking.”