Lift Redfern Media Launch Statement - 18 March 2012

Disabled, less mobile excluded from transport network

A coalition of disability and community groups are demanding action to ensure access at one of Sydneyʼs busiest stations.  

Disabled and less mobile members of the community continue to be shut off from the transport network according to community campaigners “Lift Redfern: Make Redfern Station Accessible Now” which will tomorrow launch a renewed push to see lifts installed at the station. 

Joel Pringle from the campaign said that despite it being one of the cityʼs busiest stations, with 50,000 people using it everyday, its accessibility issues continued to be ignored. 

“Redfern Station is the second busiest station for inter-changes and the seventh busiest for entrances and exits. 

“Yet, people with disabilities, older people, parents with young children, pregnant women, people with short-term mobility issues, and people with luggage or shopping have great difficulty in accessing or cannot access the station at all. 

“Public transport should be available to everyone. It is unacceptable that a key station on our rail network is shut off to some members of our community.” 

Mr Pringle said over the next few weeks the campaign would be gathering signatures to a petition calling for the installment of lifts at the station.  
“Our aim is to collect 10,000 signatures and force a debate on the issue in the State Parliament. This issue simply can not wait any longer.” 

Supporters of the 'Lift Redfern Station' campaign include the University of Sydney, local community organisations - The Factory, South Sydney Community Aid and The Settlement, resident groups, and the South Sydney Business Chamber.  

For more information: http://liftredfernstation.wordpress.com/