New commuter parking for Kiama

Public transport and car parking will get a boost in the Shellharbour region under this year’s NSW budget.

Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian is pushing forward a $170 million upgrade towards commuter car parks and transport interchanges at NSW train stations.

The money will come out of a $770 million fund proposed through the state government’s ‘Transport Access Plan’ released last month.

Nine commuter carparks will be built in NSW, with an additional 40 car spaces at Kiama train station and 230 car spaces for the Oak Flats train station.

Shellharbour MP, Anna Watson said a free shuttle service to the newly expanded Stockland Shellharbour shopping complex has been requested for some time.

“This bus should drop off and pick up all over the Shellharbour electorate,” she said.

“I would like to see more trains and buses. I also believe that the Illawarra needs a high speed train to enable our working community fast access to Sydney.”

Kiama teacher and commuter, Todd Gentle said the new cark park would be of minimal benefit to the town.

“People who live central to Kiama are within walking distance of the train station,” he said, “although it may be beneficial for the outlying suburbs that are more family orientated.”

“Kiama, having an ageing population, begs the question – who does the government see benefiting from this upgrade?”

MP Watson said that Shellharbour aged residents who rely on public transport should also be supported.

“I also believe that community transport should be supported by the state to ensure our aged are able to attend doctor appointments,” she said.

Upgraded facilities are awaiting approval at Albion Park and Dapto stations, for improved access bus routes and taxi zones.

Berejiklian said the first of a series of upgrade projects would either begin late this year or early 2013.

The overall budget for transport during 2011-2012 was $9.8 billion, with $78 million on commuter car parks and interchanges, and $10.5 million on rail services in Wollongong. The next budget is predicted to be less substantial.

Treasurer Mike Baird will reveal the State Budget in Parliament on June 12.

WORDS: Corey Tasker
PHOTOS: Danielle Brown
VIDEO: Hayley Corkin

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 at 4:47 pm. It is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.