Cootamundra Train Station and Junee Train Station upgrades complete

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke officially announced the completion of the upgrades to Cootamundra Train Station and Junee Train Station on Thursday (27 October). Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, Facebook.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has officially opened the upgrades at Cootamundra Train Station and Junee Train Station that were undertaken as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.

The program aims to improve accessibility and safety for all rail travellers.

Ms Cooke said at the ceremony on Thursday (27 October) rail travellers would benefit from the improved access and safer facilities at the stations.

“It is exciting to see these much-needed upgrades complete, ensuring improved accessibility across our transport network,” Ms Cooke said.

“At Cootamundra, we have upgraded handrails and stairs resulting in improved accessibility in the bus drop-off area and ticket office and we have also resurfaced the entry forecourt and the platform around the refreshment room.

The upgrades at Junee Train Station and Cootamundra Train Station were only deemed complete following the installation of specially-commissioned Aboriginal artworks at each site, which provided the finishing touches. Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, Facebook.

Upgrades to Cootamundra and Junee train stations are complete, forming part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program which is improving accessibility and safety for rail travellers. Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, Facebook.

“At Junee, we have improved access at the station forecourt with the completion of a formalised bus/coach stop on Railway Square as well as an upgrade to the existing accessible parking space and the paths, kerbs and ramps around the station entrance.”

The Member for Cootamundra said that within the station parts of the platform had been resurfaced, with a boarding assistance zone created, and ambulant toilets had been installed in the male and female bathrooms.

“Additionally, we have restored several heritage features of the station building including the doors and flooring,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said the commuters at Cootamundra and Junee stations would now experience upgraded bathrooms, including a new family-accessible toilet and new ‘kiss and ride’ zones.

The upgrades to the stations began late last year.

Even though the upgrades were recently completed, the work was only considered finished following the installation of specially-commissioned Aboriginal artworks at each site, which provided the finishing touches.

Cootamundra station now features artwork by Aunty Fay Clayton, whose installation depicts the movements of Indigenous people and animals over thousands of years.

Wiradjuri artist Owen Lyons created artwork for the Junee station, which tells the story of transport and movement in the area.