News
5 March, 2026
Proposed station improvements welcome but ‘broader challenges’ must be considered: MP
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of funding to improve accessibility and safety at Yass Junction Station but says more needs to be done.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of funding to improve accessibility and safety at Yass Junction Station but says more needs to be done.
Mrs Tuckerman said the upgrade would be an important step toward ensuring safer and more inclusive transport options for the region.
The works, currently in the design and planning phase, include an upgraded waiting room, new accessible seating, improved bathroom amenities including a family accessible toilet, new tactiles and enhanced wayfinding and lighting.
The improvements fall under the Safe Accessible Transport program, designed to make public transport safer and easier for all passengers, including older people, families and people with disabilities.
“Any investment in Yass Junction Station is warmly welcomed by our community,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“These upgrades will certainly make a difference for locals who rely on the station for travel and connection.”
However, Mrs Tuckerman said the Government must consider the broader challenges surrounding the station’s accessibility.
“Yass Junction Station is located well out of town, and for many residents, getting there is the biggest barrier,” she said.
“There’s little to no public transport to the station. Besides asking a friend who can drive you, it’s extremely difficult to reach.”
Mrs Tuckerman also raised concerns about the condition of the road leading to the station.
“The access road is in poor shape and poses safety issues of its own.”
She said if the Government was committed to genuinely improving accessibility, then safe, reliable transport connections would be considered as planning progresses.
“These consultations are important and we hope they lead to a holistic approach - one that recognises that accessibility is not just about what happens on the platform, but also about ensuring everyone in our community can get to the station safely and independently.”
Mrs Tuckerman remains optimistic that the project will continue to evolve, ensuring the station upgrades deliver long-term benefits for all passengers.
The NSW Government – which is also planning similar improvements at Canberra Station – says it has engaged with various groups including the ACT Government, Yass Valley Council, People with Disability Australia, Guide Dogs Australia, Accessible Transport Advisory Committee, as well as directly with people with disability who use both stations. We have also separately surveyed women and girls from the local community.
“These engagements provided insights into the opportunities we have available to improve passenger experiences.”
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said the NSW Government had provided $900,000 each for investigations, design development and to obtain planning approvals for the two upgrades.
“The Minns Government is focused on delivering safer, more accessible public transport so people can get where they need to go, regardless of age, ability or mobility needs,” the Minister said.
“Canberra and Yass Junction stations are important transport hubs for their communities, and it is critical that they are inclusive, safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and people carrying luggage.”
She said the proposed upgrades were about removing barriers to travel and improving the overall station experience, both on platforms and in surrounding precincts.
“We are investing in detailed investigations and design work to ensure these upgrades are done properly and we want to hear directly from the community before moving to the next stage.
“I encourage anyone who uses these stations, or who currently avoids them due to accessibility or safety concerns, to review the designs and provide feedback so we can deliver outcomes that reflect local needs and expectations.”
Yass Valley mayor Jasmin Jones said the proposed upgrades were a welcome step forward for the Yass community and would make it easier and safer for more people to use Yass Junction station.
“Improving accessibility helps ensure our transport network works for everyone, including older residents, people with disability, families with prams and visitors to the region.”
“I encourage local residents to take part in the consultation and share their feedback so the final design reflects the needs of our growing community.”
The consultation period will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, March 31.
For more information visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/yass-junction-station
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