By Danielle Kutchel
Residents of Beaconsfield have spoken out about what upgrades they’d like to see at the suburb’s ageing station.
And one of the biggest issues is sure to be a ‘relief’ when rectified.
The toilet block at Beaconsfield station is locked, and has been for many years, residents say.
Suzanne, whose daughter is now commuting from Beaconsfield station, wants to see the toilet block unlocked for use.
Currently, commuters would have to cross their legs and hang on tight until they get to a station with toilets, or until they get to their destination.
Likewise Robert, whose wife and daughter travel on the train, wants to see the station upgraded with better amenities like security and functioning toilets.
“It’s an unmanned station with no amenities,” he said.
“It’s also a well-used station, people come from other areas because they want to get on this line.
“My daughter comes back late, at this time of year it’s dark and she doesn’t even want to walk home. Functioning amenities would be nice.”
He suggested better lighting and security cameras to make things safer for commuters.
Graeme, who has lived in Beaconsfield for around three decades, said more undercover areas for waiting commuters needed to be provided.
“I used to catch the train all the time, and certainly there were times when it was raining and there’s hardly anywhere to go,” he said.
“It’s no good getting to work wet.”
He also suggested an extra entrance to the station closer to the recently opened new carparks, although he isn’t sure about the feasibility given the station’s current layout.
“It’s great to get the extra car spaces, but … everyone’s got to walk down there,” he said.
Suzanne, also a long-time Beaconsfield resident, said that like Graeme she wanted to see more all-weather coverage for commuters, especially the large numbers of school students who flow through the station each day.
She also suggested some beautification around the station, and agreed with Graeme that a second entry point would be useful.
Furthermore Suzanne is concerned there isn’t enough seating for station users like her daughter and said more seats should be installed.
Their calls are being supported by Gembrook MP Brad Battin, who said the lack of toilets is “illogical”.
“I’ve had so many from the community calling for the urgent need of an upgrade for Beaconsfield station, not only for toilet facilities but a number of people living with a disability needing shelter on the platform where they wait to board the train,” he said.
The State Liberals had committed to an upgrade of the station at the last state election.
The current Labor Government recently committed to removing the two level crossings in Beaconsfield however currently has no plans for an immediate upgrade to the station.
But according to the State Government, nothing in the level crossing removal project precludes an upgrade to Beaconsfield station in future.
The design of the station will be subject to future planning works.
