Creating safer connections to Thirroul Train Station

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Consultation has concluded

As part of Council’s commitment to improving road safety and transport connectivity, we are proposing to install new lighting and footpath links around Thirroul Train Station.

Why are we doing this project?

This project is part of Transport for NSWs Transport Integration and Placemaking program to improve access around selected train stations across our city. These improvements are aimed to make your journey to catch the train a safer one.

What is being proposed? 

The draft concept designs include:

  • A new footpath across the traffic island near Railway Parade
  • Bus stop upgrades including the extension of kerb outside the station entrance
  • Five new light poles in the Thirroul Train Station south carpark. They will be on the south-eastern side of the train line near Thomas Gibson Park. 

Where is this project up to?

We began consultation with the community from August - September 2024 to welcome feedback on our proposed changes to Thirroul Station. This consultation has now concluded. 

Our Transport Team is now working through all that was heard throughout this project. You can still view the draft concept designs for this project and see what we have planned:

Next steps 

We will use your feedback and local knowledge to finalise a detailed design. We will let the community know about the final design plan before we start construction.

Construction is planned for 2025/2026 financial year.

Have questions?

You can give us a call on 4227 7111 to speak with the Engagement Team, or email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au(External link) and we will get back to you.

Accessibility and language assistance

If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service(External link)If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service(External link) on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.

Submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council’sPrivacy Notification(External link) before submitting your feedback.

As part of Council’s commitment to improving road safety and transport connectivity, we are proposing to install new lighting and footpath links around Thirroul Train Station.

Why are we doing this project?

This project is part of Transport for NSWs Transport Integration and Placemaking program to improve access around selected train stations across our city. These improvements are aimed to make your journey to catch the train a safer one.

What is being proposed? 

The draft concept designs include:

  • A new footpath across the traffic island near Railway Parade
  • Bus stop upgrades including the extension of kerb outside the station entrance
  • Five new light poles in the Thirroul Train Station south carpark. They will be on the south-eastern side of the train line near Thomas Gibson Park. 

Where is this project up to?

We began consultation with the community from August - September 2024 to welcome feedback on our proposed changes to Thirroul Station. This consultation has now concluded. 

Our Transport Team is now working through all that was heard throughout this project. You can still view the draft concept designs for this project and see what we have planned:

Next steps 

We will use your feedback and local knowledge to finalise a detailed design. We will let the community know about the final design plan before we start construction.

Construction is planned for 2025/2026 financial year.

Have questions?

You can give us a call on 4227 7111 to speak with the Engagement Team, or email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au(External link) and we will get back to you.

Accessibility and language assistance

If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service(External link)If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service(External link) on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.

Submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council’sPrivacy Notification(External link) before submitting your feedback.

Consultation has concluded
  • Engagement Findings from Phase 1 - Update December 2024

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    24 Dec 2024

    About the Project

    The community in Thirroul was asked to share their thoughts on bus stop upgrades on Railway Parade and lighting improvements on the eastern side of the train station near Thomas Gibson Park.

    There were 26 submissions made using the survey (online and hard copy) in relation to the proposed works in Railway Parade and Thomas Gibson Park, Thirroul. Four submissions were made via email, on this project.

    Results

    Question 1: Do you agree that this plan will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists around Thirroul Train Station, and lead to better access of the station?

    Question 2: What do you think about the Bus stop upgrades and proposed changes to the traffic island on Railway Parade, including the addition of a new footpath and extending the kerb outside the station entrance?

    Question 2.1: If you've said you're 'unsure' or ‘I don’t like it’ to Question 2, tell us why:

    The feedback on the proposed bus stop upgrades and traffic island changes at Railway Parade, including the addition of a footpath and extended kerb, reflects several broad themes:

    • Concerns about loss of parking spaces
    • Scepticism over the need for bus stop changes
    • Concerns about pedestrian safety and access
    • Environmental concerns
    • Uncertainty about the scope of the project
    • Suggestions for integrated public transport
    • Waste of resources

    Question 3: What do you think about the proposed addition of lighting in the south eastern carpark near Thomas Gibson Park?

    Question 4: Would you consider changing your travel habits in the future to include more walking, cycling and/or public transport after seeing these proposed changes around Thirroul Train Station?

    Question 4.1: As you’ve said ‘no’, tell us why:

    The feedback from respondents who said "no" to the question about changing their travel habits in response to proposed changes around Thirroul train station highlights several key points:

    • many already walk, use the train, or rely on being dropped off/picked up
    • current infrastructure adequate for their needs
    • walking or cycling impractical regardless of changes to the station area
    • the proposed changes as minor and not significant enough to impact their travel habits
    • improvements should focus on more pressing needs such as bike lanes and secure bike parking
    • already feel safe using the station, particularly those living on the western side.

    Question 5: If you have feedback on the proposed changes at Thirroul Train Station, including the bus stop improvements and additional lighting please share it here:

    The feedback regarding the proposed changes at Thirroul Train Station, including bus stop improvements and additional lighting, can be summarised under the following broad themes:

    • Concerns about parking loss
    • Bus stop and integration issues
    • Support for improved lighting
    • Cycling and active transport suggestions
    • Accessibility and safety concerns
    • Aesthetic and environmental concerns
    • Call for more detailed information
    • Suggestions for additional improvements

    If you would like to understand the feedback in more detail, you can read the complete Engagement Report(External link) for this, and the 6 other train stations included in this project.

    Additional improvements

    Transport for NSW announced on the 11 October 2024 a suite of improvements to several train stations in the Illawarra as part of this program. In addition to the footpath improvements and lighting at Thirroul Station, Transport for NSW will be upgrading the existing bicycle storage and have bicycle racks replaced. You can read more about this by visiting the media release - Wheely easy access coming to Illawarra Train Stations as E-Scooter trial extension is confirmed | NSW Government(External link).

    Next Steps

    Council will now consider all the feedback provided by the community regarding the proposed changes to Thirroul Train Station. We will use your feedback and local knowledge to finalise a detailed design.

    All feedback is important and is one factor in the decision-making process for Council. The graphic below shows some of the factors we consider in our decision making:

    We will let all previous participants, and the broader community know about the final design before we start construction.