Tonsley railway station saved after community petition

BOTH major parties have promised to build a new Tonsley station as part of plans to extend the rail line to Flinders after the State Government previously wanted to scrap the stop.

An artist's impression of the new Tonsley railway station, proposed by the Labor Party. Picture: Supplied

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A NEW Tonsley station will be built regardless of the election outcome, but campaigners say it’s vital the new stop is accessible to all commuters.

The Labor Party has announced that if re-elected, it would spend $11 million rebuilding the Tonsley station just south of Alawoona Ave, as part of a wider plan to extend the line to Flinders University.

Meantime, the Liberals have also announced they would rebuild the station, but say they will consult with experts and residents on its best location.

An artist's impression of the new Tonsley station, proposed by the Labor Party. Picture: Supplied

Under the Labor plan, the new Tonsley stop would be about 500m north of the existing one, featuring security cameras, improved lighting and disability access.

A shared path would connect residents from Mitchell Park and Clovelly Park to the new station.

More than 1600 people had signed a petition protesting against the State Government’s plan to close the current station as part of the Flinders Link project.

Under those plans, the rail line would extend over Sturt Rd, with its elevated section beginning north of the current Tonsley stop.

Mitchell Park resident Jodie Pearce, who started the petition and uses a wheelchair, was pleased “both sides of government are finally recognising the importance of rail access”.

However, she said the new station must not be out of reach for residents in the southern parts of Mitchell Park and Tonsley.

“I’d really like to see the station closer to Ash Avenue and Timothy Court,” Ms Pearce said.

Elder’s sitting Labor MP, Annabel Digance, said a “new and accessible station” between the existing Tonsley and Clovelly Park stations “with improved connectivity for all residents is a win”.

Liberal candidate Carolyn Habib said it was important locals had easy access to the train.

“That’s why we’ll be investigating the best location for the Tonsley train station,” she said.

SA Best candidate Michael Slattery said: “I agree that there needs to be a train station for the Tonsley people but how that works in to the infrastructure model that’s there, I’m not sure.”