Labor’s plan for 500 car parks at Schofields Station
STATE and Federal Labor have announced a $30 million cash splash for Schofields Station, in an effort to increase commuter carparking by 500 spaces.
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STATE and Federal Labor have announced a $30 million cash splash for Schofields Station, in an effort to increase commuter carparking by 500 spaces.
Federal Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, Greenway federal Labor MP Michelle Rowland and Riverstone state Labor candidate Anne Marie Christie announced the joint funded infrastructure project at Schofields station exclusively with the Rouse Hill Times.
The commitment would be funded with $15 million from an elected Federal Labor Government National Park and Ride Fund and $15 million from an elected NSW Foley Labor Government.
“We have had chronic issues at Schofields due to a lack of commuter carparking,” Ms Rowland said. “This is a major investment in Sydney’s northwest and specifically in Schofields that has been neglected by the State and Federal Government for too long.”
Ms Rowlands said the lack of commuter carparking at Schofields station was “by and large the most contentious issue brought up by residents”.
“When I doorknock homes across the electorate, this is the concern that is raised, a lack of local infrastructure to support our major transport hub.”
Anthony Albanese revealed the infrastructure funding would result in approximately 500 car spaces added to the existing 230 spots at Schofields station.
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It is understood existing spots are filled by 7am, forcing commuters to park illegally or up to 30 minutes from the station.
“Northwest Sydney is a priority for Labor, because we recognise this is where the growth is,” he said. “We need to get the infrastructure right, before we move the people in.
“In Schofields, hundreds of thousands of people are already moving into the area and we don’t have the infrastructure to support that growth, we need a plan now.”
Anne Marie Christie said residents are forced to park up to 30 minutes away from the station in order to find parking.
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“This investment would make a real difference for people living in our community,” Christie said. “Easier access to jobs and a quicker trip home to your family makes improving parking at Schofields station a no-brainer.”
NSW Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park said the $30 million investment in the Schofields community was a game changer.
A recent reader poll conducted by the Times revealed parking was the major concern of 47 percent of participants.
Mr Albanese challenged the state and federal Liberal party to match the investment dedicated by the Labor Party, calling on the government to fast-track plans for more commuter parking.
Riverstone state Liberal MP Kevin Conolly said he was committed to short and long-term solutions for commuter access to Schofield’s Station.
“While commuters may have noticed some internal adjustments to the existing car park occurring this month to provide extra spaces, and will be aware that the state government has already given Blacktown Council $2.75 million to provide 60 extra spaces, I have urged the Minister for Transport to consider a number of other options which could see additional spaces provided within 12 months,” Mr Conolly said.
“As well as advocating for enhanced bus services to the station so that more travellers have the option not to use their car at all.”
Mr Conolly said he has also called for the development of a multi-deck car park as a long term solution for the station.