By Marcus Uhe
Animal Justice Party candidate for Cranbourne Gwynne Brennan has declared she will advocate for better facilities for public transport users in order to increase patronage on the network, including the construction of accessible toilets at Merinda Park train station.
Concerns over a lack of facilities at the station were raised by a commuter at the recent Metropolitan Transport Forum hosted by the City of Casey on 18 October.
“Having access to toilets is a human right,” Ms Brennan said.
“I will advocate for the building of accessible toilets at Merinda Park Station.
“Consideration should also be given to providing facilities for people with high support needs who cannot use standard accessible toilets.”
A better network with better facilities will reduce the reliance on private vehicles, providing benefits for the environment, according her party.
The new station at Merinda Park was opened in February, with improved lighting and CCTV, a waiting room and an underpass that provides a safer connection for pedestrians to cross the rail line, Level Crossing Removal Project Program director, Steve Brown said.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the council was “disappointed” accessible toilets were not installed at the station as part of its upgrade, having advocated for them since 2020.
“In July this year, we renewed our call to the State Government for accessible toilet facilities to be delivered at Merinda Park Station as a priority and without delay,” Ms Duff said.
“Council was advised that toilets haven’t been provided at this location because it is an unstaffed local station.
“Local residents, commuters, families with children and those with disabilities deserve access to these basic amenities at their local station.”
Ms Duff said the installation of accessible toilet facilities is a “simple and achievable solution” that would result in significant benefits to the local community.
“The City of Casey will continue to advocate on behalf of the local community for accessible public toilets at this station.”
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Cranbourne Liberal candidate Jagdeep Singh and Cranbourne Greens Candidate Kiran Vempati were contacted for comment.
