Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Forum Invigorates ‘Give Doonie A Lift’ Campaign

MEDIA RELEASE

1 August 2018

Blacktown City’s Council’s campaign to lobby for a lift at Doonside station was welcomed at the community forum on Monday night.

More than 90 people attended Blacktown City Council’s most recent Have Your Say Forum at Doonside Community Centre to voice their frustration over government neglect of Doonside station.

Long-time Doonside resident, Wendy Calman, described her life as a parent and foster carer as “difficult” without a lift.

“When you have too many children to fit into a car, or don’t have enough car seats and you live in Doonside, then you can’t use your own station to take the children out.

“This station has been on the cards, talked about and promised for over 20 years and we still don’t have it.

“It’s clear our community is not a priority for the government or we would have a lift by now,” she said.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the continued calls from Doonside residents have become legendary in the area.

“People have signed petitions, written to the NSW government and featured in media reports about their personal experiences, but still the station is yet to get a lift,” he said.

“It is unfair to make the community wait any longer for what is the right of the residents rather than a privilege,” said Mayor Bali.

Residents made several comments, during a question and answer session, supporting Council’s campaign lobby for a lift.

One elderly resident who did not want to be named said he had lived in the area for over 50 years.

“Previously we didn’t need it because we could walk across the railway at the level crossing, now there is a ramp that is too steep and we are older.

“I really hope I get to see this lift so we can get around more easily,” he said.

Bradley Seymour, who uses a power wheelchair, attended the forum with a sign that read: “I lived my whole life in Doonside and can’t use my station”.

Other issues raised at the meeting were concerns about more community spaces for young people, commuter car park and community grants for sports clubs.

Council’s next community forum is in Ward 3 on Monday, 13 August, 7pm at Metella Road Public School, 117-131 Metella Road, Toongabbie.

“These forums are rare opportunities for people to come and meet Councillors and Council staff face-to-face, and I encourage people to attend,” Mayor Bali said.

“We want to hear your concerns.”

Next forum details: 
Monday, 13 August, 7pm at Metella Road Public School, 117-131 Metella Road, Toongabbie. Email: Forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Rooty Hill Train Station - Lifts Upgrade The Political Field

One major political issue that came out from the Community Forum on 'Meet The Candidates for State Seat of Mount Druitt' , held on the 5th March 2015, by the Mount Druitt- St Marys Standard on the public transport in relation to all candidates is the
Rooty Hill train station upgrade of Lifts. There was a 100% passion for this improvement from the candidates of all Parties: Liberals,  Labor, Greens and Christian Democrats. Maybe Australian Government could have taken notice to a universal decision at the forum.

Click here for 'Meet The Candidates' for State Seat Of Mount Druitt

A lot of people, who know myself know that if something  is wanted and needed by all, I will study, research history public  to be self-educated and I am not scared  to publicise, to our local community and the wider world a better understanding of how and where we are on the political field, on this issue.

Click here: NSW Transport Minister, John Robertson - Doonside 23/7/2010 Letter (located in Google)

The important fact here is the second last paragraph, 'I am advised that Doonside Station is not presently considered a priority for an Easy Access upgrade. Blacktown and Mount Druitt stations are accessible stations on the Western line in close proximity to Doonside.'

In between Blacktown and Mount Druitt train stations there is 'Rooty Hill' and my gut feeling if Mr. Richard Amery. NSW Member of Mount Druitt did get a letter of response for the lifts upgrade at Rooty with the then Minister, my strong guess is the same paragraph would be used but the first suburb mentioned would be Rooty Hill and the last one Mount Druitt. That is, if he wrote to him then.

One of the first times I received advice from Mr. Richard Amery, about Rooty Hill upgrade of Lifts was a 'Press Release' sent to myself  on  20th December 2011:
Click here: Richard Amery's Press Release on Request For Rooty Hill Lifts Upgrade 20/12/2011

And then located in NSW Parliament in Hansard:
NSW Parliament: Richard Amery Private Members Statement Rooty Hill Train Station - 14/3/2013 

We also had Federal Member for Chifley, Mr. Ed Husic who has  been backing State Members of Mount Druitt and Blacktown and their constituents for upgrade of lifts at Doonside and Rooty Hill train station, an online poll. So far 35 agree to it:
Ed Husic's Online Petition For Rooty Hill Lifts Upgrade 35 so far! 



Sydney Trains confirming Rooty Hill train station is not wheelchair accessible

A great article from the St Marys - Mount Druitt Star getting more feedback from Richard Amery regarding upgrades required at Rooty Hill and community members:
St Marys -Mount Druitt Star 20/3/2015 


Previous Blog On Rooty Hill Train Station Lifts Upgrade

Now, this is from information researched and provided to myself from politicians. If there has been some advocating by Richard Amery, before 20th December 2011, he may have been doing from his heart but I just could not find it in my research. Maybe Mr. Amery can point myself in the right direction, before he retires.