While the Ringwood station forecourt and bus interchange has received funding, The Maroondah Journal has reported on the growing concern over the omission of funding for accessibility improvements as part of this project.

Cr Alex Makin last week expressed concern over the failure to fund accessibility improvements. “Their commitment is only half complete and further funding is required.”

While $39 million has been allocated to works associated with the forecourt of Ringwood Station and the bus interchange, no funding has been announced to upgrade the station itself and details over walkability improvements remain vague.

“This announcement will provide improvements to the station forecourt and bus interchange but it must be accompanied by pedestrian improvements across Maroondah Highway and upgrades to the station itself, so that it meets accessibility standards.”

Ringwood Station currently fails accessibility standards as defined under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination (DDA) Act of 1992. It is critical that the State Government augments their recent announcement with further funding to ensure that accessibility improvements proceed simultaneously with the other works.