Push for accessibility improvements at Paterson Station

THE Paterson Progress Association (PPA) is seeking improvements to the Paterson Railway Station on behalf of the community.

But it has found that dealing with government departments can lead to a long and frustrating wait.

Association President Mark Walker has written to News Of The Area to share the group’s frustrations.

He also explains why NSW TrainLink has told them it does not consider Paterson “a priority”.

Station background

“In 2023, a member of the Paterson community approached the Paterson Progress Association (PPA) requesting that we seek advice from the responsible government authority regarding improved access to the Paterson railway station platform for elderly residents, people with disabilities, and parents with prams.”

Following this request, the PPA submitted an inquiry and in May 2023 received a response from NSW TrainLink, the authority responsible for platform accessibility.

NSW TrainLink advised that the Transport Access Program, ‘which aims to improve the customer experience by providing stations that are accessible to all customers, including the disabled, ageing and those with prams,’ did not consider Paterson Station a current priority.

We were informed that our request would be considered when funding for new projects next became available.

A further inquiry was submitted by the PPA in July 2025.

The reply received was essentially identical to the 2023 response, stating: ‘The cost involved in constructing new or extending existing station facilities can be substantial and there are many other projects across the rail network also needing funding. You can be assured that when funding for new projects is next being considered, your feedback will be taken into consideration, along with the suggestions of other customers.’

“In our correspondence, the PPA noted that in our assessment, the degree of construction required at Paterson Station is minimal.

A gentle grassed slope already exists at the southern end of the station building that meets the platform.

This indicates that only minor modification would be required to provide safe, step‑free access for those unable to use the existing six timber stairs.

Given the disappointing nature of the responses received, the PPA sought assistance from the office of the Member for the Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell.

Mr Layzell has been highly supportive, raising the matter with the Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, and with the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Marjorie O’Neill MP.

The Parliamentary Secretary suggested that neighbouring stations, Martins Creek and Mindaribba, be used instead, as both are designated ‘assisted access’ stations.

This response, particularly the suggestion of Mindaribba Station, located two‑thirds of the way to the major hub of Maitland, demonstrates a limited understanding of Paterson’s circumstances.

The PPA highlighted that according to the 2021 Australian Census, Martins Creek has a population of 355, Mindaribba 97, while Paterson has a population of 960.

These figures clearly show that the greatest need for improved accessibility exists in Paterson, not at the smaller neighbouring railway stations.

Mark Walker

President, Paterson Progress Association