The McGowan Government’s upgrades to Cookernup Station are now complete and the station is now open for Australind passengers.
Work began last year to upgrade the station’s existing low-level platforms to raised platforms, which are now fully compliant with Disability Discrimination Act standards.
Two car bays and one ACROD bay, line marking and bollards, new kerbing and bitumen surfaces have also been installed.
The new raised platform will improve the experience of Transwa passengers travelling on the Australind, which operates daily between Perth and Bunbury.
A key McGowan Government election commitment, a number of other regional station upgrades – including North Dandalup, Yarloop and Carrabin have also been completed in the past 18 months.
The station upgrades form part of the McGowan Government’s commitment to investing in the regions, and complement the new Australind railcar sets being built locally in Western Australia by Western Australian workers.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The South-West is an important part of our State and it’s vital we provide public transport infrastructure for local residents – which is why we have upgraded four local train stations over the past 18 months.
“It’s great to be back in Cookernup today to officially open the new train station – the last time I was here was to announce the town had won back its postcode after a long campaign with Australia Post. It’s great to be back announcing equally positive news today.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The Australind service is a local icon which has operated for more than 70 years.
“These small local stations provide a vital transport link for people in more isolated parts of the South-West – but due to their age, the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with standards of accessibility.
“Investing in projects like this will help make public transport an even more desirable option for all locals, creating a more comfortable, accessible and practical travel option to access the city or neighbouring communities.”
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
“Cookernup is a very special place in the South-West and I’m pleased that now even more people will be able to access the town from the Australind.
“I am pleased to be a part of a Government that is dedicated to providing much needed services for our regions.”
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
“The newly upgraded Cookernup station will result in more activity being driven into Bunbury from the Australind train service.
“When the new railcars are completed, it will provide an even more comfortable journey for local residents and visitors alike travelling from Perth into the South-West.”
