Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Hall

Changes Needed To Rail Design

More thought needs to be given to the design of rail carriages so that discrimination and discomfort for people with disabilities does not continue, according to Gippsland MP Peter Hall.

By Peter Hall - 20th December 2004 - Back to News

The Nationals MP called on the Minister for Transport to attend to the issue as a matter of urgency, after telling a tale of a recent harrowing trip to and from Melbourne for a local person and their carer.

He raised the matter in Parliament after receiving a letter from the integration manager at Traralgon Secondary College, Julie McKay, who has been working with children with disabilities for at least the last 10 years.

"Recently Julie took a number of students on a trip to the Melbourne Zoo," Mr Hall told Parliament.

"One of those children is a 13-year-old who is permanently wheelchair bound. Julie notified V/Line in advance of the travel requirements of this particular person and others.

"The wheelchair used by this student is an electronic one; it is a bit longer than a manual wheelchair, so access to a normal carriage on the V/Line service is extremely difficult.

"Consequently the child ended up being put in the guard's van along with the attendant carer. While the carer was able to sit in a nearby carriage on the way down, the train was fully booked for the journey back, so the carer was required to sit on the floor of the guard's van for the 21/2 hour journey from Melbourne to Traralgon."

Mr Hall made it clear that the complaint was not directed at any V/Line staff, who were as helpful as they could be.

Rather, he said, the problem was the design of a modern-day train that does not allow access by all patrons.

"I agree with Julie’s comment that many people in electric wheelchairs need to use the rail system, particularly those in the country and that it is inappropriate and discriminatory, for this group of disabled people to have to travel in the guard's van," Mr Hall said.

"Having people travelling in the guard's van raises a health and safety issue too, particularly given that it was a very warm trip and, at times, dusty in that guard's van."

Mr Hall added that it was obvious that carriages needed to be redesigned or, at least, existing carriages needed to be modified to enable access by people using electric wheelchairs.

"I ask the Minister for Transport to turn his mind to this particular problem and attend to it as soon as possible," Mr Hall said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
  The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
  Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
  East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.