Opening a train station that has no toilets is ‘‘embarrassing’’, according to Shellharbour MP Anna Watson.
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The $39 million Shellharbour Junction station was opened last Friday by Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian.
However, the station did not have any toilets, although a Transport for NSW spokesman did say they would be added ‘‘as part of the finishing touches’’ to the new facility in coming months.
Ms Watson said she had written to Ms Berejiklian saying the station was ‘‘a welcome addition to the transport infrastructure in the southern Illawarra’’ but was concerned about the absence of toilets.
‘‘This is quite frankly an embarrassing omission for a brand new train station funded by your government to the tune of $39 million,’’ Ms Watson wrote.
She said she had spoken to ‘‘a number’’ of people at Shellharbour Junction who raised their disappointment about the lack of facilities.
‘‘I am puzzled as to why Shellharbour Junction was built – and opened by you – without such facilities,’’ Ms Watson wrote.
‘‘I should appreciate your urgent response indicating precisely when toilet facilities will be provided at Shellharbour Junction and why a planned $39 million infrastructure asset was approved by you without such facilities planned as part of the build.’’
Ms Berejiklian said the station was opened without the toilets being finished because it was ‘‘important’’ to give commuters access to it.
‘‘There are still a number of finishing touches being added to the station in coming months, including a toilet, cycleway works and additional landscaping,’’ Ms Berejiklian said.
‘‘This station has been talked about for more than 10 years and thanks to this government – it is now open for customers.
‘‘Labor could have built this station and they chose not to.’’