New fencing along the South Coast rail corridor could see the fall in fatalities and trespassing on the line continue.
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Transport for NSW is in the process of installing almost a kilometre of fencing at several locations in the Illawarra.
Along the rail corridor at Wollongong, 390 metres of fencing is being installed, 160 metres at Helensburgh and 300 metres at Waterfall.
That's close to half the 2.3 kilometres of extra fencing being installed across the state's rail network - at a cost of $4.5 million.
The fencing consists of tall metal bars around two metres high that can be installed in front of a chain link and barbed wire fence.
Transport for NSW data showed that in the 2019-20 financial year there were 685 reported incidents of trespassing on the South Coast line between Helensburgh and Bomaderry.
This is down from 808 reported incidents over the previous financial year.
The minimum fine for trespassing is $400 but it could go as high as $5500.
Fatalities on the South Coast line between 2018-19 and 2019-20 also fell from three to one.
Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the fencing will keep people away from the rail line.
"This new fencing will not only improve safety and stop people accessing the rail network illegally, it will also help save lives," Mr Constance said.
NSW Mental Health minister Bronnie Taylor said the fencing would also help deter those considering suicide by jumping in front of a train.
"We know that when we erect physical barriers in identified suicide 'hot spots', it significantly reduces the immediate risk to that individual's life," Mrs Taylor said.
"I encourage anyone who is having suicidal thoughts to seek help, or talk to a trusted friend about their feelings immediately."
There are other initiatives in place to reduce the incidence of trespassing and self-harm, including training for station staff to help them recognise the warning signs for suicide and emergency help points on every platform.
There are also more than 12,000 CCTV cameras across the network, including high-definition cameras with stronger capabilities to identify trespassers.
- If you or someone you know is struggling call Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.