Decision details

Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by the Chair (the Deputy Lord Mayor) -

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         two escalators at Railway Square have been out of operation since 2023;

(ii)        the escalators are critical infrastructure connecting the Central bus terminal to the underground plaza and to the train, metro and light rail stations via the Devonshire Street Tunnel;

(iii)       the City has received numerous enquiries and complaints about the delay from commuters and local community members, particularly those with lower mobility who are unable to use the ramp and stairs;

(iv)       in April 2024, a report to Council noted that the escalators were at end of their asset lifecycle and required upgrading. It was anticipated that this would be complete in early 2025;

(v)        subsequent reporting in the Daily Telegraph quipped that City has given new meaning to the phrase “temporary closure” and the Sydney Morning Herald pondered if these were “the worst escalators in Sydney”; and

(vi)       work on the escalators has finally commenced. It is expected that this work will be complete by the end of the year; and

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to advise Council via the CEO Update on the progress and completion of the upgrade, to explain the significant delay on repairs and detail plans to ensure necessary maintenance to critical infrastructure is completed promptly in future.

Carried unanimously.

X113759