Work has started on installing additional security fencing on the Sydney Trains network to prevent trespassing and reduce self-harm incidents in the rail corridor.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the $4.5 million of new fencing is being installed across 2.3 kilometres of the rail corridor by the end of 2021.
“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.
“Tragically, 16 people lost their lives on the NSW rail network last year. There were also 155 near misses and 54 people injured from trespassing or entering the Sydney Trains rail corridor.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said any death by suicide is a tragedy that has a profound impact on the whole community.
“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.”
Sydney Trains Acting Chief Executive Pete Church said while most of the Sydney Trains network is already fenced, there are a few locations where people have been able to access the rail corridor.
“When people trespass in the rail corridor, they not only risk their life, but their actions can have a long lasting impact for their friends and family, as well as our customers and staff,” Mr Church said.
TrackSAFE Executive Director Heather Neil said they work closely with Sydney Trains to raise awareness of rail safety issues, and to reduce near misses on the rail network.
“Reducing accessibility to train lines through the installation of fences and other physical barriers is known to be a successful method of reducing trespass and self-harm incidents,” Ms Neil said.
There were more than 2,600 trespassing incidents on the network, including nine people caught train surfing, in the 2019-20 financial year. The minimum fine for trespassing is $400 but can be as high as $5,500.
Other Sydney Trains initiatives to prevent trespassing and self-harm incidents include:
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services: