Additional security fencing is being installed on the Sydney Trains network to prevent trespassing and reduce self-harm incidents in the rail corridor.
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance announced the new fencing saying it would be installed across 2.3 kilometres of the rail corridor by the end of this year.
“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,” he said.
“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 that when physical barriers were erected in identified suicide ‘hot spots’, it significantly reduced the immediate risk to people’s lives.
Mrs Taylor encouraged anyone who was having suicidal thoughts to seek help, or talk to a trusted friend about their feelings immediately.
Acting Chief Executive of Sydney Trains, Pete Church said that while most of the Sydney Trains network was already fenced, there were a few locations where people had 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.
He said to prevent trespassing and self-harm incidents Sydney Trains also provided training for frontline staff to help them recognise the warning signs for suicide; emergency help points on every platform, directly linked to trained security operators; and more than 12,000 CCTV cameras to monitor the network.
If this story raises concern for you, help and counselling is available from Lifeline Australia 13 11 14, and other services.
