A tunnel vision for the Central Coast?

EDITORIAL

Last week, CCN senior journalist Terry Collins brought to light an astounding proposal that has set our region abuzz; the possibility of an underwater rail tunnel linking the Central Coast with Sydney as part of the East Coast fast rail project.

Stretching under Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury, this tunnel would represent a monumental engineering feat, one that could finally bring the promise of high-speed rail to our doorstep.

It’s no wonder that some readers were sceptical.

After all, we’ve heard promises of improved rail links between Sydney and Newcastle for over 20 years, with little to show for it.

But this time, we believe it’s different.

Unlike the usual election-time promises, these plans were revealed through journalistic diligence, not political fanfare.

Most importantly, the newly established Fast Rail Authority, backed by substantial Federal resources, has engaged Australian companies to conduct geological testing for this ambitious route.

Yes, an underwater tunnel sounds like something out of a pipe dream (pun intended).

But remember, many once thought Sydney’s Metro, with its extensive underground stretches and the Sydney Harbour rail tunnel, was equally far-fetched.

Today, those very tunnels move tens of thousands of people daily, proof that Australians now have the skill and technology to bring such visions to life.

This is more than just an infrastructure project, it’s an opportunity for the Central Coast to stand at the centre of a national transformation.

Fast rail could cut travel times dramatically, reshape commuting patterns, and bring significant economic and social benefits to our region.

Imagine a world where a Central Coast resident can scoot into Sydney in under half an hour, to eventually even connect swiftly to Queensland or Victoria.

This proposal deserves our attention, and perhaps even our cautious support.

It’s time to dream big, and responsibly to engage in a project that could reshape our region and connect us like never before.

David Abrahams – Managing Editor