The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is on track to deliver the first key milestone for Australia’s first high-speed rail line, with tenders awarded for the Sydney to Newcastle Business Case.
World-leading advisers will support HSRA in planning and developing the East Coast High Speed Rail Network, connecting Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle.
A competitive open tender process sought industry experts with extensive experience in planning and delivering major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail.
The eight work packages have been awarded to the following applicants: project control services (costs, schedule, risks) – KPMG; transport, land use and property – WSP; technical advisory, environment and sustainability, community and stakeholder engagement – WSP and Arcadis; high speed rail network operations planning – Arup; First Nations participation and engagement, culture and heritage – GHD.
EY (Ernst & Young Global Limited) will be responsible for economics, funding and financing, demand modelling and economic development strategy as well as commercial, delivery strategy and industry engagement.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said these advisers would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.
She said that with 14.9 million passengers annually, Sydney to Newcastle was the busiest intercity rail line in Australia.
“The business case will determine important elements of the network, including proposed corridor alignment, station locations, fleet, cost estimate and construction timeframes,” she said.
“It will be an opportunity to benchmark best practice and explore lessons learnt from high-speed rail networks across the globe.
“The Albanese Government has committed $500M for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, and established the High Speed Rail Authority to conduct the work independently.
“HSRA will work closely with state, territory and local governments, industry and peak groups, community and First Nations stakeholders on business case development.
“The first major milestone will be progressing with onsite studies like geotechnical investigations to test ground condition.
“This will help inform high-speed rail corridor alignment and station locations.”
The business case is expected to be presented to Government by the end of this year.