Calling for industry input on high-speed rail

The High Speed Rail Authority has taken another step forward in planning for a high-speed rail network, with Registrations of Interest now open for industry engagement.

Industry engagement will play a critical role in shaping a high-speed rail network along Australia’s east coast, including the priority Newcastle to Sydney link, by helping to inform the project’s planning and delivery.

The Sydney to Newcastle rail corridor through the Central Coast is the busiest intercity rail line in Australia, with more than 14.9 million passengers annually.

The Albanese Government has committed $500M for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, and has established the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to oversee the planning and development of a high speed rail network. 

HSRA will be seeking to test the market on innovative ideas in design and delivery while taking advantage of tried and tested best-practice methods.

Australian and international experts and businesses will have the opportunity to provide feedback, insights and recommendations on key themes, including: using local manufacturing and building local workforce skills and participation; optimising city and region-shaping opportunities through alignment and station locations; strategies for efficient delivery of the works; integrating emerging high-speed rail technologies and supporting sustainable green infrastructure; and attracting private sector investment.

The Government has allocated $78.8M for HSRA to develop a detailed Sydney to Newcastle High Speed Rail Business Case that will determine important elements of the network including proposed corridor alignment, potential station locations, rolling stock, project costs and delivery timeframes.

Eight work packages were recently awarded to world-leading expert advisors to assist.

The business case is expected to be presented to government by the end of this year.