A business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage of the much-anticipated High Speed Rail network is due to be delivered by the end of the year.
Nearly 30 boreholes being drilled in along the NSW eastern coast rail corridor will support critical geotechnical investigations required to determine the locations for the new rail line.
The geotechnical investigations are being undertaken by the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) as part of the business case being developed for the first stage linking Sydney and Newcastle.
High-speed rail will connect Australian regions, cities and communities – delivering more job and lifestyle choices, greater housing options and new economic opportunities.
Plans are for a high-speed rail network that will connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia.
The first stage will connect Newcastle to Sydney – a nationally significant corridor – to create a fast, reliable and regular link between the two largest cities in NSW.
Work has started on drilling 27 boreholes in key areas between Newcastle and Sydney to better understand geological conditions along the route.
The information from this work will help in: determining the proposed depths of new rail tunnels; assessing geological and geotechnical conditions to cross the Hawkesbury River; and understanding the geological complexities of traversing the escarpment into the Central Coast and on to Newcastle.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said high-speed rail would present new opportunities for regional Australia, creating more jobs in more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play.
“It is a nation-shaping investment to support a growing population, which will better link workers with opportunities while delivering a sustainable low emissions form of transport,” she said.
“High-speed rail will help shape Australia for decades to come.”
The Federal Government has committed $500M for the planning and corridor protection with a business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage due to be delivered by the end of the year.
More information can be found at www.hsra.gov.au
Wow, what great news. I’m 53 now, so maybe the first rail will be laid some time in my 80s? Honestly, this high speed rail line has been faffed about by governments since I was a teenager, maybe even longer.
Until the rails started getting laid, this isn’t news, only a distraction or a placating puff piece for the masses.
the rail net work at present is sufficient for near future needs.
This high speed rail facility is understandably well overdue. therefore it is indeed fantastic that we are ‘on the move’.
As a worthy attribute to our fast growth on the east coast, it will certainly provide many benifits, in terms of work, education and accommodation opportunities.
Combine this with the excellent transport systems building up right across Sydney plus the opening of the Western Airport and NSW will be prepared for a very successful future.
Phillip
thank you.
about time
About time I have just returned from
Japan their train network is amazing their Shinkansen service incredible
Maybe Sydney to Melbourne would be an idea to have a”Fast Train” or it’s a 10 hour slow trip through rural NSW and Victoria
Come on look at the size of this country and we have the worst in train services between states
this is long overdue. If only Melbourne could do the same to Geelong, we could see the start of a serious east cost fast rail system.
It will never happen if Labor are in power. They are all talk and no action.
let’s see Gary.
Get inland rail back on track, Check.
Reform public service so political lackeys are replaced with career public servants, saving the county billions in consultants. Check
Five heavily damaged foreign relations so improving trade and balancing budget. Check
Fix grants programs so all electorates benefit ,not just seats the LNP need to win. Check.
I would be happy with a limited stops train that can do 150kmhon the Newcastle, Central Coast sector to Sydney
I love the high speed train. This carrot is so old even Buggs Bunny won’t look at it. This thing rolls around every election cycle for th e past 30 plus years with the only winners, consultants who take the government for a fool and spend the money on a new Ferrari. The beauty of a true high speed train is to link capital cities quickly. Given the topography of the coast, the train would either need to go completely underground or way out west before returning to Newcastle. The type of train would have to be a metro style with no frills. Anything else would create a serious cost and therefore unaffordable. Personally, I feel it’s a waste to invest heavily in a trip that’s 2.5 hours in duration and think a high speed link to Canberra an d Melbourne and Brisbane a much wore worthy exercise.