A high speed rail (HSR) passenger network connecting cities on Australia’s east coast continues to be an interesting project for the Hunter.
The Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development says “HSR on the east coast of Australia has the potential to positively impact the development of urban centres and regional communities” and “that Internationally, HSR is contributing positively to national economies and urban and regional development.”
The High Speed Rail Study Phase 1 and Phase 2 received by the government identified early preservation and protection of a preferred HSR corridor as the next important and critical task.
The Australian Government is currently consulting with the governments of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT on the best approaches to protecting a corridor for a future HSR network.
NSW Business Chamber CEO, Mr Stephen Cartwright, advocates the benefits of High Speed Rail saying,
“The Federal, State/Territory and local governments need to quickly commit to a HSR link and start planning now, as recommended by the Report,”
“The region between Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney is highly populated and is already hindered by poor transport infrastructure. To expect residents and businesses in this region to not have an efficient public transport option to Sydney will be a handbrake on the economic development of this region.”
RDA Hunter has been working with a range of stakeholders on High Speed Rail and according to CEO Todd Williams, “The economic benefits that a high speed rail system would deliver the Hunter are difficult to deny. RDA Hunter will continue to advocate for regional infrastructure priorities that contribute to economic growth including the preservation of rail corridors in preparation for high speed rail.”
Visit: https://infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/high_speed/