Proposed Sydney to Newcastle high-speed rail project secures funding

The Australian Government is investing $78.8 million towards the delivery of an initial business case for a Sydney to Newcastle high speed rail. 

This significant funding will support the proper planning that is vital to the successful delivery of an infrastructure project of this scale, bringing high-speed rail in Australia a step closer to reality. 

This proposed high speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle is a key element in the Australian Government’s commitment to building a high-speed rail network on Australia’s east coast. 

The High Speed Rail Authority will be preparing the business case that will determine the proposed alignment as well as station locations and the type of train that will be used for the high-speed rail network. 

Importantly, the business case will provide the estimated cost to build the high-speed rail and its construction timeframe. 

In its first Budget, the Albanese Government committed $500 million for the early stage development of high-speed rail – including business case works. 

Federal Minister Catherine King said: “This is more than just a transport project. It will create jobs, improve productivity and support Australia’s progress on environmental outcomes.” 

High-speed rail is a long-term infrastructure project that will ultimately enable passengers to travel between major cities or significant regional cities at more than 250km/h. 

The business case is anticipated to be provided to the Government by the end of this year. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Daily Mail; Mandurah Mail; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine