The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed Infrastructure Australia’s endorsement of the Newcastle to Sydney section of the high speed rail project.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said Infrastructure Australia’s evaluation of the business case recognised the significant benefits the project would deliver.

“High speed rail will be a game changer for our country, unlocking economic opportunities that simply would not be possible without this project,” Ms Wilkie said.

“It will be the catalyst for new housing, regional growth and development, transforming how we connect, live and do business for the next generation.”

Ms Wilkie said the Newcastle to Sydney section was the perfect proof of concept for the broader high speed rail project, with road connections along the route already at capacity.

“This is a truly nation building project and the Newcastle to Sydney section is just the beginning,” Ms Wilkie said.

“Beyond the significant economic and community benefits this project will deliver, high speed rail provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to build and maintain a thriving rail supply chain capability in Australia.

“The industry has already built significant knowledge and expertise as a result of recent major projects, and the industry stands ready to deliver high speed rail.

“This project would cement Australia’s world-leading rail capabilities and support a long-term investment pipeline for the industry.”

High speed rail would drive housing development along the route, while also enabling the decarbonisation of Australia’s transport networks by supporting greater use of rail.

It would relieve congestion and optimise existing transport networks and generate more opportunities for local manufacturing.

Ms Wilkie said that while Infrastructure Australia’s support for the first section of the project was welcomed, it was important that planning for the whole Melbourne to Brisbane route continued.

She said the ARA looked forward to the Federal Government’s response to the business case.

ENDS

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