The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed today’s announcement that the high speed rail project will move forward to the detailed planning phase.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the high speed rail project would be Australia’s biggest ever rail project, and would transform Australia’s east coast.

“High speed rail has been a dream for decades but, today, we are a step closer to making it a reality,” Ms Wilkie said.

“This is a truly transformational project that will deliver economic growth, jobs and urban renewal for generations to come.

“The rail industry stands ready to deliver high speed rail and the widespread economic, social and environmental benefits it will create.”

Ms Wilkie said development funding for the next two years would enable industry to demonstrate how high speed rail can best be delivered.

“Global experience tells us that high speed rail can achieve urban renewal, housing and other development opportunities that are simply unmatched by other infrastructure investments,” she said.

“The next two years will chart the path to making high speed rail a reality to ensure Australians can make the most of this once in a generation opportunity.

“We have the industry capability to deliver a project of this calibre here in Australia today and will be ready to put boots on the ground in 2028.

“The ARA looks forward to working with government and industry to support the realisation of this high speed rail vision.”

High speed rail will improve journey times, provide more housing opportunities in more places, deliver net zero operations, and support economic and manufacturing growth for decades to come.

Ms Wilkie said it was essential that this planning phase identified opportunities to maximise housing and other development opportunities to complement the construction of high speed rail.

“The Newcastle-Sydney route is just the start, and we must plan as we mean to go on,” Ms Wilkie said.

“After decades of debate, it is time to grab the high speed rail opportunity with both hands and deliver a rail project that will transform how we live, work and travel for many more years.”

The ARA has advocated for high speed rail to boost urban renewal, improve sustainable transport modes and generate economic opportunity for regional communities.

ENDS