Calling industry to help shape high-speed rail

The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) has taken another step forward in planning for a high-speed rail network, with Registrations of Interest (ROIs) now open for industry engagement. 

Industry engagement will play a critical role in shaping a high-speed rail network along Australia’s east coast by helping to inform the project’s planning and delivery.

HSRA will be seeking to test the market on innovative ideas in design and delivery while taking advantage of tried and tested best-practice methods.

Australian and international experts and businesses will have the opportunity to provide feedback, insights and recommendations on key themes, including:

  • Using local manufacturing and building local workforce skills and participation
  • Optimising city and region shaping opportunities through alignment and station locations
  • Identifying optimal packaging strategies for efficient delivery of the works
  • Integrating emerging high-speed rail technologies, and
  • Supporting sustainable green infrastructure
  • Attracting private sector investment. 

ROIs are open for industry stakeholders to get involved in this transformative and exciting project, which will reshape how Australian’s travel, work and live. Stakeholders can register at www.hsra.gov.au/industry-engagement.

The Albanese Government has committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, and has established the High Speed Rail Authority to oversee the planning and development of a high speed rail network. 

HSRA is tasked with developing a detailed business case that will determine important elements of the network including proposed corridor alignment, potential stations locations, rolling stock, project costs and delivery timeframes. 

Following a competitive open tender process, the Authority recently awarded eight work packages to world-leading expert advisors to assist. 

HSRA will work closely with state, territory and local governments, industry and peak groups, community and First Nations stakeholders on business case development.

The business case is expected to be presented to Government by the end of this year.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“High-speed rail is a nation-shaping investment in supporting a growing and shifting population, better linking skilled workers with employment hubs and enabling our ambitious carbon reduction targets to be achieved.

“Engaging with industry experts is an opportunity to benchmark best practice and learn from high-speed rail networks across the globe.

“High-speed rail is central to our Government’s vision for how we want to see Australia develop – not just next year or next decade but decades from now.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“High-speed rail is a game-changer for our region – increasing capacity, cutting carbon, delivering better connectivity and creating good local jobs and opportunities.

“We know that the Sydney to Newcastle rail corridor is the busiest intercity rail line in Australia, with over 14.9 million passengers annually. 

“Newcastle and the Hunter region will see huge benefits from our Government’s commitment to progressing high-speed rail – which is now another step closer.”