There are many “Doubting Thomases” who have questioned the validity of the Australian Government’s push for a high-speed rail network between Newcastle and Sydney.
However, the project moved towards another milestone this week as geotechnical work started to determine the best route for the line.
It comes as more than 300 industry experts from across Australia, and the globe, meet in Newcastle on Tuesday 27 August for a briefing about how the eagerly-awaited venture can be delivered.
The network will ultimately connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast, with the first stage linking the Hunter with the “big smoke”.
Work’s already begun on drilling 27 boreholes in key areas between the two cities to better understand geological conditions along the route.
The information will help in:
- Determining the proposed depths of new rail tunnels;
- Assessing geological and geotechnical conditions to cross the Hawkesbury River; and
- Understanding the geological complexities of traversing the escarpment into the Central Coast and on to Newcastle
“We have committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section… and established the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to conduct it,” Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King: said.
“High-speed rail means generations of new opportunities for regional Australia, creating more jobs in more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play.
“It is a nation-shaping investment to support a growing population, which will better link workers with prospects while delivering a sustainable low emissions form of transport.
“High-speed rail will help shape Australia for decades to come.”
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon admitted it would “transform the region”.
“High-speed rail represents the next chapter in the economic story of Newcastle and the Hunter, with the route opening a host of housing, employment and business opportunities for the region,” she told media at Broadmeadow.
“We know that the Sydney to Newcastle rail corridor is the busiest intercity line in Australia, with more than 14.9 million passengers annually.”
HSRA CEO Tim Parker said the overall benefits would be worth the wait.
“Right now, we’re working on how to build a new railway in complex areas and the engineering challenges we’d face,” he explained.
“But, once complete, journeys will be quick, convenient and comfortable.”
The business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage is due to be delivered to the government by the end of this year.
Newcastle Weekly