Stage one of an east coast high speed rail network is set to commence with the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) seeking world-leading experts for assistance in the development and planning of the project.
The Federal Government is seeking tenders for eight work packages that will support the HSRA deliver a business case for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the high speed rail network by the end of 2024.
The eight packages include Project Controls (costs, schedule and risk), Rail Operations Planning, First Nations Participation and Engagement, and Commercial, Delivery Strategy and Industry Engagement.
This critical work will help inform important elements of the business case including proposed alignment, station locations, fleet, cost estimate and future construction timeframes.
The high speed rail is expected to reduce transport times, open up regions to new development, and improve access to services.
The Federal Government has committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, established the High Speed Rail Authority and determined the business case will be done by the end of this year.