Plans to deliver Australia’s first high-speed rail line are gathering momentum after tenders were awarded for the Sydney to Newcastle Business Case.
The world-leading advisers will support the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) in developing the East Coast High Speed Rail Network, connecting Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle.
With 14.9 million passengers annually, it’s currently the busiest intercity line in Australia.
And, the latest announcement is a positive step forward, according to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.
During a visit to the region on Thursday 13 June, she explained the eight work packages – project control services – costs, schedule and risks (KPMG); economics, funding and financing, demand modelling and economic development strategy (EY); commercial, delivery strategy and industry engagement (EY); transport, land use and property (WSP); technical advisory, environment and sustainability, community and stakeholder engagement (WSP and Arcadis); high-speed rail network operations planning (Arup); First Nations participation and engagement (GHD); and First Nations culture and heritage (GHD) – would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.
“We are very serious about getting high-speed rail from Newcastle to Sydney,” Ms King said.
“However, what I’ve said all the way along is we want to get every element of this right… from the planning to the financing to understanding the route, the trains to be used, the technology to be used and how we actually look at that as a really important passenger service.
“This is not just about trains, it’s actually about the economic development of Newcastle and the Hunter as a whole.”
A competitive open tender process sought industry experts with extensive experience in planning and delivering major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail.
Industry was also encouraged to form suitable consortia, where necessary, and comply with all requirements set out by the Commonwealth Approach to Market Terms.
More than 300 members participated in the HSRA’s industry briefing on 27 March.
The session was an opportunity for industry to learn more about the program’s milestones and demonstrate interest in the project.
Ms King said the business case would determine important elements of the network, including proposed corridor alignment, station locations, fleet, cost estimate and construction timeframes.
“It’ll be an opportunity to benchmark best practice and explore lessons learnt from high-speed rail networks across the globe,” she explained.
“The Albanese government has committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section and established the HSRA to conduct the work independently.
