high speed rail authority, Newcastle, NSW,
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The High Speed Rail Authority has reached an important milestone, with $78.8 million allocated to deliver the Sydney to Newcastle high speed rail business case.
The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is taking an important step towards delivery of high-speed rail in Australia, with the Australian Government allocating $78.8 million to deliver the initial Sydney to Newcastle high speed rail business case.
Delivering high speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle is a crucial waypoint towards the Australian Government’s commitment to build a high-speed rail network on Australia’s east coast.
In the first Budget, the Albanese Government committed $500 million to the early stages of developing high-speed rail, including business case works.
High-speed rail is a transformative project that will change travel between cities and provide a catalyst for economic development in regional areas.
This is more than just a transport project. It will create jobs, improve productivity and support Australia’s progress on environmental outcomes.
The business case is expected to be provided to Government by the end of 2024, having determined important aspects of the new rail network including the proposed alignment, station locations, the type of train to be used and importantly the estimated cost and timeframe for construction.
High Speed Rail Authority Board announced
This funding will support the proper planning that is critical to the success of such a significant infrastructure project, bringing high speed rail in Australia one step closer to construction.
June 2024 Update – Tenders awarded for the Sydney to Newcastle Business Case.
The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is on track to deliver the first key milestone for Australia’s first high speed rail line, with tenders awarded for the Sydney to Newcastle Business Case.
World-leading advisers will support HSRA to plan and develop the East Coast High Speed Rail Network, connecting Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle.
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 industry members participated in the HSRA’s industry briefing held on 27 March, 2024.
The session was an opportunity for industry to learn more about the program’s milestones and demonstrate interest in the project.
The eight work packages have been awarded to the following applicants:
| Work packages | Advisers |
| 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 |
| First Nations Culture and Heritage | GHD |
These advisers will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.
With 14.9 million passengers annually, Sydney to Newcastle is the busiest intercity rail line in Australia.
The business case will determine important elements of the network, including proposed corridor alignment, station locations, fleet, cost estimate and construction timeframes.
It will be an opportunity to benchmark best practice and explore lessons learnt from high-speed rail networks across the globe.
The Albanese Government has committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, and established the High Speed Rail Authority to conduct the work independently.
HSRA will work closely with state, territory and local governments, industry and peak groups, community and First Nations stakeholders on business case development.
The first major milestone will be progressing with onsite studies like geotechnical investigations to test ground condition.
This will help inform high-speed rail corridor alignment and station locations.
The business case is expected to be presented to Government by the end of this year.
Stakeholders can register their details to participate in future engagement opportunities by emailing [email protected].
Program information is available at www.hsra.gov.au.
Source: © Commonwealth of Australia
Source: Commonwealth of Australia
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