The Albanese Government has announced the beginning of a two-year development phase for High Speed Rail between Newcastle and Sydney, committing $659.6 million to prepare the project for construction.
The development phase will lock in design, approvals, scope and costing for the route, known as Line 1, with the aim of ensuring major construction contracts can be awarded at its conclusion. Infrastructure Australia recommended this sequencing approach for a project of this scale.
If built, the line would cut travel times between Newcastle and Central Sydney to around one hour, with Central Coast passengers able to reach either Sydney or Newcastle in approximately 30 minutes.
A business case prepared by the High Speed Rail Authority estimates the project would boost the Australian economy by $250 billion over 50 years and generate more than 99,000 jobs across construction, advanced manufacturing and tourism. The development phase will also assess a range of public and private financing options, with a future government investment decision to follow once project scope, cost and risk are finalised.
Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the development phase would secure the rail corridor and complete detailed planning before construction begins.
Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand CEO Lauren Streifer welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step toward greater certainty for the sector. Streifer said High Speed Rail could build on skills and capability already being developed through projects such as Sydney Metro and the Melbourne Metro Tunnel, and would reshape how east coast regions and cities grow, connecting communities and bringing jobs and housing together. She said the commitment to detailed planning would help secure the project corridor, keeping costs down and delivering services sooner.
