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The federal government's independent assessment body for major projects has given approval for the next phase of a project to deliver high-speed rail linking Sydney with Newcastle via the Central Coast. Infrastructure Australia evaluates project proposals of national significance or where government funding of more than $250 million is required. It has given support to the development phase of the project — a two-year period to engage with contractors and confirm at least 40 per cent of the design. High Speed Rail Authority chief executive Tim Parker said while a final green light for the project is up to the government, he does not expect any major hurdles. "I think the government has already shown their commitment," he said. Priority corridor The High Speed Rail Authority identified the Sydney to Newcastle link as the priority based on housing and employment benefits. Mr Parker said the project will boost regional economies. "The current travel time between Newcastle and Sydney is about two hours, 40 minutes, but with high-speed rail, we'll be looking at a travel time of around an hour," he said. Infrastructure Australia's assessment report reveals that stage 1 of the rail project will span 194 kilometres, including 155 kilometres through tunnels. The expected tunnel diameter between Sydney and the Central Coast would prevent trains from travelling above 200 kilometres per hour. But trains could reach maximum speeds of 320kph between the Central Coast and Newcastle. The initial stage of the project will include four stations: Broadmeadow in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast to be delivered by 2037, followed by Central Sydney in 2039. By 2042, the line would extend to Western Sydney Airport via Parramatta. Mr Parker said the aim is for high-speed rail to eventually connect Brisbane with Melbourne. "This is just the first part, and obviously, the first part is important because whatever we design for, the first part must be suitable for those longer runs. "Things like the train selection and everything else are all taking into account that this is only the first stage of the national high-speed rail network for Australia." In a statement, Transport Minister Catherine King welcomed Infrastructure Australia's assessment. "High Speed Rail is a nation-shaping investment," Ms King said. "It will unlock housing, create employment opportunities in the regions, and enable our ambitious carbon reduction targets to be achieved." "The Government is committed to progressing High Speed Rail, which has proven its ability overseas to bring people and places closer together, making it faster and easier to connect our regions, cities and communities."
