Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon believes it’s time to make high-speed rail a reality in Australia.
It will not only revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, according to the local member, but also provide a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promote sustainable settlement patterns, and generate economic benefits beyond the outskirts of major capitals.
The Australian Government’s vision for the project took another important step on Friday 25 August, with the recently-established High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) board converging on Newcastle for its first meeting in the area.
The get-together followed on from the group’s detailed briefing with Transport NSW officials this week regarding the existing corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.
The HSRA began operations in June to lead, plan, develop, coordinate, oversee and monitor the construction of a high-speed rail network in Australia.
“It’ll be a game-changer for our region,” Ms Claydon said.
“It will increase capacity, cut carbon, deliver better connectivity and create good local jobs and opportunities.
“The HSRA’s board meeting in Newcastle is a milestone achievement that recognises the lead role our city will play in shaping high-speed rail in Australia.
“After a wasted decade under the former government, Labor is working hard every day to seize the moment.
“Newcastle, and the Hunter, stands to benefit enormously from our commitment to get work on high-speed rail underway.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the HSRA was unwavering in its resolve to work transparently within a framework of high standards of governance and accountability.
“High-speed rail will be instrumental in improving the lives of Australians by supporting shifts in population settlement, better connecting skilled workers with major job centres and be a key enabler of achieving our ambitious carbon reduction targets,” she explained.
“So, it is essential the HSRA takes the time now to establish a robust foundation on which to build… and this means the planning has to be done properly and in detail.
“Given the size and scale of building an east coast high-speed rail network, it must be based on meticulous planning, good governance and highly-effective project management.
“Although, we also acknowledge this project will take time.
“We have a vision about how we want to see Australia develop, not just next year or next decade but decades from now.”
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