Australian Parliament recently passed the High Speed Rail Authority Bill 2022, an important first step in the Federal Government’s commitment to establish the High Speed Rail Authority that will guide the development of a high-speed rail network that would transport passengers between cities along the east coast of Australia at speeds exceeding 250 kph.
The Authority will provide independent advice on the policy and standards of high-speed rail; and plan, identify and secure corridors. It will also oversee the construction and operation of the high-speed rail network, and coordinate with state and territory governments, industry, business and communities to enhance Australia’s long-term rail investment.
The Authority will build on previous work commissioned under former Infrastructure Minister and now Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, that found high speed rail was not only viable, but would return over $2 for every $1 of investment.
The passage of the Bill delivers the Government’s commitment to establish the Authority, which will get to work on the AU$500 million down payment for the planning to secure corridors and commence early works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the high-speed rail network.
While the Authority works with the NSW Government on this section, it will also advance plans for other sections of the high-speed rail network that will eventually connect Brisbane to Melbourne, with stops in Canberra, Sydney and regional centres.
The Government states that high-speed rail will revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, providing a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promoting sustainable settlement patterns and creating broad economic benefits for regional centres.