There is less than a week left to have your say on the final report into the feasibility of high-speed rail down Australia’s east coast.
More than 30,000 people have downloaded the Phase Two report, with more than
174 submissions received in advance of the 30 June deadline.
High-speed rail has the capacity to change the way Australians live and work, particularly for those living in regions along the route. Traffic along Australia’s east cost will double to 388 million trips per year by 2065.
Without high-speed rail, this extra travel will have to be met by existing public and private transport networks, which are already facing capacity and cost constraints.
While the cost of the project would be up to $114 billion in today’s dollars, the report found that economic benefit could be as high as $2.30 for every dollar invested.
The federal infeastructure department’s High Speed Rail Unit has been consulting along the preferred route with local councils, community groups and industry organisations. Through Austrade, it has also been meeting with operators and agencies in Europe and Asia.
Feedback received through submissions will help inform future consultation meetings and the work of the High Speed Advisory Group.
One of the most immediate concerns is preserving corridors along the proposed route.
I commend the Australasian Railways Association for hosting today’s forum in Parliament House which is attended by high-speed rail experts from around the world.
Submissions can be made at www.infrastructure.gov.au/HSR
