Transport leader welcomes High Speed Rail milestone, citing major benefits for regional development, housing and jobs

The Public Transport Association of Australia and New Zealand (PTAANZ) has welcomed the release of Infrastructure Australia’s positive evaluation of the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail proposal from the Australian High Speed Rail Authority.

PTAANZ Chief Executive Lauren Streifer congratulated all involved on the significant milestone, hailing high speed rail’s potential to quickly connect Australian regions into “commutable” distances, strengthening regional communities and reducing the housing crisis [1].

“High speed rail has been successfully introduced around the world. In Japan it has made homes more affordable, and given residents more choice about where to live. In Australia it will reshape our cities, and better connect our regions,” Ms Streifer said.

“Infrastructure Australia’s evaluation shows 58% of forecast benefits will come from unlocking land, potentially creating 150,000 new homes. Australian high speed rail will provide greater access to opportunities by bringing people, jobs and homes closer.”

She also hailed the long-term job opportunities a new railway would create. More than 31,000 people are currently working on the UK’s second high speed line, which has been dubbed “Britain’s biggest build”.[2]

“High speed rail is about more than transport, it’s about shaping the kind of Australia we want to live in: connected, sustainable, and ready for the future. This is the Government’s moment to lead with vision, create jobs, and give industry the certainty to deliver,” Ms Streifer said.

Streifer also pointed to high speed rail’s potential to quickly connect Australian regions into “commutable” distances, strengthening regional communities and reducing the housing crisis.

“In Japan, high speed rail has made homes more affordable and given residents there more choice about where to live. In Australia, it will reshape our cities, and reconnect our regions,” Ms Streifer said.

“Infrastructure Australia’s evaluation shows 58% of forecast benefits will come from unlocking land, potentially creating 150,000 new homes. Australian high speed rail will provide greater access to opportunities by bringing people, jobs and homes closer.”

Streifer emphasised that success will depend on the high speed route, or corridor, being reserved and protected if it is to achieve ongoing cross-party support.

“The connectivity benefits of high speed rail are significant, and by securing the full route now we can keep costs down, deliver services sooner, and ensure stronger community support,” Ms Streifer said.

“Global experience shows that when we protect the long-term vision from the start, we deliver projects that are more affordable, more efficient, and more rewarding for communities.”

Streifer’s comment comes as transport industry leaders prepare to meet in Sydney on 19 November, to explore how best to protect infrastructure corridors and secure housing and community benefits, in a thought-leadership event hosted by PTAANZ.

“Public transport is a vital Australian industry. Our 82 member organisations, representing more than 200,000 people, are ready to work with communities to secure routes and unlock the benefits of high speed rail,” Ms Streifer said. “I look forward to boarding the first service.”