The Business Case is the first step towards the Australian Government’s vision for a future HSR network connecting Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia. The HSR network is expected to better connect communities, unlock growth and housing choice, boost productivity and access to services, and provide sustainable travel alternatives to reduce transport emissions and road congestion.
Sydney to Newcastle has been chosen as the first project in the network, connecting NSW’s two largest cities. The current line carries close to 15 million passengers per year but is crowded during the peak and is expected to reach full seated capacity in the 2030s as the population along the corridors grows.
The Sydney to Newcastle HSR Business Case includes exploring:
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a new dedicated HSR alignment between Newcastle and Sydney
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new HSR stations within Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney
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improved integrated transport networks connecting with the HSR network
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new HSR trains capable of travelling at speeds exceeding 250 km/hr
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stabling, maintenance, rail systems and power upgrades
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futureproofing for subsequent HSR network connections to Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Australian Government has allocated $78.8 million to deliver the Sydney to Newcastle High Speed Rail Business Case as part of $500 million committed to progress planning for the future HSR network. The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is expected to present the Business Case to the Australian Government by the end of 2024.
Transport, Land Use and Property Advisory package
WSP and partners KPMG and Urbis have been awarded the Transport, Land Use and Property Advisory package of works. This project will be led by WSP’s Yuyu Zhang, Technical Executive, Strategic Rail Planning as Project Director. Camden Fitzgerald, Regional Executive, Planning and Mobility at WSP, will act as Project Manager.
The appointed team integrates industry-leading local and international experience in HSR planning, multimodal transport, urban design, land use planning and modelling, property, socio-economics, engagement and corridor works.
“Australian HSR, fully integrated with the wider transport network, will provide a fast, efficient, and sustainable alternative travel option linking regional centres to capital cities. The improved connectivity along the east coast will unlock significant land use development opportunities and will be vital to Australia’s long-term growth and economic productivity.” Says Yuyu.
Camden agrees, “We will be identifying opportunities to fundamentally reaffirm and shape new patterns of development in and around the corridor over the remainder of the century.
Through integrated transport and land use planning we will connect communities across major centres, grow regional economies and enable thriving places.”
Technical Advisory, Environment & Sustainability, Community & Stakeholder Engagement Services (TAESCS) package
Arcadis and WSP in Joint Venture (Catalyst HSR), with support from specialist partners, have been awarded the Technical Advisory, Environment & Sustainability, Community & Stakeholder Engagement Services (TAESCS) package. The team brings together WSP and Arcadis’ multidisciplinary international and local teams with global HSR experience and will be supported by a range of specialist partners including Ineco, Amberg Engineering, Weston Williamson + Partners, Maynard and SHAC.
The team previously delivered technical and business case support for the Sydney to Newcastle Fast Rail project, Sydney Metro City & South West, and Sydney Metro West.
The TAESCS project will be led by Darren King, WSP in the UK’s Director of Rail Advisory Services as Project Director, and Sam McWilliam, WSP’s Director of Rail, Maritime & Freight as Project Manager.
“WSP is proud to work with HSRA, Arcadis, and our supporting partners to unlock this generational opportunity. It will boost Australia's economy and productivity, catalyse the sustainable growth of our regional and urban communities, ultimately changing the way we move.” Sam says.
