CEO Report
‘Are you up for it?’ asked High Speed Rail Authority (Australia) CEO Tim Parker in his address at a Newcastle industry workshop today. The Hunter is ready!
With the architects of the Sydney Metro and motorways now focused on high speed rail to Newcastle, the opportunity we knew all along has been recognised by the partners that we need to deliver it.
While there is healthy cynicism with talk of high speed rail heading into an election, this is the reddest hot go I have experienced, having been involved in the previous Albanese and Turnbull plans.
Full business case completed by the end of the year towards final investment decision early 2025. First contracts awarded in just 2027 with a 10-12 year construction time.
I want that announcement and its impact on our region for current and future generations.
It’s hard to imagine a more transformational investment in our lifetime and it is within our grasp!
Having the High Speed Rail Authority CEO, Chair Jill Rossouw and board in town with license to talk publicly about these bold deadlines shows how serious they are.
This is not the time for scepticism. It’s about getting in there to support Government to succeed and maximise the benefits to be experienced by Hunter communities and our economy.
Opportunities that call for local mobilisation to develop proposals and ensure these functions are located in the Hunter, include centres of excellence for manufacturing and construction and an advanced train assembly and testing centre.
Coordination across defence industries AUKUS, clean energy infrastructure and high speed rail start to provide the scale and pipeline that Hunter industry needs to service, something we’ll advocate for into the Australian Government.
It’s now time to get on with it, and we at the Committee are focused on what it takes.
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