High speed rail link on track for Lake Mac
- intouch Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Infrastructure Australia has recommended prioritising the Newcastle to Sydney section of the National High Speed Rail (HSR) project in its stage three business case evaluation report, citing the region’s population density and potential housing and employment benefits.
A proposed station at Lake Macquarie would be one of six in the 194km proposal, along with Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Council welcomed the proposed inclusion on the route, which aims to slash Newcastle to Sydney transit time from two hours and 35 minutes to just an hour.
“Fast, reliable rail connectivity would create economic, lifestyle and tourism opportunities for our community in line with our long-term vision for sustainable growth,” he said.
“It could support local jobs, help attract investment and make it easier for local people to commute to work, school and services throughout the state.”
It is hoped the proposed stop could support the continued development of Lake Macquarie’s western growth corridor, a key precinct for housing, employment and innovation.
Based on the recommendation, a HSR alignment of 194km in length would allow for rail travel at a maximum of 320 kilometres per hour and 200 kilometres per hour in tunnelled sections.
The line would integrate with local and regional transport networks, station precincts and interchanges, parking, and dedicated stabling and trains facility on the Central Coast.
The proposed National HSR would ultimately connect Brisbane to Melbourne along the east coast.
