Australia's plans for high-speed rail back on track after decades
The Straits Times
|September 28, 2024
165km line could be first part of 1,700km project to connect its three largest cities
For decades, Australia has toyed with the idea of building a high-speed rail (HSR) line in its densely populated east coast, but the proposal has been repeatedly shelved due to fears about the construction cost and the scale of the project.
Now, the ruling Labor Party appears to have finally set the nation on track to undertake the ambitious project, beginning with a 165km line in the state of New South Wales between Sydney and Newcastle that could be ready by 2037.
The project has been backed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a former transport minister who has presented high-speed rail as a way to grow the economy while helping to cut carbon emissions.
The network will eventually span 1,700km and connect Australia's three largest cities - Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane - and the capital Canberra as part of a nation-changing project that could help to address work and housing challenges and transform the economy.
The federal government has committed A$500 million (S$442 million) to plan the Sydney-Newcastle line, and to start buying and protecting a corridor for the rail tracks, with trains set to travel at more than 250kmh.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King announced on Aug 26 that work has begun on drilling 27 boreholes to investigate options for tunnels and construction of the line.
An A$79 million plan that will outline the placement of stations, cost, construction timelines and potential for further connections to Melbourne and Brisbane is due to be completed by the end of 2024.
This story is from the September 28, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Driving centres in Singapore raise learner fees
Taking lessons to seek a driving licence has become more expensive, with the three driving centres in Singapore raising fees from Jan 1.
3 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
Why China is racing to develop its own commercial jet engine
Its reliance on Western suppliers is a vulnerability in its aviation ambitions
5 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
Venezuela's Maduro sits in US custody as loyalists vow defiance
Captured leader's allies still in charge; Trump says US will manage Latin American country
4 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
Comeback win shows Senegal's mettle: Gueye
Crowned African champions in 2022, Senegal are seen as the biggest threats to hosts Morocco’s dreams of winning their first Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title in half a century.
2 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
GROWING GUNNERS PROVE CHARACTER
Arsenal's title credentials on full display in come-from-behind EPL victory over Bournemouth
2 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
India displays sacred gems removed over a century ago
Sacred ancient gems linked to the Buddha were unveiled on Jan 3 in India for the first time since their colonial-era removal.
1 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
PRECIOUS CHARM DIGS DEEP TO LAND COASTAL CLASSIC
Trained by Symon Wilde, in-form 6YO mare scores gritty head-win in Geelong feature
2 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
As Aceh reels from floods, NTU-led study in 2024 traces roots to forest loss
It finds flood-prone areas in Aceh likely to have fewer trees, more oil palm plantations
3 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
AI bubble fears and policy splits loom over Asia stocks
Asian equities kicked off 2026 with sharp gains, but the advance may face headwinds from worries over an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble and diverging interest rate paths across the region.
3 mins
January 05, 2026
The Straits Times
Violinist on Will Smith's tour files wrongful termination lawsuit
A violinist who performed on American actor Will Smith’s concert tour in 2025 filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Smith and his production company on Dec 30, 2025.
2 mins
January 05, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
