Phase 1 High Speed Rail Feasibility Study Welcomed

RDA Illawarra welcomes the release of Phase 1 of the High Speed Rail Feasibility study today, which indicates that Wollongong and the Southern Highlands could be part of a high speed rail network connecting Brisbane to Melbourne.

The study which was released today identifies two possible corridors:

• Following the contours of the Hume Highway via the Southern Highlands; and
• Princes Highway via Wollongong and the Southern Highlands.

Earlier this year, RDA Illawarra established a High Speed Rail Working Group which co-ordinated Illawarra community submissions as part of the Phase 1 Feasibility Study. RDA Illawarra will now consult with key local stakeholders and prepare coordinated response to the feasibility study.

Whilst this is the first stage in a thorough, comprehensive process, there is clearly an opportunity for Wollongong and the Illawarra to be part of the biggest nation-building project in Australia’s history, a project which would mean better and faster rail travel and less congestion on roads. This could be a great contribution to Australia’s future low-carbon economy.

Community members are also able to provide feedback of the work so far by making submissions to the High Speed Rail Unit within the Department of Infrastructure and Transport through the weblink www.infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/high_speed/index.aspx, or directly to RDA Illawarra. 

RDA High Speed Rail Working Group will continue to function as the main co-ordinating body to help the consultation process of Phase 2 of the Feasibility Study.