Project

High Speed Rail - Sydney to Newcastle

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
High Speed Rail - Sydney to Newcastle

The Federal Government, through the High Speed Rail Authority, is investigating the delivery of a high-speed rail network between Melbourne and Brisbane via Sydney.

The first section to undergo planning is between Sydney and Newcastle. The scope to be investigated includes: 

  • a dedicated high-speed rail alignment between Sydney and Newcastle
  • new stations in Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle
  • improvements to integrated transport networks
  • trains capable of speeds greater than 250 km/h
  • stabling, maintenance, rail systems and power upgrades, and
  • corridor protection for connections to Brisbane and Melbourne.

Funding contributions

Federal Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: High Speed Rail Authority
Related contracts:
Business Case management
Successful Tenderer - RPS

Commercial, Delivery Strategy and Industry Engagement Advisory
Successful Tenderer - EY

Economics, Funding and Financing, Demand Modelling and Economic
Successful Tenderer - EY

First Nations Culture and Heritage
Successful Tenderer - GHD

First Nations Participation and Engagement
Successful Tenderer - GHD

High Speed Rail Network Operations Planning
Successful Tenderer - Arup

Project Control Services (Costs, Schedule and Risks) Advisory
Successful Tenderer - KPMG

Technical Advisory, Environment and Sustainability, Engagement
Successful Tenderer - WSP and Arcadis

Transport, Land Use and Property Advisory
Successful Tenderer - WSP

PROJECT HISTORY

Sep 2022 The Federal Government allocated $500 million for planning, corridor acquisition and early works for the Sydney to Newcastle High Speed Rail as part of the 2022-23 Federal Budget (October).
Jan 2024 The Federal Government released $78.8 million for the development of a business case for the Sydney to Newcastle section from the initial allocation of $500 million made in September 2022. This funding was allocated over three years from FY2023-24.
Mar 2024 The Federal Government issued a Request for Tender (RFT) for eight work packages to support the delivery of the High Speed Rail Authority’s business case for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the proposed high-speed rail network. The work packages available for tender are: Project Controls Services; Network Rail Operations Planning Services; Economics, Funding and Financing, Demand Modelling and Economic Development Strategy; Transport Land Use and Property Advisory Services; Commercial, Delivery Strategy and Industry Engagement Services; First Nations People Participation and Engagement Services; First Nations People Cultural and Heritage Advisory Services; and Technical, Advisory, Environment and Sustainability, Community and Stakeholder Engagement. RFTs closed between 12 and 19 April 2024.
Jun 2024 The Federal Government awarded contracts for the eight work packages to support the Business Case for the project. The successful contractors are: - Project Control Services (Costs, Schedule and Risks) - KPMG - Economics, Funding and Financing, Demand Modelling and Economic Development Strategy - EY - Commercial, Delivery Strategy and Industry Engagement - EY - Transport, Land Use and Property - WSP - Technical Advisory, Environment and Sustainability, Community and Stakeholder Engagement - WSP and Arcadis - High Speed Rail Network Operations Planning - Arup - First Nations Participation and Engagement - GHD, and - First Nations Culture and Heritage - GHD. Additionally, RPS will be leading the Business Case management.
Estimated Total Cost
(2024)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources