Nearly 30 boreholes being drilled in New South Wales will support critical geotechnical investigations required to determine the locations for the Albanese Government's High-Speed Rail between Sydney and Newcastle.
The geotechnical investigations are being undertaken by the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) as part of the business case being developed for the first stage linking Sydney and Newcastle. The network is planned to eventually connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia. The first stage will connect Newcastle to Sydney – a nationally significant corridor – to create a fast, reliable and regular link between the two largest cities in NSW.
Work has started on drilling 27 boreholes in key areas between Newcastle and Sydney to better understand geological conditions along the route. The information from this work will help in:
· Determining the proposed depths of new rail tunnels;
· Assessing geological and geotechnical conditions to cross the Hawkesbury River; and
· Understanding the geological complexities of traversing the escarpment into the Central Coast and on to Newcastle.
AU $500 million has been committed for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, and established the HSRA to conduct the work.
"High-speed rail represents the next chapter in the economic story of Newcastle and the Hunter, with the route opening a host of housing, employment and business opportunities for the region," Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and continued "We know that the Sydney to Newcastle rail corridor is the busiest intercity rail line in Australia, with over 14.9 million passengers annually."
The business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage is due to be delivered to the Australian government by the end of this year. Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, added: "High-speed rail means generations of new opportunities for regional Australia, creating more jobs in more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play.
"It is a nation-shaping investment to support a growing population, which will better link workers with opportunities while delivering a sustainable low emissions form of transport."
