High speed rail needed in Australia, Infrastructure Australia chairman Mark Birrell says

INFRASTRUCTURE Australia has warned action must be taken immediately to get high speed rail moving on the east coast, saying population growth means the clock is ticking.

INFRASTRUCTURE Australia has warned action must be taken immediately to get high speed rail moving on the east coast, saying population growth means the clock is ticking.

The independent statutory body is calling on state governments to protect vital corridors for a range of major projects across the country. If they do so, they stand to save the nation $10.8 billion.

Infrastructure Australia chairman Mark Birrell said “long-term vision” was required.

“As our cities and regions undergo a period of considerable change, strategically important infrastructure corridors need to be preserved early in their planning to avoid cost overruns, delays and community disruption during the project delivery phase,” Mr Birrell said.

Should Australia get high speed rail? Picture: Artist impression

“Australia’s governments have an immediate opportunity to deliver an enduring infrastructure legacy to future generations.

“If we protect infrastructure corridors we will reduce project costs and especially minimise the need for underground tunnelling, where the cost to government and therefore taxpayers can be up to ten times higher than it would have been.”

Infrastructure Australia chairman Mark Birrell. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Mr Birrell pointed specifically to protecting the east coast high-speed rail corridor as “the most urgent priority”.

“This critical corridor faces immediate pressure due to its proximity to major population centres and should be a key focus for NSW, Victorian and federal governments,” he said.

“That is why Infrastructure Australia is recommending that a national framework for corridor protection be put in place to guide co-ordinated and meaningful action by all levels of government.”