Federal Budget 2022: $500m for high-speed rail link between Sydney and Newcastle
As part of a billion-dollar infrastructure plan to make long journeys quicker and safer for Australians, a high-speed rail link along the NSW coastline is getting a funding boost.
NSW
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This month’s budget will give NSW a $1bn infrastructure spending boost headed by $500m towards the Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle high-speed rail link.
It will also include $300m on roads for Western Sydney and $50m for planning and preparatory works for the Castlereagh Connection between Kurrajong Heights and Colebee.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said sound and planned infrastructure investment created jobs, built opportunity and unlocked economic growth and productivity.
“It’s about making journeys quicker, but also making sure Australians can get home to their families safely,” Mr Albanese said.
“Through our first budget, my team is getting on with the job of delivering projects in consultation with Infrastructure Australia and all levels of government to make a real difference to the lives of Australians.”
October’s economic statement will also include $37m for Richmond Rd planning and $75m for planning and early works on Bandon Rd in the North West Growth Corridor.
The government has already introduced legislation to create a High Speed Rail Authority and the new money will go to land acquisition, planning and early works.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said recent months had been a reminder of the need to deliver infrastructure planning and investment that took into account extreme weather events.
“The NSW government’s projections show the population of the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley growing by 200,000 by 2040, making better transport connections a necessity,” Ms King said.
“Our government has a vision of a brighter future for our regions, with fast rail connections offering people more choice of where to live and work.”
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Originally published as Federal Budget 2022: $500m for high-speed rail link between Sydney and Newcastle
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