UNION RESPONSE
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) says it welcomes the news.
RTBU National Secretary Alex Claassens says rail is “the transport option of the future”.
“For too long, our transport network lacked the long-term investment and vision to keep pace with growing needs.
“High-speed rail represents a shift in direction, away from reliance on airlines and private vehicles with the potential to reshape how we move and how our regions grow.”
He says such a service can also address housing pressures by giving regional areas access to urban work and services.
“Australia can’t afford to keep putting off transformational rail investment,” Claassens says.
CCAA REACTION
The demand for concrete and other construction material from the HSR and other infrastructure projects means a state plan is needed, says the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA).
CEO Michael Kilgariff says infrastructure projects must be matched by planning given that heavy construction materials account for nearly 30% of all project costs.
“For a project the scale of HSR, with extensive civil works, structures, stations and supporting infrastructure, understanding future materials demand and existing supply capacity is fundamental to managing cost pressures and maintaining construction timeframes,” he says.
“Between now and 2036, at least 500 million tonnes of finished quarry products will be required to supply the Greater Sydney region alone, highlighting the scale of materials required across concurrent public and private projects.”
The CCAA represents Australia’s heavy construction materials industry which generates over $15 billion annually and employs 30,000 people.
“CCAA has consistently called for an integrated NSW Heavy Construction Materials Plan to provide reliable, affordable and predictable supply,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“Such a plan should be underpinned by a detailed supply and demand study that quantifies future materials requirements, assesses production capacity and freight corridors, and identifies risks early in the project lifecycle.
“With multiple major projects progressing simultaneously, materials planning cannot be an afterthought.”
Click here to visit the High Speed Rail Authority website.
EARLIER HSR STORY: New line to include Parramatta, Western Sydney airport
