Drilling Begins for High-Speed Rail Project in NSW

Preliminary drilling has commenced on the New South Wales Central Coast to establish the route for a high-speed rail line connecting Newcastle to Sydney, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to just 30 minutes. The federal government has allocated $500 million for planning and corridor protection, with the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) conducting geotechnical investigations to inform construction methods and tunnel designs through complex geological areas. Two drill rigs are currently operational on the Hawkesbury River and at Brisbane Water, where they will bore six holes to depths of 140 meters as part of a larger plan involving about 27 boreholes. Transport Minister Catherine King emphasized the transformative potential of the project for regional Australia, promising job creation and increased living choices. Despite the enthusiasm, concerns remain about the project's cost and feasibility amid calls for a more straightforward initial route. A comprehensive business case for this first stage is anticipated by the end of the year.