The construction of a high-speed rail line along Australia’s East Coast has moved a step closer, with ministers discussing a payment plan to break up the multi-billion dollar project.
During a question and answer session at the Canberra Business Council yesterday (August 20) ministers considered rolling out the Melbourne to Brisbane high-speed link in stages to make the estimated $61 to £108 billion cost more affordable.
High-speed rail cannot be put in the too hard basket again.
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) chief executive Bryan Nye said: “When you consider that $293 billion has been spent on our roads since 1985, $108 billion for a high-speed rail network seems minor.
“Minister Crean has the right idea – if we need to think outside the square to fund high-speed rail, then that’s what we should do.
“Apart from Antarctica, Australia is the only continent without high-speed rail.
“I urge all members of government to unite and explore the implementation of high-speed rail with an open mind.
“High-speed rail cannot be put in the too hard basket again.”
