Passenger Rail, Major Projects & Infrastructure

Infrastructure Australia concludes evaluation of key rail projects

Two major rail concepts require more “development” to prove their credentials, Infrastructure Australia maintains

Infrastructure Australia has completed its evaluation of the business cases for North Coast Connect and Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport, with a call for more information to show return on investment.

The North Coast Connect proposal is designed to provide a faster rail connection between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

This would include a new dedicated track along the existing North Coast Line between Brisbane and Beerwah, and a new rail corridor to connect coastal population centres including Maroochydore and Caloundra to the North Coast Line.

The business case was accepted for Infrastructure Australia’s evaluation on 18 August 2020.

“Based on the business cases and evidence submitted to us, Infrastructure Australia has determined that both proposals require further development to demonstrate sufficient return on investment,” IA said in a statement.

Detailed business case evaluation summaries are available at the IA website.

“We are committed to working closely with Australia’s governments to progress nationally-significant infrastructure proposals,” IA stated.