Geotechnical work has started on the New South Wales (NSW) Central Coast as part of efforts to determine the route for a proposed high-speed rail link to Sydney in Australia.
The initial focus is on the Newcastle to Sydney segment, which will pass through the Central Coast. This development involves both tunnel and above-ground sections, addressing geological challenges in the area.
Drilling operations are currently underway to understand the terrain and identify the best route for the project.
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees for the Central Coast and Hunter regions have expressed support for the rail project.
RDA Central Coast acting chair Anna Cruckshank said: “The RDA Central Coast Committee has welcomed initial geotechnical investigations that have commenced on the Central Coast to determine the optimum route alignment for a proposed high-speed rail link to connect our region to Sydney in just 30 minutes.”
Two drill rigs are stationed on barges at the Hawkesbury River near Brooklyn and Brisbane Water in Gosford. These efforts are said to be critical for assessing the route, including sections requiring tunnelling.
The barge at the Hawkesbury River is expected to operate for about two months.
Crews are drilling six boreholes, each reaching depths of up to 140 metres, to collect rock and sediment samples. These samples will be analysed for construction planning, including tunnel design.
In total, 27 boreholes will be drilled to address geological factors, including the escarpment near the Central Coast.
The Australian government has allocated A$500m ($331.4m) for planning and corridor protection of the Newcastle to Sydney section and has established the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to oversee the project.
Projections indicate that the population of the Hunter and Central Coast regions will grow significantly by the early 2040s. The high-speed rail is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and create opportunities for economic growth.
Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said: “High-speed rail means generations of new opportunities for regional Australia, creating more jobs in more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play.
“Our transformational investment in high-speed rail will help shape Australia for decades to come.”
