High speed rail forum puts Newcastle’s future in focus

newy.com.au – High speed rail’s potential to reshape Newcastle’s economy, housing and transport links has been put under the spotlight at the first A Future Made in Newcastle forum, hosted by Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon this week.

Community leaders, workers, industry representatives, businesses and residents gathered at the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music to discuss what faster rail connections between Newcastle and Sydney could mean for the region.

The forum heard from Graham Nelmes, of the High Speed Rail Authority, who outlined work already under way to progress the project and discussed its long-term potential for regional centres including Newcastle.

A panel featuring Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, Committee for the Hunter CEO Alice Thompson and Institute for Regional Futures executive director Laura Eadie explored how high speed rail could affect Newcastle and the Hunter’s economy, support housing growth, improve connectivity and create opportunities for jobs, education and investment.

Attendees were told Newcastle was well placed to benefit from major nation-building infrastructure, with the city already emerging as a centre for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, education and innovation.

Ms Claydon said the strong turnout reflected growing community interest in Newcastle’s future and the role infrastructure investment would play in shaping the city’s next phase.

“Newcastle will be the birthplace of High Speed Rail in Australia, and this forum was about making sure our community is helping shape what that future looks like,” she said.

“High Speed Rail has the potential to be transformational for regional cities like Newcastle, not just in how people travel, but in the jobs, investment and opportunities it could unlock.

“It was fantastic to see such strong community engagement and hear directly from people who care deeply about Newcastle’s future.

“A Future Made in Newcastle is about bringing people together to think ambitiously about our city and ensure we are ready to seize the opportunities ahead.”

The forum is part of an ongoing conversation about the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Newcastle and the Hunter, including how the region can attract investment, create secure jobs and remain an affordable and connected place to live.