The second and last stage of research into the viability of a New South Wales east coast rail network is underway.
Over the next year, the work from the first stage, as well as this second part of the report, will be further refined.
This further study will help to determine the specific alignment of the track and station locations, calculate precise costs, evaluate patronage projections and consider the financing options.
Widespread community interest has been generated, with over 316,000 copies of the report downloaded so far.
The high speed rail is said to be a “game-changer” by the Government, who believe it will integrate regional and metropolitan communities.
Current projects estimate that the project would cost between $61 billion and $108 billion, and involved 1,600km of double track.
Journey times could be reduced to as little as three hours from Sydney to Brisbane, and 40 minutes from Sydney to Newcastle with times up to 350km/h.
Fifty-four million passengers a year are expected by 2036.