The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) welcomes the Federal Government's funding commitment to progress high-speed rail between Sydney and Newcastle, with the investment reshaping transport and strengthening regional communities.
RTBU National Secretary Alex Claassens said the funding demonstrates a clear recognition that rail plays a key role in Australia's future transport mix.
"This is a significant step forward and we commend the government for recognising rail as the transport option of the future," Mr Claassens said.
"For too long, our transport network has lacked the long-term investment and vision required to keep pace with the growing needs of Australians. High-speed rail represents a shift in direction, away from reliance on the airline industry and private vehicles, with the potential to reshape how we move and how our regions grow."
High-speed rail can also play a meaningful role in addressing housing pressures, ensuring regional communities aren't locked out of employment opportunities and essential services.
"Soaring prices in our major cities has forced many Australians to relocate to regional communities, but they risk making unsafe commutes to work," Mr Claassens said.
"High-speed rail will open up genuine opportunities for people to live in regional areas while maintaining access to secure employment in metropolitan areas. This can help ease housing pressure in our capitals while supporting sustainable regional development.
"If we want to build thriving regions and address cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure that connects people to jobs, education and opportunity is more important than ever and high-speed rail can deliver that."
The RTBU is committed to collaborating with the government at all steps of the process to ensure high-speed rail delivers long-term benefits for workers, passengers and communities and is fit for purpose, safe and sustainable.
"Australia can't afford to keep putting off transformational rail investment," Mr Claassens said.
"Done properly, this project can kickstart a new era that strengthens our economy, creates secure jobs, supports regional growth and helps tackle housing pressures."
