Speaking at the conference, Property Council Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director Nuatali Nelmes said high speed rail would deliver the most value when planning for housing, skills and infrastructure moves in lockstep.
"The opportunity is enormous, but it only works if we line up the housing and infrastructure that sits around the stations," Ms Nelmes said.
"At Broadmeadow, that means working closely with the NSW Government on integrated planning for new homes, local transport, utilities and open space so precincts are liveable from day one."
Ms Nelmes said the Property Council's Central Coast Taskforce and Hunter Committee have expressed in-principle support for high-speed rail, citing opportunities for jobs, private investment and better connections across the Hunter and Central Coast.
"We're backing the vision, and we're ready to help deliver it. But we need a clear plan to manage skills and materials, so the project doesn't impact the broader construction pipeline," she said.
"With labour tight and costs elevated, government and industry must map the workforce, invest in training, and time packages to avoid drawing people and product away from housing, hospitals and other essential builds in the region."
Ms Nelmes said strong risk management and transparent sequencing across the infrastructure pipeline would be essential.
"Publish the schedule, phase the work, and coordinate approvals. A steady, predictable program will lift productivity, reduce price spikes and give industry the confidence to invest in capacity," she said.
"The High Speed Rail Authority's on-site presence in Newcastle is more than symbolic. It puts our region at the table as business cases are finalised and delivery ramps up.
"Fast, reliable connections will make the Hunter and Central Coast even more attractive for people and investment, but we must turn that connectivity into homes and jobs on the ground," Ms Nelmes said.
Today's conference featured an update on the Newcastle-Sydney business case from High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker. Mr Parker will join other government, industry and community leaders at the Property Council's 'Broadmeadow's Moment: Unlocking Regional Growth Through Precinct Renewal' at NEX in Newcastle West on 22 August.
