Property Council NSW Executive Director Anita Hugo said the region stood to benefit significantly from high‑speed rail, if housing, skills and enabling infrastructure are planned for from the start.
"The opportunity for the Hunter and Central Coast is enormous, but high‑speed rail will only deliver its full value if you line up the homes, jobs and infrastructure that sit around future stations," Ms Hugo said.
"At Broadmeadow, that means integrated precinct planning for new housing, local transport connections, utilities and open space so communities are liveable from day one."
Ms Hugo said improved connectivity can translate into real housing supply and local employment, particularly on the Central Coast, where early station planning and streamlined approvals would be critical.
"Infrastructure Australia has rightly warned that housing benefits don't simply materialise because a rail line is built," she said.
"That's why governments must move early on precinct planning, fast tracked approvals and the enabling infrastructure needed to support complete communities."
Ms Hugo said managing the broader construction pipeline would also be essential.
"With labour markets tight and construction costs elevated, government and industry must carefully sequence work and invest in skills and training," she said.
"Publishing a clear schedule, phasing delivery and coordinating approvals will create a steady, predictable pipeline, giving industry the confidence to invest in homes and infrastructure across the region," Ms Hugo said.
Ms Hugo said the conversation about highspeed rail and the Hunter's next growth phase would be a key focus of the upcoming Hunter Outlook, the Property Council's flagship regional forum in Newcastle on 12 March.
"The Hunter Outlook brings together government, industry and investors to focus on housing demand, industrial growth, energy transition and major infrastructure. The forum will hear about the NSW Government's priorities from Minister for the Hunter The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP and a national industry outlook from Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas," she said.
