Speedrail clarification
Sir - Your report on the Sydney - Canberra high speed rail project (RG 9.98 p563) contains an error. The Sydney - Canberra project is not one of those to be examined by the Rail Projects Tasks Force, headed by Jack Smorgon. The Task Force will examine possible extensions to Melbourne and Brisbane, along with other rail proposals.
The next stage of the Sydney - Canberra project is the ’proving up’ or ’confirmation’ phase when the Federal, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory governments will fully test the robustness of the Speedrail proposal, ensure that it meets their requirements and determine how they can best facilitate the proposal. This would lead to the signing of a contract setting out responsibilities and obligations during the construction and operational phases.
Dale Budd
Director, Public Affairs
Speedrail Group
Australia
