The tenders signal the commencement of the project’s Development Phase, during which detailed design work will be finalised, regulatory approvals progressed, and the overall scope and cost of the project further refined.
The packages cover a wide range of critical activities, including engineering design, technical studies, environmental assessments and project delivery planning. These efforts will also support environmental approvals and corridor protection measures, ensuring the necessary groundwork is in place ahead of a final government investment decision once the development phase concludes.
Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said the tender release demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to advancing High Speed Rail in Australia.
“The expert teams we are seeking to appoint will help develop a detailed plan to deliver High Speed Rail, while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs in engineering and project management,” she said.
King added that Australian businesses and workers will play a central role in delivering the project, with the tender process representing tangible progress toward faster and more reliable rail connectivity between Newcastle and Sydney.
“Moving these roles to tender demonstrates real and measurable progress. Each contract awarded brings us closer to delivering high-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney,” she said.
