Terry Collins, Coast Community News
Business NSW Central Coast has described the recent funding announcement to accelerate the Newcastle–Sydney High Speed Rail corridor as presenting a major opportunity to accelerate jobs, investment and long-term economic growth in the region.
The Federal Government announced a $659.6M two-year development phase to ensure that Line 1 (from Newcastle to the Central Coast) is construction ready.
Business NSW Regional Director Scott Goold said high-speed rail would be transformational for the Central Coast economy by improving connectivity, expanding labour markets and unlocking new investment opportunities.
“High-speed rail has the potential to fundamentally reshape the Central Coast’s economic future,” Mr Goold said.
“Faster, more reliable connections between the Central Coast, Sydney and the Hunter would make it easier for businesses to grow, attract skilled workers and access new markets, while reinforcing the Coast’s role as a critical economic bridge between two major cities.”
Mr Goold said the project would support population growth and housing supply by making the Central Coast an even more attractive place to live and work.
“High-speed rail effectively brings jobs closer to people and people closer to jobs,” he said.
“That means greater housing choice, stronger workforce participation and more confidence for businesses to invest locally.”
He said the Central Coast was well positioned to capture early and ongoing economic benefits, with existing transport and rail capability already in place.
“Transport for NSW already operates a major rail maintenance facility at Kangy Angy, supporting the Mariyung intercity fleet, with a proven local workforce and strong track record in train maintenance and operations,” Mr Goold said.
“That existing capability highlights the Coast’s ability to support future rail investment – not just during construction, but over the full life of the project through operations, maintenance and skilled employment.”
“Faster, more reliable connections between the Central Coast, Sydney and the Hunter would make it easier for businesses to grow, attract skilled workers and access new markets, while reinforcing the Coast’s role as a critical economic bridge between two major cities.”
Mr Goold said the project would support population growth and housing supply by making the Central Coast an even more attractive place to live and work.
“High-speed rail effectively brings jobs closer to people and people closer to jobs,” he said.
“That means greater housing choice, stronger workforce participation and more confidence for businesses to invest locally.”
He said the Central Coast was well positioned to capture early and ongoing economic benefits, with existing transport and rail capability already in place.
“Transport for NSW already operates a major rail maintenance facility at Kangy Angy, supporting the Mariyung intercity fleet, with a proven local workforce and strong track record in train maintenance and operations,” Mr Goold said.
“That existing capability highlights the Coast’s ability to support future rail investment – not just during construction, but over the full life of the project through operations, maintenance and skilled employment.”
Mr Goold said the project also represented a significant opportunity to build long-term jobs and skills pipelines for the region.
“Major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail don’t just reate jobs – they create career pathways,” he said.
“With the right planning, the Central Coast can grow a pipeline of skilled workers in engineering, maintenance, advanced manufacturing and rail operations, creating long-term employment opportunities for local people.”
Business NSW Central Coast said it will continue its close engagement with the High Speed Rail Authority, industry and regional stakeholders to advocate for infrastructure investment that supports sustainable growth and long-term prosperity for the Central Coast.
This article appeared on Coast Community News on 26 February 2026.
