(RESEND: the link to reserve a place is now the correct one)
The Australian High Speed Rail Association is organising a mini-conference in late June with Prof. Andrew McNaughton as the key speaker. Andrew is the Technical Director for HS2 in the UK, and had a similar role for HS1. He was engaged by the NSW Government to recommend faster rail options in NSW. The recommendations from his report were due to be announced, but were shelved when Gladys Berejiklian resigned as premier.
Garry has also been asked to present our approach to an integrated high speed rail network
Last week we had a zoom meeting to discuss the arrangement with Andrew. He said he was very heartened to hear our approach closely coincides with his recommendations to the NSW Government, particularly on the need to integrate high speed and existing conventional rail lines. He agreed the primary purpose would be to spread population and economic growth into regional cities, rather than simply compete with air travel. He also agreed that the line south from Sydney to Canberra should be of equal priority to the Sydney-Newcastle line, being much less difficult to implement with strong benefits that can be realised more quickly.
For those able to attend, the Conference will take place at the Sydney Masonic Centre in the heart of the CBD from 2 - 6pm on 25th June. In addition to Prof Andrew McNaughton, speakers include former MP John Alexander and Prof Garry Glazebrook. A speaker from the High Speed Rail Authority will round out the panel.
Please take this opportunity to reserve a seat. You can reserve a seat by completing this form HSR Conference Pre-Registration form.