Newcastle councillors have unanimously supported a push to make Broadmeadow the official site for the city's stop on the Sydney to Newcastle high-speed rail line. At Tuesday's meeting, they also advocated for a fast and direct public transport connection to Newcastle Airport, which currently lacks a timely bus service from the city.
Labor councillor Declan Clausen said a 'hub and spoke' model would see Broadmeadow become the central transport hub for the Hunter, integrating suburban heavy rail, light rail, high-speed rail, buses and rapid transport. He described the lack of a direct bus connection to the international airport as 'unbelievable' and stressed the need for better connectivity.
The first stage of the high-speed rail project, from Newcastle to the Central Coast, is proposed to start construction in 2027 with services by 2037. Expansion to Sydney Central is expected by 2039 and to Western Sydney International Airport by 2042. Stations are planned at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International.
Liberal councillor Callum Pull initially proposed extending a fast rail connection to Newcastle Airport, but councillors voted instead to work with Newcastle Airport and Port Stephens Council on joint advocacy for a fast and direct public transport link. Labor councillor Paige Johnson warned that extending high-speed rail to the airport could erode journey times but supported improving public transport to the airport.
The council will write to the High Speed Rail Authority chief executive and the federal infrastructure minister, urging them to progress the business case and reiterating support for Broadmeadow. The council argues Broadmeadow is ideal due to its central location, existing heavy rail, proximity to a planned sports and entertainment precinct, and capacity for over 20,000 new homes.
