High speed rail offers new manufacturing opportunities in NSW

The Australian Government has announced it has started the process to develop a hi-tech advanced manufacturing facility (AMF) in Newcastle to support high-speed rail.

The federal government’s High Speed Rail Authority says the AMF will bring together advanced manufacturing, technology and precision engineering to produce the majority of the construction elements needed for the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project, which is in the development phase.

The High Speed Rail Authority has called for expressions of interest to develop the AMF, and a search for land near the proposed rail corridor. The authority says the AMF represents an opportunity to change how Australia delivers major infrastructure, manufacturing repeatable components in a controlled environment to achieve quality and consistency, reduce waste, support safer workplaces and provide greater certainty over cost and delivery.

The facility’s goals extend beyond supplying components for the railway: the AMF can support stronger domestic supply chains and help develop skills and expertise that can strengthen other parts of Australia’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

The AMF will also help create new career opportunities for people in areas like the Hunter Valley who have been affected by job changes caused by the energy transition.

The Authority has already brought on board Australian and international industry partners through an early contractor involvement process to help shape the project’s development, including world-class tunnellers and global high-speed train manufacturers.

The AMF Expressions of Interest process, which started on 23 September, marks the next opportunity for industry to help shape the project’s delivery. Through the procurement process, the Authority will work with industry to explore the shape of the facility and identify practical ways to lift productivity. It is seeking organisations that bring expertise, experience with proven technology and experience applying it.

The AMF is part of the project’s development phase, following the end of which the Australian Government will be able to make an investment decision on the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project.

Image: Artist’s impression. Credit: High Speed Rail Authority