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A proposal for a train line between Wollongong and Campbelltown could be considered by the NSW government. Sydney property developer Centurion is part of a consortium that includes Chinese rail interests, and they are looking to develop a proposal for a Wollongong-Campbelltown fast rail link. Centurion was involved in one of the two consortiums that registered their interest in constructing the Maldon-Dombarton frieght rail line in 2015. While Centurion representatives have been in discussion with the NSW government, a spokesman for Transport Minister Andrew Constance declined to say whether any plans had been submitted. “We’re always happy to look at proposals that deliver long-term benefits for the people of NSW and represent good value for taxpayers,” a spokesman for Mr Constance said. “We encourage innovative ideas to be put forward through the Unsolicited Proposals process where they undergo rigorous assessment.” In April this year, Centurion Group CEO Patrick Yu testified before the federal Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities. He said talks with Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Planning Minister Rob Stokes led to a widening of their plans to continue to push to build the Maldon-Dombarton line. “That project has since been, in consultation with Minister Constance and Minister Stokes, expanded to include a passenger railway line between Wollongong and Campbelltown to alleviate the congestion on the Appin [Road],” Dr Yu told the committee. “This would take the freight off the Illawarra line and would also assist by increasing the speed from Wollongong to Redfern ...by putting in an eight-kilometre tunnel to avoid all the switchbacks which currently exist between Waterfall and Stanwell Park.” Dr Yu said that increase in speed could be in order of “at least 180km/h” and equal a 40-minute trip. The new rail line would allow the government to initiate the “Macarthur plan” – the releasing of land for 100,000 homes. Dr Yu proposed the rail line would be funded by a levy on those 100,000 homes.

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