The perpetually postponed east coast high-speed rail link could cost around half the previous estimate, according to a new study.



The Australasian Railway Association has released a report that says a comparison of international construction costs indicates a railway between Brisbane and Melbourne could be built for $35m a kilometre.

That gives a price tag of $63bn – significantly lower than the $114bn estimate from a feasibility study completed last year.

The association’s chief executive, Brian Nye, said prices had not come down and the $63bn cost was a reflection of current international costs. “These construction costs are why the the project needs to be put on to the global market,” he said.

Nye said for this to proceed, the government needed to make a commitment then establish a body to oversee the project. Then it should be opened to the market.

“High-speed rail is proven to entice populations out of capital cities and open up regional areas,” he said. “The study shows these same benefits are viable for Australia too.”

The project is routinely postponed because of the cost and difficulties of an infrastructure project that would cover three states and one territory and involve five governments.

The Greens deputy leader, Adam Bandt, wants the government to immediately start negotiations with the states to identify a route and reserve the land.

He said this month marked the 50th anniversary of Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail network.

“Australia and Antarctica are the only two continents without high-speed rail,” he said. “If we don’t act soon, the penguins will beat us to it.”