A company hoping to build a fast train track between Sydney and Melbourne has secured the support of several councils along the route.
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Chairman of Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) , Nick Cleary said his company had won written support from two councils along the Melbourne to the Greater Shepparton Region corridor (Greater Shepparton Council and Strathbogie Shire Council), and three councils along the Sydney to Canberra corridor (Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council, Yass Valley Shire Council and Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council).
Goulburn Mulwaree discussed the matter a meeting several months ago. While it is giving in principle support to CLARA’s $200 billion plan, it is not binding itself to any one proposal. Councillors heard that another party was also interested in lodging a bid to government for a fast train.
On September 20 the Federal Government released its Faster Rail Initiative Prospectus. The government is seeking submissions for the co-funding of up to three business cases for faster rail initiatives nationally.
It announced $20 million would be allocated to the initiative, with the policy objectives outlined in the budget summary being to ease the pressure off capital cities; boost regional economies, and open up land for more housing.
Mr Cleary said CLARA was pleased to have received the formal support of many councils that would be impacted by the faster rail options and the new cities.
”This support follows our engagement with these communities,” he said.
“CLARA’s view is that community will, generated by community engagement, is critical to the success of any proposed rezoning, and the ultimate success of the CLARA Plan, for new regional cities.”
