Since the early 1980s, when high speed rail
services in France received considerable publicity, there have been
a number of schemes to introduce similar services to Australia. The
largest of these schemes was a plan to construct and operate a line
between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. This scheme was backed by
BHP, Elders IXL, Kumagai Gumi, and TNT-the VFT 'Joint Venture'.
This scheme was abandoned in 1991, primarily because it failed to
secure tax changes from the Federal Government that it claimed
would have made it financially viable. Presently, (April 1998) a
range of more modest proposals, including schemes to link Canberra
and Sydney have emerged. Whether this project will be successful or
'derailed' as was the Joint Venture, will be of considerable
interest.
There appear to be a number of similarities
between the various proposals to build high speed rail lines. The
proposals are backed by private enterprise, and considerable
resources are devoted to extensive feasibility studies. The
proponents of the schemes claim that there would be several
advantages to the projects, including:
The proposals are exceptionally costly compared
to conventional rail systems, with the cost increasing
substantially for the fastest train technologies. The least costly,
but slowest fast train technology involves 'tilt trains', while the
fastest technology, involving magnetic levitation, is extremely
expensive. Between these two extremes is the TGV (Train à
Grande Vitesse) technology used by the French. While 'tilt trains'
may appear to offer a short term financial advantage over more
expensive technology, they may not operate at speeds which attract
enough customers to make them viable.
Government support for proposals has generally
been positive but guarded, with approval being dependent upon the
projects demonstrating that they would bring considerable benefits,
but not require a net government outlay. A number of reports have
been conducted by or on behalf of governments to determine the
impacts and/or feasibility of the projects, and unlike the reports
released by the proponents of the schemes, the conclusions of the
reports have been mixed. Concerns have been expressed about the
social, environmental, and financial impacts of the services-and
especially the possibility that the government will need to 'bail
out' failed projects.
The proposals are dependent upon both State,
Territory and Federal Governments for a range of assistance
including land acquisition, agency cooperation, and perhaps the
provision of financial incentives. There have however been
difficulties in coordinating State, Territory and Federal
Government approaches to proposals-with each on occasion accusing
the others of being uncooperative. There is also the danger that if
a coordinated approach to fast rail services is abandoned the
States may separately introduce incompatible fast train technology,
which could make each service less viable and prevent the
development of a national network of fast trains.
This chronology attempts to provide a background
to the current proposals, and given that the current fast train
proposal between Canberra and Sydney has had significant
precedents, should be of use in placing it in an appropriate
context.
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Milestones
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Details
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Source Documents
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1964
High speed rail line commences operation in Japan
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Japan's Shinkansen line opens. Trains run at
average speeds of 210 km an hour.
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'Train reaction', Australian, 14 Jul 1988.
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December 1979
Proposal to electrify the Melbourne-Sydney line
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At the 1979 Premiers' Conference it is agreed to
commission a report examining the feasibility of electrifying the
Sydney-Melbourne line. Proponents believe that electrification
could p
otentially decrease rail travel time from over
12 hours to under 10 hours, and involve energy, staff and
maintenance cost savings. The Sofrerail report is subsequently
released in June 1980 and is supportive. In the lead up to
18 October Federal Election, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser
promotes the proposal. Concurrently, the Senate Standing Committee
on National Resources examines a number of alternative energy
sources-including an examination of the rationales for the
electrification of rural rail lines. The Senate report finds that
electrification of the Sydney-Melbourne line is probably not
justified on economic or energy efficiency grounds.
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'Rail scheme likely to be rejected', Age, 11 September.
1980.
Elrail, Sofrerail, R. Travers Morgan Consultants.
Sydney-Melbourne Railway Electrification Study. The
Consultants, Brisbane, 1980.
385.068 f ELR
Senate Standing Committee on National Resources. The
Replacement of Petroleum-Based Fuels by Alternative Sources of
Energy. AGPS, Canberra, 1980.
333.79 AUS
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1981
High speed rail line commences operation in France
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It is reported that a high speed train between
Paris and Lyons involving a distance of 427 km commences operation.
This line was later expanded to include Marseilles. By 1989, the
system operates at average speeds of about 270 km an hour and
carries about 15 million passengers annually.
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'Very fast train winds tortuous track', The Australian
Financial Review, 11 October 1989.
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October 1981
High speed rail line proposed for Australia
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The Institution of Engineers proposes the
Bicentennial High Speed Railway Project, to link the five capitals
in south-eastern Australia. The project involves the building of
new railway lines to replace sections of existing track, the
upgrading of other sections, and the construction of bypasses. High
speed diesel/electric trains would be purchased, and eventually the
line would be electrified. The scheme proposes that eventually the
journey between Sydney and Melbourne could be completed in 9 hours,
Sydney-Canberra in 3 hours, Melbourne-Canberra in 6 1/2 hours,
Brisbane-Sydney in under 12 hours and Adelaide-Melbourne in under 8
hours.
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National Committee on Railway Engineering. The Bicentennial
High-Speed Railway Project. sl.: sn, December 1981.
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June 1984
CSIRO officers propose a high speed rail link between Sydney,
Canberra and Melbourne
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The Chairman of the CSIRO, Dr Paul Wild, and
colleagues Dr John Brotchie and Dr John Nicholson propose a high
speed rail link between Sydney Canberra and Melbourne via Cooma,
Orbost and the Latrobe Valley. The train would run at 350 km/h, and
be based on French TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) technology.
The initial cost is estimated to be $2.5 billion, and they claim
could generate initial revenue of $120 million a year against
operating costs of $50 million a year. The scheme is seen as an
ideal Bicentennial project.
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Wild, J. P. Brotchie, J. F. and Nicholson, A. J. A Proposal
for a Fast Railway Between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne: An
Exploratory Study. CSIRO, Canberra, May 1984.
CSIRO. VFT - A Fast Railway Between Sydney, Canberra and
Melbourne: a CSIRO Proposal. [CSIRO], Canberra, January
1985.
PAMP 385.0994 p VET
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September 1984
Unfavourable response to CSIRO proposal
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It is reported that the Bureau of Transport
Economics finds the scheme proposed by Dr Paul Wild to be
uneconomic. The Bureau finds that Dr Wild's cost estimate of $2500
million to build the system to be $1500 million too low, and as a
consequence, passenger fares would need to be set at a rate that
would not be commercially viable.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Morris rejects Dr
Wild's proposal.
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'Supertrain likely to be fiscal disaster, study concludes',
Age, 8 September 1984.
House of Representatives: Hansard. 12 September 1994,
p. 1119.
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24 September 1984
Elders IXL and TNT become involved in the proposal
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It is reported that Sir Peter Abeles, chair of
TNT expresses his interest in the project, and talks between Dr
Wild, Elders IXL, and TNT begin.
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'Fast train or fast bucks?', Sunday Age, 24 September
1989.
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October 1984
Various business interests become involved in the proposal
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Three banks, two construction companies and
other unnamed business interests are claimed to be interested in
the funding of Dr Paul Wild's proposal. Feasibility studies are
discussed.
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'Builders and banks revive hopes for supertrain',
Australian, 8 October 1984.
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24 September 1986
Very Fast Train Joint Venture established
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The Very Fast Train (VFT) Joint Venture
established. The group comprises TNT, Elders IXL, and Kumagai Gumi.
The plan is to be to build a line from Sydney to Canberra via
Bowral and Goulburn, and a line from Canberra to Melbourne via
Cooma, east Gippsland and the La Trobe Valley (the 'coastal route')
or alternatively though Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Wangaratta and
Seymour (the 'inland route'). (The Australian Conservation
Foundation subsequently strongly objects to the coastal route
because of the sensitive nature of the environment along parts of
the proposed corridor). Dr Paul Wild is appointed director of a
$600 000 pre-feasibility study of the Sydney-Melbourne and
Canberra-Sydney routes.
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Stackhouse, John, 'A Railway System for the Space Age',
Australian Business, July 30, 1986, p. 71.
'Fast train or fast backs?', Sunday Age, 24 September
1989.
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June 1987
VFT pre-feasibility study
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VFT pre-feasibility study completed.
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James, Denis and James, Matthew. High speed trains between
Canberra and Sydney. Current Issues Brief No. 17, 1996/97.
Department of the Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 1997.
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21 August 1987
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BHP is reported to have joined the VFT project
as an equal partner.
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'Fast train or fast bucks?', Sunday Age, 24 September
1989.
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July 1988
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$19 million VFT feasibility study initiated by
the VFT Joint Venture.
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August 1988
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VFT passenger market analysis completed.
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December 1988
VFT Concept Report seeks Government support
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The VFT Concept Report is completed. The
proposal outlined is to build a high speed rail system between
Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Trains will operate at speeds up to
350 km an hour. The system will be built and operated by private
enterprise.
The Report seeks positive responses from the
NSW, Victorian, Commonwealth Governments and the ACT
Administration. Governments are urged to show their support for the
project by:
- facilitating access to land for survey and route investigation
purposes
- ensuring that all relevant departments and instrumentalities
cooperate
- indicating that after due process, governments will support the
project and that relevant legislation will be enacted to facilitate
land acquisition.
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VFT Joint Venture. VFT: concept report. VFT, Canberra,
December 1988.
Mono 385.370994 VFT
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March 1989
The Joint Venture's proposal expands to include Queensland
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It is reported that Queensland Premier Mike
Ahern, State Transport Minister Peter McKechnie, and State Tourism
Minister Rob Borbidge met with the Joint Venture Chairman Dr Paul
Wild. The Queensland Government agrees in principle to the Joint
Venture's proposal to link Brisbane and Sydney with the VFT, and to
participate in a feasibility study and an environmental impact
assessment.
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'Brisbane to Sydney VFT appraisal in principal', Canberra
Times, 27 March 1989.
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7 March 1989
VFT has Prime Ministerial support
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It is reported that in a caucus meeting, Prime
Minister Bob Hawke strongly supports the VFT project saying that it
would revolutionise the geographic and demographic aspects of
cities on the route.
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'Hawke backs Very Fast Train', Age, 8 March 1989.
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21 March 1989
Calls for a government inquiry into the VFT
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Senator Chris Schacht, in his capacity as a
member of the ALP Caucus Transport and Communications Committee, is
reported to have called for a government inquiry into the VFT
proposal to examine the advantages trains using magnetic levitation
would have over other technology.
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'Senator calls for federal inquiry into Very Fast Train',
Age, 22 March 1989.
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14 August 1989
Cabinet considers the VFT proposal and refers the matter to a
Senate Committee
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The Cabinet considers the VFT proposal. Leaked
details of the Cabinet Memorandum suggest that all government
departments which contributed to the memorandum (excluding the
Industry Department) recommended that the Government 'neither
support or oppose the project' noting that 'there is still much
that remains unknown or undecided about the VFT project and changes
central to it could occur throughout the feasibility study'.
Cabinet refers the matter to the Senate Standing Committee on
Transport, Communications and Infrastructure.
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Bob Brown, Minister for Land Transport and Shipping. Very Fast
Train. Media Release, 154/89, 14 August 1989. (Attachment
3)
'Very Fast Train - very fast', Sydney Morning Herald,
19 August, 1989
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17 August 1989
Senate inquiry's terms of reference.
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Senator Robert Ray, Minister for Immigration,
Local Government and Ethnic Affairs, moves that the Senate refers
the VFT proposal to the Senate Standing Committee on Transport,
Communications and Infrastructure, and reports by the last
parliamentary sitting day in May 1990. The Committee is to
examine:
(a) the effects which such a project could have
on existing and future land use patterns and transport and
communications infrastructure in south-eastern Australia;
(b) other possible environmental impacts of such
a project including possible noise and atmospheric effects;
(c) transit time, route and technology
options;
(d) safety aspects, both in terms of protection
of passengers and in terms of effect on the road toll;
(e) the effect on energy use: and,
That, in conducting this inquiry, the Committee
have regard to the scope and coverage of any other concurrent
review or inquiry, including environmental impact study processes,
into the VFT and seek to consult and liaise as necessary, to avoid
unnecessary duplication.
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Senate Hansard, 17 August 1989, p. 230.
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September 1989
The Victorian Government establishes a process to review the VFT
proposal
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The Victorian Government establishes a VFT
review panel, chaired by Monash University Vice-Chancellor
Professor Mal Logan. The panel releases an Interim Report on 26
June 1990, which it claims to be incomplete as key information was
withheld from it by the consortium. The Interim Report suggests
that the inland route is preferable to the east Gippsland route. A
Final Report, supporting the Interim Report, is released in June
1991.
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'Cain calls for withheld data on VFT', Australian, 27
June 1990.
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16 September 1989
Opposition to the VFT proposal
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Conservation, community groups and unions are
reported to have met in Sydney and call for the Federal Environment
Minister, Senator Graham Richardson to establish a commission of
inquiry into the VFT under the Environmental Protection (Impact
of Proposals) Act 1974. The inquiry should examine the
proposed route, means of land acquisition, and the impact of the
project on local communities.
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'Fast train or fast bucks?', Sunday Age, 24 September
1989.
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October 1989
VFT Joint Venture releases a progress report
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VFT Joint Venture releases 'Focus for the
Future', which provides input to the Victorian, ACT and Federal
inquiries into the VFT.
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VFT Joint Venture. VFT: focus for the future: a progress
report, October 1989. VFT, Canberra, 1989.
Folio 385.0994 f VFT
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October 1989
VFT Joint Venture proposes a scheme to benefit from increased
land values along the rail corridor
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It is reported that a confidential discussion
paper from the VFT consortium entitled 'Sharing Value Added to
Property in the VFT Corridor', is circulated to the Federal, NSW,
Victorian and ACT Governments. In the paper, the consortium
suggests that the VFT proposal is partially dependent on the
benefits from boosted land prices along the rail corridor, and
suggests three options for taxing land-holders who benefit from
increases in the value of their properties. The paper allegedly
proposes that proceeds from these taxes are shared between the VFT
consortium and governments.
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'Gains tax all for VFT land', Sunday Age, 13 May
1990.
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November 1989
Report for the Victorian Government on the VFT released
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Touche Ross and Dames & Moore report on the
impact of the VFT on the State for the Victorian Government. The
Report examines environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts,
transport impacts, route choice, and economic impacts. The Report
is hampered by a lack of information. The Report concludes
that:
- mechanisms for obtaining missing data should be
established
- local communities should be involved in the planning process,
and appropriate funding provided to facilitate these
activities
- strategies for resolving disputes and avoiding delays be
established.
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Dames & Moore. The Very Fast Train : preliminary
appraisal of impacts on Victoria. Dames and Moore, Touche
Ross, Melbourne, 1989.
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8 December 1989
Opponents to the VFT demonstrate
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The Canberra Region VFT Action Group,
representing 60 union, community and environmental groups in
south-east Australia is reported to have demonstrated outside the
ACT Legislative Assembly against the VFT. The group is concerned
with the social, economic and environmental effects of the VFT and
argued that the Senate inquiry into the VFT was inadequate. The
group specifically wanted answers to questions on noise, and the
government's or taxpayers responsibility for infrastructure
costs.
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'New Canberra action group wants Commonwealth VFT inquiry',
Canberra Times, 9 December 1989.
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January 1990
VFT supporters group established
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The VFT Progress Group is formed to support the
VFT proposal. The Group consists of business organisations
including the Canberra Development Board, the Canberra Association
for Regional Development and the Building Owners and Managers
Association of Canberra.
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January 1990
The ACT Government's response to the VFT Concept Report
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The ACT Government issues its response to the
VFT Concept Report. The Response gives conditional support to the
proposal, and indicates that there are outstanding issues that need
to be addressed before full support can be given. In
particular:
- the impact of the project on the ACT needs to be studied, and a
cost/benefit analysis completed
- explanation and analysis of route, track alignment and station
location
- the impact of the VFT on the planned urban structure of
Canberra, including the natural environment
- social impacts
- commercial viability
- impact on Government expenditure and revenues
- public consultation mechanisms
- noise
- the possible location of the VFT headquarters in the ACT.
The Government indicates that it would be
willing to support the project by facilitating land acquisition,
and instructing relevant Government agencies to cooperate with the
Joint Venture-but agencies may charge the Joint Venture for some
services. The final proposal will be subject to normal public and
Government scrutiny.
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ACT Government. Response to the VFT concept report. ACT
Government, Canberra, ACT, 1990.
PAMP 385.0994 p RES
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January 1990
The NSW Government investigates tilt trains
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It is reported that NSW Transport Minister Bruce
Baird has held discussions with a tilt train company in London, and
gives the go-ahead for a feasibility study for a tilt train. There
is concern that two high speed railways will be built-which would
be unsupportable.
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'New fast trian proposal tilts at VFT', Canberra Times,
19 January 1990.
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January 1990
Klynveld Peat Marwick Goedeler report to the ACT Office of
Industry and Development
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KPMG Peat Marwick and ARUP Ove Arup Engineering
Consultants present a report to the ACT Office of Industry and
Development on the economic costs and benefits of the Very Fast
Train Project. The report concludes that the VFT project could
bring substantial benefits to the ACT. In particular, the project
may provide annual benefits to the ACT of $30 million in travel
savings, 430 new jobs, a population increase of 800, and household
income growth of $10 million. Costs to the ACT are estimated to be
between $35 and $50 million. The report urges a proactive approach
to ensure that the benefits of the project are captured by the
ACT.
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Klynveld Peat Marwick Goedeler. Report for the ACT Office of
Industry and Development: Study of the Economic Costs and Benefits
of the Very Fast Train Project. KPMG Peat Marwick Management
Consultants, ARUP Ove Arup and Partners Engineering consultants.
KPMG/ARUP, Canberra, 1990.
Folio 385.370994 f REP
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21-22 March 1990
National VFT Conference
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National VFT Conference, sponsored by the
Institution of Engineers, is held in Canberra. The conference is
supportive of the VFT proposal, and aims to inform the four
governments concerned with evaluating the proposal of the findings
of the conference.
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National Conference on the Very Fast Train (VFT) Project:
Canberra 21-22 March 1990. Institution of Engineers, Barton
ACT, Australia, 1990.
Anals S 690 NAT
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29 May 1990
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The Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on
Transport, Communications and Infrastructure (Senator Foreman)
tables the Interim report on Aspects of the proposal for a Very
Fast Train.
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Senate Standing Committee on Transport, Communications and
Infrastructure. Interim Report on Aspects of the Proposal for a
Very Fast Train. Senate, Canberra, May 1990.
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1 June 1990
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In the Senate, Senator Powell (Australian
Democrats, Victoria), presents a petition signed by 168 people
against the VFT.
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Senate Hansard, 1 June 1990, p. 1693.
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June 1990
The Victorian Very Fast Train Review Panel's Interim Report
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The Victorian Government's Very Fast Train
Review Panel issues an Interim Report. The Panel supports the rail
connection, and recommends that in general, the Government should
facilitate the construction of the line. The Panel does call for
the Joint Venture to provide a substantial amount of additional
information and to undertake additional analysis of impacts.
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Very Fast Train Review Panel. Interim Report.
Melbourne: The Panel, 1990.
Folio 385.370994 f VER
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June 1990
ACT VFT Advisory Committee Report
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The ACT Government's VFT Advisory Committee
reports. Recommendations address:
- environmental impacts
- financial implications
- public interest aspects
- social impacts
Further studies are recommended regarding fair
dealing practice, noise effects, safety matters, land acquisition
and tax incentives.
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Scully, Jim. Report on the Very Fast Train Project: Public
Consultation and Major Issues / ACT VFT Advisory Committee,
Canberra: ACT VFT Advisory Committee, 1990.
Folio 385.09947 f REP
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14 June 1990
The NSW Treasury and Department of State Report
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The NSW Treasury and the Department of State
Development presents a report to the Senate Committee examining the
VFT proposal. The report apparently does not give support to the
scheme.
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'NSW refuses to support Very Fast Train plan at this stage',
Age, 15 June 1990
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21 August 1990
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In the Senate, Senator Powell (Australian
Democrats, Victoria), presents a petition signed by 94 citizens
calling for a national inquiry into the VFT proposal
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Senate. Hansard, 21 August 1990, p. 1801.
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25 August 1990
Elders withdraws from the Joint Venture
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It is reported that Elders IXL withdraws from
the VFT because of financial problems they are experiencing.
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'Elders-IXL withdraws from VFT', Canberra Times, 25
August 1990.
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October 1990
VFT Joint Venture report on Economics of the Very Fast Train
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VFT Joint Venture releases a report on the
economic impact of the VFT. The report is strongly supportive of
the proposal.
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VFT Joint Venture. The Economics of the very fast
train. VFT, Canberra, 1990.
Folio 385.0994 f ECO
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November 1990
VFT Joint Venture report on VFT Project Evaluation
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VFT Joint Venture releases its Project
Evaluation Report. This document includes a description of the
project, its justification, performance criteria, future processes,
and route selection.
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Elders IXL. VFT: Project evaluation. VFT Joint Venture,
Canberra, 1990.
Folio 385.1 f VFT
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10 December 1990
The four governments meet to discuss the VFT
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The Commonwealth, NSW, Victorian and ACT
Governments meet with the Joint Venture partners to discuss the VFT
proposal. The Governments agree to coordinated and streamlined
processes to assess and progress the proposal.
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Prime Minister, Joint Statement for Media. 10 December
1990. (Attachment 6)
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11 January 1991
TNT withdraws from the Joint Venture.
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It is reported that TNT loses interest in the
project and withholds funding. Changes to the proposal which meant
that the VFT could have been a competitor with Ansett for some
freight and the decision to pursue the inland route are reported to
be the reason for TNT's decision. BHP and Kumagai Gumi continue to
be involved.
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VFT 'in no hurry' as Abeles backs off. Canberra Times,
11 January 1991.
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18 February 1991
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In the Senate, Senators Kemp (Liberal,
Victoria), and Powell present a petition from 109 and 21 citizens
respectively calling for a Federal inquiry into the VFT looking
particularly at energy and greenhouse strategies, land use and the
development of new cities.
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Senate Hansard, 18 February 1991, p. 692.
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19 February 1991
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In the Senate, Senator Patterson (Liberal,
Victoria) presents a petition signed by 24 citizens calling for a
national inquiry into the VFT.
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Senate Hansard, 19 February 1991, p. 786.
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11 March 1991
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In the Senate, Senator Spindler (Australian
Democrats, Victoria) presents a petition signed by 142 citizens
calling for a Federal inquiry into to the VFT.
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Senate Hansard, 11 March 1991, p. 1552.
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13 March 1991
Senate committee reports
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Senate Standing Committee on Transport,
Communications and Infrastructure review completed. The Committee
recommends that:
- public comments sought for a period of six weeks regarding
environmental impacts
- there be financial protection for the Commonwealth if the
project fails
- a study of the relationship between the VFT and a Fast Freight
Train (FFT) be conducted, and that the Federal Government should
consider paying for the cost of making lines suitable for the FFT
if the FFT cannot use the VFT lines
- due to safety considerations, relevant governments approve any
sharing of the VFT corridor by other utilities such as pipelines or
communication cables
- scrutiny of noise standards be undertaken as part of the public
consultation process
- there is provision for the uniform provision and enforcement of
safety standards. These standards to be no less than those applied
overseas, and implemented cooperatively between relevant
governments. The Commonwealth to have the power to act unilaterally
if the cooperative approach fails.
The Committee does not consider the economic
viability of the project, but does rule out use of magnetic
levitation technology over the longer corridor route because of its
cost.
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Senate Standing committee on Transport, Communications and
Infrastructure. Aspects of the Proposal for a Very Fast Train:
(final report). The Committee, Canberra, March 1991.
Mono 385.370994 AUS
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26 March 1991
Cabinet considers the VFT and refers it to a subcommittee
|
Cabinet considers a submission from the
Treasurer, Paul Keating, and the Minister for Land Transport, Bob
Brown, on the VFT project. Cabinet decides to create a subcommittee
to examine the proposal in more depth. The subcommittee comprises:
Mr Keating, Treasurer; Senator Button, Minister for Industry,
Technology and Commerce; Mr Dawkins, Minister for Employment,
Education and Training; Mr Willis, Minister for Finance; and Mr
Brown, Minister for Land Transport.
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Bob Brown, Minister for Land Transport. Media Release,
105/91, 26 March 1991.
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June 1991
Victoria's Very Fast Train Review Panel reports
|
The Victorian Government's Very Fast Train
Review Panel, chaired by Professor Mal Logan, releases its final
report. While hampered by a lack of resources access to
information, the report makes, inter alia, the following
recommendations:
- that the Hume corridor (i.e. The Inland Route) rather than the
Gippsland route (ie. The Coastal Route) be chosen
- that land acquisition powers not be given to the VFT Joint
Venture, but land be acquired by government and leased to the Joint
Venture
- that there be Federal coordination of the proposal as part of a
national transport strategy
- that the Victorian Government precludes financial intervention
by Government if the project runs into difficulties
- that the Government considers subsidising concession passengers
travel on the VFT rather than continuing to operate its own
passenger services
- the establishment of a State Environmental Protection Policy on
high speed rail noise
- that time-lines be established for the preparation of
additional assessments, including an Environmental Effects
Statement.
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Very Fast Train Review Panel. Final Report. Very Fast
Train Review Panel, Melbourne, 1991.
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1 June 1991
Premiers' Conference
|
At the Premiers Conference, South Australia's
Bannon Government is reported to have pressured the Federal
Government to agree to tax changes that would assist major
infrastructure projects.
|
'Fast train project back on the rails', Australian, 5
June 1991.
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6 June 1991
Alternative approach to tax incentives presented to the Federal
Government
|
The VFT Joint Venture submits an alternative
approach on tax proposals relating to the VFT project to the
Government. This proposal involves benefit transfer where tax
deductions could be passed through to the company's shareholders.
The original proposal involved tax deductible equity and franked
interest bonds.
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VFT Joint Venture. News Release. New Tax proposals from
VFT. 6 June 1991.
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20 June 1991
The Government responds to the Senate report
|
The Government's response to the Senate Standing
Committee on Transport, Communications and Infrastructure report is
released. The Government indicates that it is generally supportive
of the project, but has reservations about the proposed taxation
treatment of the VFT. In particular, the report indicates:
- support for the public consultation period of six weeks for
environmental concerns-subject to agreement between the four
relevant governments
- support for mechanisms to limit the financial liability of
governments if the project fails
- rejects the call for the Government to pay for changes to lines
in order to make them suitable for Fast Freight Trains (FFT), if
the VFT lines can not be used for FFT
- that safety issues arising from a sharing of the VFT corridor
by pipelines, communications cables, etc be evaluated by an
independent party according to international rail safety
standards-not by the Federal Government
- agrees that the noise standards applying to the VFT be exposed
to full public scrutiny either prior to or as part of the
Environmental Impact Statement assessment process
- agrees that uniform safety standards should be a high
priority.
|
Minister for Land Transport. Senate Standing Committee on
Transport, Communications and Infrastructure. Report on:
Aspects of the Proposal for a Very Fast Train. Government
Response. The Committee, Canberra, 1991.
|
|
7 July 1991
Report urging government tax concessions
|
A confidential report prepared by Credit Suisse
First Boston Australia Bank for the Joint Venture partners
allegedly finds that the VFT proposal is not viable without
government tax concessions. The report lists the project's other
weaknesses as:
- an unsatisfactory nominal internal rate of return (15.9% for
equity investors)
- no established track record
- a high debt to equity ratio (4:1)
- no recourse to project sponsors
- the possible non-attainment of passengers and freight market
revenues
- the possibility of capital and operating cost over-runs and
completion delays
- no cash dividends before 2010.
|
'Report casts doubts on viability of VFT', Age, 5 July
1991.
'Doubleday, W.A. VFT-The Penultimate Chapter?',
Newsrail, November 1991, pp. 350-351.
|
|
August 1991
Cabinet rejects proposals regarding tax concessions
|
Cabinet rejects the Joint Venture's proposals
regarding taxation treatment that would have allowed tax deductions
for tax losses from construction to be passed to shareholders in
the operating company. This would have allowed investors to write
off losses on the investment against their income at 39 cents in
the dollar. It is claimed by the Joint Venture that these proposals
will attract private sector investment in a range of infrastructure
projects-not just the VFT project. Former Federal Finance Minister
Peter Walsh claims that the tax concessions as proposed would have
cost $1.4 billion.
|
VFT Consortium unveils Brisbane-Adelaide plan. Age, 26
February 1992.
VFT Joint Venture, News Release, 22 July 1991.
VFT Benefit Transfer: A proposal to allow companies involved
in delayed income projects to distribute accruing tax losses to
shareholders. VFT Joint Venture, Canberra, June 1991.
(Attachment 8)
|
|
August 1991
Government undertakes to consider tax concessions in another
forum
|
The Government undertakes to give further
consideration to the Joint Venture's tax proposals at the November
1991 Special Premiers' Conference.
|
Kerin, John, Treasurer. Press Release, no. 69, 6
August, 1991. Very Fast Train Project. (Attachment 9)
|
|
August 1991
VFT Joint Venture folds
|
The project subsequently folds allegedly because
of Cabinet's rejection of the Joint Venture's proposals regarding
taxation. Other reasons for failure may have been the suspicion
that the project was motivated by real estate development, very
high costs, and a disparate group of backers who lacked a
coordinated and focused approach.
|
'Canberra express a capital idea', Sydney Morning
Herald, 16 October 1993
'BHP pulls out of fast train project', Australian Financial
Review, 7 August 1991.
|
|
February 1992
New Prime Minister allocates funds to upgrade conventional rail
links
|
Paul Keating releases the One Nation
economic statement. One Nation contains some modest
funding initiatives to upgrade infrastructure and create jobs.
Funds are subsequently committed to the standard-gauge national
rail link from Brisbane to Perth via Melbourne and Adelaide most of
which is expended on a low cost gauge standardisation of the
Melbourne-Adelaide rail line.
|
'VFT project waiting to be revived', Canberra Times,
August 16, 1992.
|
|
8 October 1992
NSW and ACT investigate a tilt train line between Sydney and
Canberra
|
It is reported that NSW Minister for Transport,
Bruce Baird, announces that expressions of interest are being
sought by the NSW and ACT Governments to develop a tilt train
service between Sydney and Canberra. Proposals are to be lodged by
December 7, 1992.
|
'ACT, NSW call for tilt-train proposals', Canberra
Times, October 9, 1992. (Attachment 14)
|
|
August 1993
The Speedrail group proposes Canberra-Sydney line
|
It is reported that Speedrail Pty Ltd,
comprising an engineering consultancy, project managers and
GEC-Alsthom proposes a $2.4 billion Sydney-Canberra line. The
proposal is substantially similar to the VFT proposal, except that
it is confined to the Sydney-Canberra corridor. The proposed
service would reduce travel time between Sydney and Canberra to 75
minutes, operate hourly, and cost approximately $72 for an economy
fare. The proposal involves building new tracks, and would create
between 18,000 and 35,000 jobs. The proposal does not seek changes
to the tax law or tax concessions.
|
'Canberra examines $2.4bn fast train plan', Sydney Morning
Herald, 23 August 1993.
|
|
September 1993
|
Sydney wins the 2000 Olympic Games. Federal
Industry Minister, Alan Griffith is reported to have indicated that
the ALP Government would support the Sydney-Canberra line as a way
of benefiting from the Games.
|
'Games boost to fast train', Sunday Herald Sun, 26
September 1993.
|
|
5 October 1993
The Commonwealth begins examining Canberra-Sydney proposal
|
A working group is established within the
Federal Treasury to examine the proposal by the Speedrail group to
build the Canberra-Sydney line.
|
|
|
24 October 1993
The ACT agrees to a joint task-force
|
The ACT indicates its support for an
inter-governmental task force involving the ACT, NSW and
Commonwealth Governments to evaluate the Speedrail proposal.
Special Minister of State Frank Walker had previously indicated
that the Commonwealth would support a joint taskforce
|
Speedrail. ACT Government Supports Speedrail Task Force.
Press Release, 24 October 1993.
|
|
23 November 1993
The Canberra-Sydney line receives bilateral support
|
The Federal Coalition backs the high speed rail
link between Sydney and Canberra. It is reported that at a joint
party meeting, the parties decide to send a letter of support to
Speedrail.
|
'Coalition supports high-speed rail link', Canberra
Times, 24 November 1993.
|
|
5 January 1994
NSW proposes alternative technology
|
NSW Transport Minister, Bruce Baird is reported
to have said that the high speed rail proposal is too expensive,
and proposes that the cheaper tilt train technology be used
instead.
|
'Fast train link may be too costly, Minister', Age, 6
January, 1994.
|
|
3 June 1994
Commonwealth, ACT and NSW Governments agree to a joint study
|
Federal Minister for Industry, Science and
Technology, Senator Cook, and ACT Chief Minister, Rosemary Follett,
announce a jointly funded feasibility study into the Speedrail
proposal for a high speed rail link between Sydney and Canberra.
$50000 is to be contributed by each Government. Speedrail is to
carry out the study. The NSW Government indicates that it will
provide technical advice.
Speedrail is to contribute $250000 to the
project.
|
'Fast train studied', Sydney Morning Herald, 4 June
1994.
Speedrail feasibility study to begin. Press Release,
Speedrail. 3 June 1994. (Attachment 16)
'Speedrail feasibility study begins', W/E Australian
4-5 June 1994.
|
|
October 1994
Qld Government purchases tilt trains
|
The Queensland Government is reported to have
signed a $6.2 million contract with a Maryborough company to build
a tilt train to run on the newly upgraded rail link between
Brisbane and Rockhampton.
|
'Queensland shows a $62.5m leaning to new tilt train',
Australian Financial Review, 31 October, 1994.
|
|
8 November 1994
The Victorian Government commences a feasibility study
|
It is reported that the Victorian Government
establishes a committee headed by former Federal Transport
Minister, Mr Peter Nixon, to investigate the feasibility of a VFT
between Melbourne and Sydney, and steps the Government needs to
take to implement the technology. The Committee's terms of
reference are to examine:
- the status of any current proposal for very fast and/or high-
speed passenger train services between Melbourne and Sydney, and
across Australia
- the level of support and opposition to a VFT between Melbourne
and Sydney
- the immediate action required to prepare for high speed trains
some time in the future
- the options for future VFT route corridors
- VFT and high speed passenger services operating in other
countries, looking at technology used and financial
performance.
The Committee is criticised by the managing
director of Speedrail, Dale Budd, for not including in its terms of
reference an examination of the issue involved in insuring that
Victorian high speed trains are compatible with others.
|
'Victoria revives fast train proposal', Age, 9 November
1994. (Attachment 17)
|
|
29 May 1995
|
Senator McDonald (NP) gives notice that on the
next day of sitting he will move that the Senate:
(a) notes that:
- the Sydney 2000 Olympics is now only four and a half years
away,
- an efficient transport system is essential to ferry the
multitude of domestic and international visitors between Sydney,
Melbourne and Canberra, and
- it is time for the VFT proposal to be put back on the public
agenda; and
(b) condemns an unimaginative Labor Government
which killed the project when it was proposed by refusing to
consider tax breaks to the developers; and
(c) acknowledges the tax concessions the
Coalition, before the 1993 federal election, was willing to make to
ensure that this valuable project went ahead.
|
Senate Hansard, 29 May 1995, p. 464.
|
|
February-June 1995
|
A X2000 tilt train, manufactured by Asea Brown
Boveri in Sweden is trialed by the NSW State Rail Authority in
country areas. The train tilts into corners, which allows it to
take corners faster than conventional trains. It is hoped that the
tilt train would reduce the rail travel time between Canberra and
Sydney from 4 hours and 10 minutes to about 2 hours on the existing
track. The trial is reported to be less than fully successful
because the deficiencies of the existing track.
|
'Up to speed? State Rail puts Swedish tilt train to the test',
Sydney Morning Herald, 18 February, 1995.
|
|
21 September 1995
EPAC recommends stopping Infrastructure Bonds
|
The Economic Planning Advisory Committee (EPAC)
recommends that infrastructure bonds be discontinued after 1997-98.
(Investors who buy infrastructure bonds are eligible for tax
deductions. Any company that issues infrastructure bonds needs
Federal Government approval.)
|
EPAC Private Infrastructure Task Force. EPAC Private
Infrastructure Task Force: final report. AGPS, Canberra,
1995.
|
|
17 January 1996
The Coalition claims the ALP Government is not committed to the
proposal
|
The Sydney-Canberra rail link becomes a federal
election issue, with Shadow Transport Minister John Sharp allegedly
claiming that the Minister for Transport, Laurie Brereton, has
given no encouragement for the project, and that if Labor is
re-elected the project will not go ahead. Laurie Brereton's office
responds that this is untrue as Department of Transport officers
have been working on the Speedrail project for the past couple of
years.
|
'Speedrail project still on track says government', Daily
Commercial News, 18 January 1996.
|
|
18 January 1996
The ALP Government commits funds to a feasibility study
|
The Federal Government announces that it will
contribute $50000 to a feasibility study for the Sydney-Canberra
rail link, matching funds provided by the ACT and NSW Governments.
This cost is to be jointly borne by the Department of Industry,
Science and Technology (DIST) and the Department of Transport.
|
Senator Peter Cook, Minister for Industry, Science and
Technology, News Release, 18 January 1996, 015/96.
|
|
June 1996
|
A report on transport development options for
NSW, ACT and Victoria is released by the South East Australian
Transport Study (SEATS) group. Both the Sydney-Melbourne and
Sydney-Canberra high speed rail links are examined, and receive
high scores for the potential benefits the schemes could provide.
The schemes are recognised however as less desirable because of
their high costs compared with the benefits.
|
South East Australian Transport Study. Strategic Transport
Links for Regional and National Prosperity. Melbourne: SEATS,
1996.
|
|
15 July 1996
Transport Minister John Sharp supports the Canberra-Sydney
proposal
|
Transport Minister John Sharp is reported to
have said that while in 1972 50% of freight between Sydney and
Melbourne had been via rail, in 1995 it was down to 22%. The
development of the Speedrail option will enable rail transport to
take back some of the freight that had been lost to road
transport.
|
'Fast rail link may overtake trucks: Sharp', Canberra
Times, 16 July 1996.
|
|
September 1996
Confidential Government report condemns the proposal
|
A Secretariat appointed by the Commonwealth, NSW
and ACT Governments complete a report which is not publicly
released. Newspapers claim that the report suggests that the
project would not be viable without a Government subsidy of more
than $1.5 billion. This cost would comprise $1.3 billion for
construction and $406 million over five to six years to subsidise
operating costs.
|
'Fast train link could need $1.5bn subsidy',
Australian, 27 September, 1996.
|
|
September 1996
Speedrail consortium commits additional funds to examine the
feasibility of the proposal
|
NSW Premier, Bob Carr is reported to have
announced that a preliminary study had shown that the Speedrail
option between Canberra-Sydney would cost at least $1 billion in
public funds to establish, and an annual injection of $400 million
to operate. Speedrail subsequently announces that it wants to
invest $7 million in a study to determine the viability of the
project. Richard Hadley, the Commercial Director of Speedrails'
backer, GEC-Alsthom, says that the project would create 13500
construction jobs for three years and would see $110 million in
payroll tax going to the NSW Government.
|
'Europeans want to invest in fast-train study to highlight
viability', Canberra Times, 28 September 1996.
|
|
September 1996
NSW accused of procrastination
|
It is reported that Transport Minister, John
Sharp, accuses NSW of procrastination on the finalisation of
details. NSW strongly disagrees and claims that delays have been
related to NSW guidelines requiring open tender processes. The NSW
Government considers referring assessment of the project to
COAG.
|
'Talks on fast train get the flag', Australian Financial
Review, 9 September 1996.
|
|
4 September 1996
ACT fears that NSW will introduce tilt trains
|
ACT Deputy Chief Minister, Tony de Domenico, is
reported to have said that NSW rail officials are determined to
introduce outdated tilt train technology.
|
'NSW rail delaying fast train: De Dominico', Canberra
Times, 5 September 1996.
|
|
10 September 1996
Applications for infrastructure bonds close unexpectedly
|
Federal Transport Minister says that the
Commonwealth would make infrastructure bonds available to help pay
for the Canberra-Sydney line. Hours after this announcement,
Treasurer Peter Costello says that no more applications for
infrastructure bond tax concessions would be accepted for the rest
of the financial year because of an overwhelming number of new
applications being received. It is understood that the Speedrail
consortium had applied for infrastructure bonds prior to the
Treasurer's announcement, however, other groups wishing to bid for
the right to build the link had missed out.
|
'NSW and Feds back fast train', Canberra Times, 11
September 1996. (Attachment 18)
Peter Costello, MP. Infrastructure borrowings taxation
concession. Press Release, 14 Feb 1997.
|
|
10 September 1996
ACT urges support of non- tilt train technology
|
The ACT Assembly's Economic Development and
Tourism Committee (EDTC), in conjunction with the Planning and
Environment Committee, considers the available technologies for the
Canberra-Sydney rail link. ACT Liberal MLA Trevor Kaine, Chair of
the EDTC, is reported to have said that either the Magnetic
Levitation or the Speedrail options should be chosen ahead of the
tilt trains.
|
'Support grows on new option for fast train', Canberra
Times, 12 September 1996.
|
|
11 September 1996
NSW premier gives conditional support to the proposal
|
It is reported that NSW Premier, Bob Carr
announces NSW support for the Sydney-Canberra line project provided
it meets three basic tests-there must be no net cost to NSW
taxpayers, studies must show it is viable and the private sector
must show it can successfully manage the project.
|
'No cost fives train a rails run: Carr', Financial
Review, 11 September 1996.
|
|
14 September 1996
Victorian Premier supports pioneering Canberra-Sydney line
|
It is reported that Victorian Premier Jeff
Kennett urges support for the Sydney-Canberra rail line as the
first stage in the development of an Sydney-Melbourne route. In
discussions with Treasurer Peter Costello, Jeff Kennett supports
the use of infrastructure bonds to attract private sector
investment.
|
'Kennett to Feds: back fast train', Canberra Times, 14
September 1996.
|
|
26 September 1996
Major financial commitment made by Speedrail backer
|
GEC Alsthom, the main backer of the Speedrail
consortium is reported to pledge to invest $200 million in the
project.
|
'High speed rail pledge', Age, 26 September 1996.
|
|
October 1996
|
Press reports indicate that the French
Government has deferred some of its high speed rail development
proposals for technical and financial reasons. New plans based on
improved technology are to be drawn up. Some funds earmarked for
rail expansion may be used to complete motorways.
|
'Plans for fast train given the bullet', Sydney Morning
Herald, 5 October 1996.
|
|
4 December 1996
Joint ACT, NSW, Commonwealth investigation announced
|
Prime Minister announces a joint
Commonwealth-NSW-ACT venture to investigate options for a high
speed train service. Any project must be on the basis of no net
cost to the taxpayer. Constitutional powers may be used to acquire
land compulsorily along the route.
|
|
|
March 1997
VHST Project Control Group established
|
A Canberra based businessman, Jim Service is
appointed to head the Very High Speed Train (VHST) Project Control
Group that will assess proposals for the development of the
Sydney-Canberra rail link from an ACT Government perspective.
|
'Service heads study on train', Canberra Times, 9 March
1997.
|
|
4 March 1997
ACT confirms its involvement in investigation
|
It is reported that Commonwealth-NSW-ACT venture
is confirmed by ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell.
|
'Green light for fast train', Canberra Times, 4 March
1997.
|
|
17 April 1997
Companies lodge their interest in the Canberra-Sydney route
|
Closing date for the lodgement for the
Registrations of Interest in the Sydney-Canberra route.
|
|
|
18 April 1997
Speedrail consortium attracts additional partners
|
The Commonwealth Bank and Qantas are reported to
have joined the Speedrail bid for the Sydney-Canberra route.
Members of the Speedrail Group also include GEC Alsthom, Leighton
Contractors, French National Railways - SNCF, Boulderstone
Hornibrook, and Speedrail Pty Ltd.
|
'Bank joins Qantas in speed-rail consortium', Canberra
Times, 18 April 1997.
|
|
May 1997
ACT Government commences an inquiry into the proposal
|
The ACT Legislative Assembly's Standing
Committee on Economic Development and Tourism commences an inquiry
on the impact of a very high speed train on Canberra's future
economic development. In particular, the Committee is to
examine:
- the consequences for employment growth in the short, medium and
long term
- The impact of the development on Canberra's private and public
sectors
- The impact on Canberra's tourism sector
- The impact on other transport modes and freight movements in
and out of Canberra
- any other related matters.
|
|
|
May 1997
Sir Peter Abeles again becomes publicly involved in high speed
trains
|
The press reports that Sir Peter Abeles is
appointed chairman of Thyssen Transrapid Australia Pty Ltd, a
company bidding for the tender to construct and operate the
Canberra-Sydney rail link using revolutionary magnetic levitation
technology.
|
'Abeles to head Maglev bid for Canberra route', Canberra
Times, 8 May 1997.
|
|
12-13 June 1997
High Speed Train conference
|
A Conference is held in Canberra about high
speed trains. As the Keynote speaker at the Conference, Mark Vaile,
MP, on behalf of the Minister for Transport and Regional
Development, outlines the Government's plan for rail transport. In
response to the Brew Report in 1996, the Government decides to
divest itself of any direct involvement in the operating of trains,
but to provide the environment in which private train operators
will be encouraged to do so. Accordingly the Government would
support the Very Fast Train proposal between Canberra and Sydney,
as long as it involved no net cost to the taxpayer. Private sector
investments in infrastructure would be facilitated through the tax
system.
Mr Vaile concludes that the Canberra-Sydney very
high speed rail link 'to be at the leading edge of what the
Commonwealth considers should be the direction of transport
reform'
|
High speed trains: the short/medium range alternative to air
travel for the 21st century: conference proceedings,
12-13 June 1997, Australia, Rydges Lakeside, Canberra,
1997.
Folio 385.370994 F HIG
|
|
July 1997
Short list released
|
Six consortiums short-listed to build the
Sydney-Canberra rail link:
- Capital Rail
- Inter-Capital Express
- Goninan Consortium
- Speedrail Group
- Talgo/Rail Services Australia
- Thyssen Transrapid
|
|
|
August 1997
Commonwealth again accuses NSW of procrastination
|
Prime Minister John Howard is reported to have
claimed that the NSW Government is delaying planning for the VFT.
The NSW Government claims that the Commonwealth had not taken the
project seriously until this time.
|
'Carr rejects claim NSW stalling on fast train link',
Canberra Times, 29 August 1997.
|
|
23 August 1997
Federal Government major financial commitment to conventional
rail services
|
It is reported that the Howard Government
promises $100 million from the Federation Fund for the conventional
Alice Springs to Darwin railway. Private sector interests are to
build, own and operate the line, and there will be no ongoing
Commonwealth support.
|
'Darwin rail link', Sydney Morning Herald, 28 August
1997.
|
|
September 1997
Work on a Sydney-Melbourne proposal commences
|
After a meeting in Brussels, Deputy Prime
Minister, Tim Fischer is reported to revive the idea of a
Sydney-Melbourne VFT line. The project is backed by the Committee
For Melbourne (CFM) which is chaired by businessman Jack Smorgon. A
Melbourne Firm, Global Agenda, is hired by the CFM in November 1997
to do preliminary work on the proposal.
|
'New plan to fast-track fast train', Sydney Morning
Herald, 9 Feb 1998.
|
|
10 October 1997
The Commonwealth commits to using its land acquisition powers to
assist the project
|
After a meeting about the VFT project with NSW
Premier Bob Carr and ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell, Prime
Minister John Howard says that the Commonwealth would make its
powers of compulsory land acquisition available for the VFT between
Sydney and Canberra. This would be conditional on the successful
tenderer indemnifying the Commonwealth for all costs.
|
The Hon. John Howard, MP. Press Release, 10 October
1997.
|
|
December 1997
NSW continues to investigate the use of tilt trains
|
The NSW Government's Public Works Committee,
Chaired by Paul Crittenden, investigates the introduction of tilt
trains in NSW on inter-urban corridors such as Sydney - Newcastle.
The Canberra - Sydney route is not covered by this study because of
the alternative proposals being reviewed by the tri-government
investigation.
|
Sunday Telegraph, December 14, 1997.
|
|
December 1997
Final tender process commences
|
Four international consortia join the final
tender process for the Canberra-Sydney high speed rail link:
- Capital Rail. Backed by ASEA Brown Boveri, ABB Daimler- Benz
Transportation (Adtrans), SwedeRail, BT Corporate Finance, Ove Arup
and Partners and TMG International. Proposed journey time: 1 hour
45 minutes. Cost: $1.2 billion
- Inter-Capital Express. Backed by AIDC Australia, GHD Transmark,
Lend Lease Capital Services, Siemens and TNT Transit Systems.
Proposed journey time and cost as above.
- Speedrail Group. Backed by GEC Alsthorn, Leighton Contractors,
French National Railways, Commonwealth Bank, Qantas, Balderstone
Hornibrook and Speedrail. Journey to take 1 hour, 20 minutes. Cost:
$2-2.6 billion. This proposal relies on an arrangement where the
NSW Government would borrow $100 million to acquire land for the
rail corridor. The land would then be leased back to Speedrail at a
profit. The NSW Government opposes this plan given that its support
has always relied on any proposals being based on no government
subsidies.
- Thyssen Transrapid. Comprising Thyssen Industrie AG, Adtrans
and Siemens. Journey to take 60 minutes via Wollongong, with two
stops. Using revolutionary technology involving magnetic
levitation, a public cost estimate has not been given. Cost is
likely to be at least $4 billion. The feasibility of this system is
questioned, given that the proponents claim that the system can be
built at twice the speed and half the cost of a similar system in
Germany. Manfred Wackers, a member of Transrapid International's
management board said in June 1997 that the Canberra-Sydney route
would not be viable using their technology unless Wollongong is
included in the route because the inclusion of Wollongong would
double the number of passengers available.
|
The Hon Alex Somley, MP. Media Release, 16 December
1997 (S15/97).
'High-speed rail link with ACT gets strong backing',
Canberra Times, 13 June 1997.
'Four still in speed-train', Canberra Times, 16
December 1997.
'No state cash for fast train', Australian, 11
September 1996.
'Putting the right fast train on track', Canberra Times
14 September 1996.
|
|
February 1998
Proposal for Sydney- Melbourne VFT line
|
Federal Transport Minister Mark Vaile meets with
the Committee of Melbourne to discuss plans for a Sydney-Melbourne
VFT. Minister Vaile is reported to say that the Commonwealth's role
is that of a facilitator to private sector projects. The Committee
of Melbourne commissions a feasibility study of the project.
|
'Minister in VFT talks', Daily Commercial News, 13
February 1998.
|
|
February 1998
Proposal for Tilt trains in NSW
|
It is reported that the NSW Rail Access
corporation presented State Parliament's Standing Committee on
Public Works with a proposal to cut travel times between Sydney and
Newcastle by 30% by introducing tilt trains and other improvements
to infrastructure.
|
'Rail proposal could slash travel time to Newcastle', Sydney
Morning Herald, 11 February 1998.
|
|
19 February 1998
Plans for Canberra Airport which include a high speed train
terminal released
|
Capital Airport Group lodges its bid to buy the
Canberra Airport. The group is reported to have plans to develop
the airport as a regional transport hub that will include a
terminal for the Very High Speed Train. Chief Minister Kate Carnel
and Deputy Labor leader Andrew Whitecross support the proposal.
|
'Airport bid has strong bipartisan support', Canberra
Times, 20 February 1998.
|
|
March 1998
|
A significant project to introduce tilt trains
in Britain is announced. 132 tilt trains are acquired by Virgin
Rail to run on West Coast and Cross Country services.
|
'Ambitious upgrade plan tilts towards success', Australian
Financial Times, 4 March 1998.
|
|
16 March 1998
Deadline for final tenders
|
Tenders for the Canberra-Sydney high speed rail
link to be submitted.
|
|
|
15 June 1998
Deadline for Government decision on successful tenderer
|
Deadline for the Federal, NSW and ACT
Governments to choose the successful bidder for the High Speed Rail
Link.
|
Somlyay, MP., The Hon. Alex, Minister for Regional Development,
Territories, and Local Government. 'Territories Minister Positive
About Final Tender Process for Canberra-Sydney High Speed Rail
Link', Media Release, S15/97, 16 December 1997.
(Attachment 24)
|