Property Council Executive Director ACT & Capital Region Ashlee Berry said a faster train service between Canberra and Sydney would be an absolute game-changer for Canberrans.
"Faster and more reliable train services will enhance connectivity between Canberra and Sydney, driving investment along the corridor, opening new business opportunities, and importantly, allowing families and friends to spend more time together and less time commuting.
"Faster rail will make it easier for people to live, work, and invest in Canberra, and position Canberra as a more attractive option for businesses, especially those in the tech and innovation sectors that value proximity to both Sydney and our world-class institutions," she said.
Ms. Berry praised the efforts of ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and NSW Premier Chris Minns in working together to prioritise improvements to the rail line, noting that the proposal should progress regardless of the leadership in either ACT or NSW because it was good for the region.
"We've heard about similar plans before that haven't materialised - this is more important for Canberra's future than political alignment and we'd look to all parties to commit to delivering on this or a very similar plan."
Ms Berry said the Property Council has long called for a 20-year plan for Canberra's growth, which includes a vision for high-speed rail.
"This is another advocacy win for the Property Council's Election Platform and we hope the cross-border working group will explore the potential for high-speed light rail in the future.
"Infrastructure projects like this one are vital to ensuring Canberra remains a vibrant, competitive, and connected city," Ms. Berry concluded.
