High-speed rail is set to deliver a major boost to the Hunter region's property market, according to industry leaders.
More than 120 people attended the Property Council's Hunter Lunch on Friday to hear from key speakers about the economic and development opportunities that the proposed Newcastle - Sydney link could bring.
Property Council NSW Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director, Amy De Lore, said the project would unlock new areas for development and make the Hunter more attractive for investment.
"High-speed rail will be a catalyst for growth in the Hunter, opening up significant opportunities for residential and commercial development," she said.
"It will improve connectivity with Sydney, making our region more accessible and competitive."
High-Speed Rail Authority general manager of customer place and operations Graham Nelmes highlighted the potential for high-speed rail to reshape the regional property landscape.
He said the rail link would reduce travel times between Newcastle and Sydney to under an hour, significantly increasing the Hunter's appeal as a place to live and invest.
"The prospect of high-speed rail is generating a lot of interest from developers and investors who recognise the long-term benefits of enhanced connectivity," Mr Nelmes said.
"The Hunter's property sector is ready to work with government and the High Speed Rail Authority to make sure we're building the right homes, commercial spaces, and infrastructure to support the expected growth."
He said the authority was engaging with stakeholders and communities across the Hunter and Central Coast as part of the business case for the Newcastle to Sydney connection.
"I've met with hundreds of people over the past few months as we work to define the project and the broader way a national high speed rail network would operate and the benefits it would bring," he said.
"What we're hearing is that people support the opportunities high speed rail could bring to the region and they are keen to engage with us moving forward."
The event also featured a panel discussion with Graham Nelmes, Anna Cruckshank, Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, and Sharon Claydon, MP for Newcastle.
The panellists discussed the broader economic benefits of the high-speed rail project, including the potential to attract new businesses, boost tourism, and create thousands of jobs.
Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said high speed rail was central to the government's vision for the development of Australia over coming decades.
"It's not just about making our commute quicker, it's about connecting communities, building livable cities, and growing prosperous regions," she said.
"Newcastle will be the birthplace of high-speed rail in Australia and that brings exciting new economic opportunities"
"We've done more in our first term in office than successive governments over decades"
The government has committed $500 million to progress planning, corridor acquisition, and early works for the project's first stage. The Sydney to Newcastle Business case will be delivered to government in December this year.
"The wheels are in motion, and milestones are being met" "I couldn't be more optimistic about Newcastle's future and the lead role we will play in establishing high speed rail in Australia," Ms Claydon said.
