Speedrail will maximise opportunities for local industry participation and development during the construction, operation and maintenance phases and will take every opportunity to fully involve local industries with the project.
Under a local industry development plan, 80 per cent of construction inputs will be sourced within Australia. The TGV operating units will be imported from France.
The project is expected to stimulate new businesses and residential expansion along a high-growth corridor likely to be developed between Sydney and Canberra. The stimuli will be easy access to large and growing markets, lower housing and cost inputs and a varied high quality lifestyle.
Tourism will receive a strong boost. The ACT 2000 Committee report, commissioned by the ACT Government says: "The Speedrail project is recognised as the most significant catalyst in dramatically increasing accessibility to Canberra by domestic and international tourists. The high-speed rail link offers tourism and business potential for the region and will lift the profile of the national capital significantly."
The new high-speed rail link will also improve accessibility to inland attractions.
Centres and attractions along the route will be able to enhance their attractiveness to tourists by offering combined packages with Speedrail.
The role of Qantas in providing international marketing and distribution services will ensure Speedrail's tourism benefits are maximised.
Depending on patronage, up to 60 take-off and landing slots at Sydney Airport currently used by Sydney - Canberra air services, could be freed up for more international and domestic flights into Sydney.