Council's race for high-speed rail opportunity faces new challenger

Lake Macquarie's push to secure a future high-speed rail manufacturing hub will face some neighbourly competition.

Central Coast Council (CCC) has passed a resolution to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to house an advanced manufacturing facility on 20 hectares of land at Bushells Ridge that is owned by the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council.

Initially, the CCC proposed to use 16 hectares of council-owned land in the Warnervale business precinct, but following an amendment by Budgewoi Ward councillor Doug Eaton, the Bushells Ridge site was preferred and endorsed 9-6 by councillors.

Earlier in the council meeting, Darkinjung representative Blake Cansdale gave his support for an EOI to be submitted for a site at 425 Bushells Ridge Road, which is located to the west of the existing Central Coast and Newcastle rail line.

Previously, the Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) has expressed its strong desire to have the advanced manufacturing hub at the former Macquarie Coal site at Teralba, which is owned by Glencore.

In May, then acting LMCC chief executive officer Tony Farrell wrote to the federal government that "the commencement of construction on the high-speed rail presents an excellent opportunity to repurpose this former site and create enduring benefits to not just the local community but the state and country as the network expands."

Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz has also flagged his interest in bringing the advanced manufacturing facility to the city.

Less than two weeks ago the Teralba site was announced as the NSW government's preferred site to build a $12 billion train manufacturing hub.

When asked if the state government's decision would strengthen the push for the high-speed rail advanced manufacturing facility, NSW Premier Chris Minnns said, "It could help. I understand that the federal government is looking at domestic manufacturing options for that fleet, and we'll have ready and ready-to-go train-building facilities here in the Hunter."

The deadline for the EOI is November 18.

A spokesperson for LMCC said it would not be submitting an EOI, as it has "no land holdings that meet the needs of HSRA."

However, the council "has made representations to relevant landowners, encouraging them to make a submission to the EOI for land within Lake Macquarie.

"The HSRA will make a decision within a high probity framework that optimises the needs of high speed rail. Council's interest is ensuring the best sites in Lake Macquarie are put forward by their owners."

While Teralba's Macquarie Coal site might have the inside running, Cr Eaton said the Darkinjung land was superior to CCC's Warnervale site.

"I don't think it matters whether it goes on Darkinjung land or council land, but given that on any unbiased and logical assessment Darkinjung has a much better chance of securing the facility," Cr Eaton said.

"That's what we want. We want this facility on the Central Coast, and we should put all our efforts into supporting them."

Gosford West Ward councillor Belinda Neal, who is a former federal Labor MP, strongly supported CCC submitting an EOI because of its potential to unlock economic development.

"If this new type of manufacturing for the high-speed rail is commenced on the Central Coast, it will not only be used for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the route, it will almost certainly be used for the whole high-speed rail, which will eventually run from Melbourne to Brisbane," Cr Neal said.

Gosford West Ward councillor Jane Smith voted against the EOI, citing a lack of information.

"I want to support this, but I find it difficult with the information I've just received, which is a real shame. I would love us to find a suitable site to put in an EOI.

"I have concerns about Bushells Ridge. The [Warnervale] Airport would be the prime location for me."