The Federal election was called on 28 March 2025. As this website is hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

Rail publications

Below are links to publications of recent major rail and intermodal studies overseen by the Department.

Frankston to Baxter Preliminary Business Case

  • The Australian Government committed $3 million to the preparation of a Frankston to Baxter Preliminary Business Case to examine the proposed duplication and electrification of 8 km of the Stony Point Rail Line from Frankston to Baxter in the Mornington Peninsula area of Victoria. The Australian Government has committed up to $225 million for construction.
  • The next step is to develop a Full Business Case to ready the project for delivery.
    • Frankston to Baxter Preliminary Business Case PDF: 3887 KB 

Mount Isa to Tennant Creek Rail Feasibility Studies

  • This study, jointly undertaken by the Australian, Queensland and Northern Territory governments under the Developing Northern Australia: Our North, Our Future, found that there are a number of policy reforms that, with the right market conditions, will contribute to the possible viability of a new rail line in the future.
  • The Australian Government will continue to work with the Queensland and Northern Territory governments to address a range of policy issues and reforms that could contribute to the eventual viability of the rail line. Initiatives to stimulate long-term economic growth in the Barkly will be developed and delivered as part of the 10-year $78.4 million Barkly Regional Deal that was signed by the Australian Government, Northern Territory Government and the Barkly Regional Council on 13 April 2019.
  • The feasibility study is made up of the Strategic Options Paper and the Technical Assessment Program and are available here.

High Speed Rail studies

  • A High Speed Rail Advisory Group was established in April 2013 to advise on key industry and community issues arising out of the report on Phase 2 of the study.
    PDF: 5698 KB 
  • East Coast Very High Speed Train Scoping Study Stage 1 Preliminary Study Final Report PDF: 41942 KB 

Other rail studies and reports