Conference Day One, Tuesday 30 August 2011

• How HSR can have a positive effect on job creation, transport decongestion, and environmental sustainability
• Helping to reduce transport emissions and dependence on oil
• Research questions about maximising benefits for regional
  Australia

• What have been the positive effect HSR has had in Spain
• HSR as a catalyst for regional development, job creation, transport decongestion, and environmental stability
• Applying the Spanish experience in an Australian context

Toshihiro Yamakoshi, Director, Office of Project Development, Railway Bureau Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

• The national vision – what’s behind it, how it’s advancing
• Status of key corridors – federal, state, local government interaction
• The role of the private sector – helping bring a new delivery model to the US

Jeff Morales, Senior Vice President, Parsons Brinckerhoff US

• Considering high speed rail beyond interstate links and airport connections. 
• Can high speed rail make a cost effective contribution to regional development?
• How do future population scenarios impact on the viability of high speed rail?
• What is the real economic equation for high speed rail in Australia?
• Can high speed rail provide a worthwhile “national dividend”? 

• Looking at the connection between HSR, local transport, urbanism, real estate development, and business development
• Analysing the key factors needed to drive development around chosen hubs
• How to realise the potential benefits created through incorporating HSR into regional planning
• Understanding what is needed from various stakeholders to forge transit oriented development

• Measuring HSR emissions and if it is more environmentally friendly then other forms of transport
• Analysing the effect of HSR on carbon emissions/greenhouse gases’ policy
• How to justify the long term environmental benefits to short term thinkers
• Looking at the impact of potential high speed rail corridors and its effect on the local environment

• How HSR has the potential to revitalise regional Australia
• What would be the impact of HSR on urban growth and development in the corridor
• Strategies for achieving promised business and trade benefits at a city, regional and national level
• Analysing the affect that HSR will have on regional and interstate tourism

Dale Budd, Chairman Development Advisory Board, Rail Industry Safety and Standards, Board & Reference Group Member, Current HSR study

• Understanding the impact HSR will have on the aviation industry
• How to align HSR and aviation strategies to create a greater national transport strategy
• How does the need for a second Sydney airport affect the push for HSR?
• Does HSR reduce airport congestion, and/or take away patronage from the aviation industry?

• Forecasting ridership and costs – can international models be applied to Australia?
• Can operating and capital costs for HSR in Australia be covered without government subsidies?
• Would investors in the project see financial returns and over what time frame?
• Who would be best placed to operate HSR in Australia?

• Determining if HSR is a part of Australia’s future transport strategy
• Looking at the wider economic benefits and whether they stack up against the significant costs expected
• What are the alternative options to HSR?
• Analysing agglomeration benefits and if they can be realised by HSR
• How to measure short term vs. long term benefits in light of wider economic benefits
• Is HSR feasible in the Australian context?

Jeff Morales, Senior Vice President, Parsons Brinckerhoff, US
Doug Harland, Chief Executive Officer , AGIC