Politics · Australia · 2 hrs ago
NSW Labor pledges $6.8b South Coast rail upgrade if re-elected
The New South Wales government has pledged a $6.8 billion South Coast rail upgrade if it wins next year's state election.
The plan would electrify the line between Kiama and Bomaderry, so passengers could travel from Sydney to Nowra without changing trains.
It also proposes extra tracks and passing loops between Wollongong and Kiama, and more tracks between Hurstville and Sutherland to separate passenger and freight trains.
The project aims to improve frequency, speed and reliability as passenger demand is expected to grow by almost 30 per cent by 2041.
The pledge follows the government’s decision to scrap a planned timetable overhaul after commuters objected to longer journeys and losing an airport connection at Wolli Creek.
Planning is expected to begin in 2027, with construction due to finish in the mid to late 2030s.
The government says it will focus on reliability on the T4 and South Coast lines in the near term.
The Minns Labor government has pledged $6.8 billion for a South Coast rail upgrade if re-elected.
The plan would electrify the line between Kiama and Bomaderry, allowing passengers to travel from Sydney to Nowra without changing trains.
It also includes extra tracks and passing loops between Wollongong and Kiama, and four tracks between Hurstville and Sutherland.
Planning is expected to start in 2027, with construction due to finish in the mid to late 2030s.
The announcement came two days after the government scrapped a timetable overhaul following commuter backlash.
- Who
- The Minns Labor government made the pledge. Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister John Graham were involved in the announcement.
- What
- Labor pledged $6.8 billion for a South Coast rail upgrade if re-elected, including electrification and additional tracks.
- When
- The pledge was announced on October 26, 2026. Planning is expected to start in 2027.
- Where
- The project covers the rail line between Kiama and Bomaderry, tracks between Wollongong and Kiama, and the section between Hurstville and Sutherland.
- Why
- The government says the upgrade would improve service frequency, journey times and reliability, and address expected passenger growth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Labor promised to electrify the line between Kiama and Bomaderry.
A version of the rail plan was proposed by then-Liberal incumbent Gareth Ward.
The new Labor government dropped the plan, and the Liberal government also withdrew its support.
The government scrapped a planned timetable overhaul after commuter backlash.
The Minns Labor government announced its $6.8 billion re-election pledge.
Planning for the upgrade is expected to start.
- Pledge
- $6.8 billion
- Electrification
- Kiama to Bomaderry
- Advance infrastructure work
- $621 million
- Passenger demand
- Expected to grow by almost 30 per cent by 2041
- Construction target
- Mid to late 2030s
2 sources
What people are saying
You get increased frequency, you get faster journey times, you get increased reliability
For too long, the Liberals only funded Sydney metros, while regional communities missed out.
Most people still use the heavy rail network ... [and] that needs some love because at the moment it’s too unreliable