The Federal Government has released the first study into connecting the nation’s East Coast capital cities by a High Speed Rail (HSR) network, with Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as a ‘game-changer’.

The report identifies a possible route between Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, and would also service major regional centres along the way.

The study concludes that once finished, HSR could carry as much as 84 million passengers each year, with express journey times of less than three hours between Melbourne and Sydney and between Sydney and Brisbane.

Despite its $114 billion price tag, Mr Albanese says the HSR would be financially viable and could comfortably cover its costs.

“Such a network has the potential to deliver a net economic benefit and generate sufficient revenue to cover its operating and asset renewal costs,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.

“But equally, HSR would be a monumental endeavour, with very real technical, logistical and financial challenges. That’s why we must take a deliberate, thoughtful approach and this report provides a comprehensive analysis on which an informed public debate is now possible.”

Mr Albanese said the Government was now moving to initiate a comprehensive program of public consultation and debate on the role HSR could play in the nation’s future.

The full report and feedback forms are available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/hsr.