New South Wales allocates $621 million for South Coast rail resilience

The New South Wales government has allocated $621 million to improve the resilience of the South Coast rail line. The funding aims to address frequent service disruptions caused by weather, specifically at a rain gauge in Coalcliff. Currently, if the gauge records 100 millimetres of rain within an eight-hour period, train services are suspended between Helensburgh and Waterfall for safety inspections.

The investment is intended to raise this rainfall trigger point to 150 millimetres, which would reduce the frequency of line closures. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey stated that the goal is to ensure the railway system works reliably for the 250,000 people who commute between Kiama and Sydney daily.

This funding follows a broader commitment of $6.8 billion for large-scale projects, including the electrification of the line between Kiama and Bomaderry. Treasurer Mookhey noted that the section currently relies on diesel technology and requires modernization to meet 21st-century standards.