Join the Journey - Australia's Next Mega Project

[EastWest2032]

Hello everyone,

In the interest of contributing to this great country and inspired by the Future Made in Australia Act along with several other initiatives, I would like to propose Australia's next mega project—a major railway connecting the east and west coasts. This project focuses on leveraging the iron ore in the west and the coal in the east. Additionally, it includes the development of steel production facilities and terminals in the Northern Territory, giving this region a vital economic purpose and potential to contribute significantly to the rest of Australia.

This unison of states and resources supports the Future Made in Australia Act's objectives by bolstering Australian manufacturing jobs. The steel production in the Northern Territory could become a central hub for Australia and beyond, with the connecting railway serving as a crucial asset.

The benefits of this project are immeasurable at this point, as the possibilities are endless with contributions from everyone on how this could work.

I would appreciate comments, insights, challenges, ideas, and any contributions to this discussion. It's fascinating to think about, and who knows what could stem from this.

Project Overview:

• Base Project: East-West rail connection with a steel industry hub in the Northern Territory.

Options for Consideration:

• Steel Industry to Support Solar Manufacturing: Increased supply of resources and produced materials to support Australia emerging as a competitor in solar industry. A third of Aussie homes have solar but only 1% are manufactured here.
• 2032 Brisbane Olympics: Integrating with the legacy railway for the Olympics. QLD fucking Olympics up so bad previous Premier had to go retire and haven't heard from since (maybe someone should check Wellcamp), current government doing everything to spend money but actually deliver an asset - they can piggyback off this.
• Inclusion of Japan as a Tech Partner in AUKUS: Consider a parallel express line alongside freight, utilising Japanese high-speed train technology, similar to how Texas uses Shinkansen. This would include connecting stations in rural towns (maybe not N700 here) to increase access for low socioeconomic areas and supply, which is crucial during natural disasters. Speaking of AUKUS, get the yanks to contribute somehow, it is an election year we might get something.
• Geographic Benefits: Australia's geography makes it ideal for rail connections, which would also link to new large rail infrastructure projects like the Inland Rail and Cross River Rail.
• Supply Chain Capabilities: This would enhance Australia's supply chain capability for both military and civilian uses. We don't need to turn this into a war discussion, but now seems as good a time as any to increase military capability (Defence can provide consultancy services).
• Environmental Efficiency: Trains are more environmentally efficient and can help reduce short-haul flights, especially now that Brisbane has implemented a night curfew at the airport thanks to the NIMBYs that don't understand that planes generally land near airports. Additionally, trains are safer and less likely to be disrupted by airspace closures (see Middle East/Europe for latest closures).
• Funding Options: Public-private partnerships, using the railway to develop a sovereign wealth fund (SWF), and infrastructure bonds. Mining companies, which pay minimal taxes, could subsidise the railway. Potentially a process where the contractor could build the railway at cost, operate it for a period to recuperate that cost with a transparent margin agreed, before handing back to the safe hands of the public sector (don't worry they will outsource it back later). This model makes sense to me, not a financial person - but open to more ideas. Also consider tax implications for "religious" organtisations, pretty disgusted that those delicious UpnGos come from a company that fall under this no tax bullshit. Let's set this railway up in a way that we can be proud of the financials (SWF).
• Economic and Social Benefits: Developing infrastructure for remote communities as the rail is constructed, creating local jobs, and aligning with Queensland's energy plan. No brainer considering the current state of the NT. The NT doesn't need a bandaid, it needs a new face.
• Nuclear Options: Consider nuclear options, small modular reactors? Or better yet, let's build full nuclear power plants and use the railway to manage waste and allow separation from the rest of society. To claim we don't have the geography here in Aus to manage nuclear would be delusional. Sort it out Dutton.
• Benefits to Local Governments: Potential for incentives/subsidies. Local gov needs some love, we railway will be 100% through local government areas, let's make it work for everyone.
• Consultation: Should we consult the government, industry experts, or both? I think for now we keep it internal to ensure they don't turn it into an episode of Utopia. Don't worry Albo, this won't slow immigration, this can fuel it (away from the tent city CBD's).
• Contingency Planning: If funding becomes an issue, consider connecting to Darwin and leasing it out for 99 years.
• Land Acquisition: Ensure all property acquisition is conducted on just terms.

Why Not Do It? It would be fucking cool. It would be a great legacy project that would give a physical connection to the land for all Australians (past, present and emerging). It can unite the Australian States that are still so divided from years of the divisive propaganda spread over recent years.

I'm eager for everyone to throw around any and all ideas on how this could be great, or even propose alternatives. I'm tired of hearing about policies and acts that sound good without any substantial ideas behind them.

I don't care which Prime Minister gets to cut the ribbon; I'd be happy if any would give us something to celebrate. Hope to CU in the NT.