CANBERRA Business Council and Regional Development Australia will hold a forum tomorrow to discuss the east-coast, high-speed rail network.

Guest speakers include Department of Infrastructure and Transport general manager for high-speed rail Richard Farmer and the Spanish high-speed rail operator RENFE’s head of strategic operations, Daniel Freire.

Attendees will receive an overview on the phase-one study as well as the benefits achieved and lessons learned by countries that have already developed a high-speed rail network.

“The Federal Government has recently funded a $20 million investigation into the viability of an east-coast, high-speed rail network,” Canberra Business Council CEO, Chris Faulks said.

“The first phase of that study found many reasons why this project should go ahead and no insurmountable hurdles.

“For Canberra and the surrounding areas, it will stimulate investment, spending and employment growth and encourage business and population migration to regional Australia and away from the overly congested cities.

“It will be very interesting to hear about the Spanish experience as Spain is currently home to the largest high-speed rail network in Europe and the second-longest in the world after China.”

High Speed Rail forum, Hotel Realm, Barton, noon-2pm, tomorrow. For more information or to book a seat, visit www.canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au