Overview

Join us online at 5:30-6:30pm on Monday 28th July for an in-depth presentation on The Plan—an ambitious and innovative rail infrastructure proposal by engineer and economist Edwin Michell. The Plan envisions tilting passenger trains reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h and freight trains up to 115 km/h along an upgraded and extended railway corridor from Canberra to Bombala and down the South Coast Range to the Port of Eden—one of Australia’s finest harbours.

This session will outline the engineering and economic considerations of railing inland produce—75% of which is exported—to the coast. Attendees will learn how Michell tackled the major challenge of designing a viable route down a 750-metre descent using gradients mostly limited to 1 in 70 (with brief sections at 1 in 60), incorporating switchbacks, viaducts, and minimal tunnelling (less than two kilometres total). The project, estimated at a maximum of $3 billion in 2018, was featured in the Engineers Australia magazine Create in October 2020.

The event will also explore the conclusive Economic Evaluation of the Plan conducted by leading transport economist R. J. Nairn and published in 2024, equipping attendees with informed perspectives to contribute meaningfully to public and professional discourse.

Learning outcomes

In this presentation, you will:

• understand the engineering requirements and solutions for transporting inland produce via rail to the Port of Eden
• learn how Edwin Michell successfully located and designed a railway route across difficult terrain with minimal environmental and construction impact
• gain insight into the economic rationale and evaluation of the project, as assessed by R. J. Nairn
• be equipped to engage in informed discussion about the Plan and assess its merits in comparison to alternative viewpoints or proposals.

About the speakers

Richard Hopkins

Rail Plan Coordinator, pro bono, Cooma and Monaro Progress Association

Robert J. Nairn

Independent Transport Economist