Join the RTSA ACT/NSW Chapter online for this event on the Supporting regional growth through rail reuse (previously titled: train to Cessnock) presented by Bill Palazzi.

📅  6:00-7:00pm (AEST) Wednesday 3rd June 2026

🌏  Online

🎟️  Register on the Engineers Australia Website: Registration link

Overview

The South Maitland Railway, a 32 km corridor between Maitland and Cessnock, was originally developed to service mining operations and ceased operation in 2020. With more than 65,000 residents currently living along the corridor, and projected to grow to 95,000 by 2041, this underutilised asset presents a compelling opportunity for adaptive reuse. This session explores the potential to transform the corridor into a viable passenger rail service connecting Cessnock to Newcastle and the broader transport network.

Attendees will gain insight into the engineering, operational and economic assessments undertaken to evaluate the corridor’s reuse. The session will examine upgrade requirements, service planning considerations, and value-for-money analysis, including findings that position this project as a highly competitive rail investment. Practical lessons will highlight how engineers can contribute to evidence-based advocacy, infrastructure planning, and business case development for similar corridor repurposing opportunities.

Learning outcomes

In this presentation, you will:

• identify key engineering and operational considerations when repurposing freight rail corridors for passenger use
• apply approaches to developing cost estimates and upgrade scopes for rail corridor reactivation projects
• evaluate value-for-money and strategic justification methods used in transport infrastructure business cases
• contribute informed technical perspectives to planning, advocacy, and stakeholder discussions on corridor reuse projects.

About the speaker

Bill Palazzi

Independent consultant of Palazzirail, Member of the Train to Cessnock group