Aecom’s Advisor role for Australia High-Speed Rail Project

Construction powerhouse, Aecom is assuming the role of Environmental Planning and Assessment Advisor for the Development Phase of the Australian Government’s Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project. 

The project will see it partner with bd infrastructure and specialist consultants Biosis, Artefact Heritage and IRIS Visual Planning + Design – companies which are all experienced in  navigating complex environmental and planning interfaces on transformational projects.

The team will need to develop environmental impact assessments and manage biodiversity and heritage approvals pathways.

It will also need to deliver the environmental strategy to ensure the project is ready for construction and an investment decision by the Australian Government. 

“We are proud to have been selected for a project of this significance,” said Mark McManamny, Chief Executive of AECOM’s Australia and New Zealand region.

“High-speed rail has the potential to reshape how people connect, live and work along Australia’s east coast. Together with bd infrastructure and our specialist partners, we’ve assembled a team with the experience needed to help navigate the environmental and planning challenges that come with a project of this scale. We’re looking forward to working with the High Speed Rail Authority to help lay the foundations for this nationally significant infrastructure project.” 

Australia’s future High Speed Rail Network

Australia’s High Speed Rail network will connect Brisbane with Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia. 

A dedicated railway line will connect Newcastle to Sydney with what Aecom says will be “world-class trains” with the ability to reach speeds of 320km per hour.

“High-speed rail would reshape how Australians live and move along the east coast,” said Ashley Lang, Managing Director of AECOM’s environment team in Australia and New Zealand.

“Our role is to ensure the environmental foundations are right so this infrastructure can deliver regional connectivity, housing opportunity and economic growth for generations.”

“We are incredibly excited to partner with AECOM to help deliver the required planning approvals for High Speed Rail”, said Jesse Death, Managing Director of bd infrastructure. “It is a unique opportunity to help shape nationally significant infrastructure that will create generations of opportunities for Australian cities, regions and communities.”

AECOM’s state and local government portfolio

Australia’s High Speed Rail network is one of numerous state and local government projects the company is working on in Australia, as the country prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It recently took on the role of  Independent Certifier of The Wave – Stage 1, another railway project and a key part of the Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan. 

It also is Lead Design Consultant for Stage 2 of the New Richmond Bridge, designed to aid flood resilience and population growth in New South Wales.

About bd infrastructure

bd infrastructure is a purpose-driven consultancy specialising in environmental planning, approvals, stakeholder engagement and social impact. It supports government and private-sector clients across transport, energy and social infrastructure, offering strategic advice from project inception through construction. By navigating complex approval pathways, the company helps deliver projects that generate community benefits.

About Biosis

Biosis provides specialist ecological expertise for major infrastructure developments, including high-speed rail, supporting approvals through field surveys, impact assessments and biodiversity advice. Since 1983, the company has delivered more than 20,000 projects. Its botanists, zoologists and aquatic ecologists identify risks early, prepare documentation and recommend mitigation measures that support regulatory compliance.

About Artefact Heritage

Artefact is a multidisciplinary heritage consultancy serving New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Its specialists develop solutions that respect Country and culture, delivering archaeological and heritage services for major infrastructure, transport, energy, urban renewal and development projects. Artefact’s Empowered Business Model supports initiatives advancing social and environmental justice.

About IRIS Visual Planning & Design

IRIS Visual Planning & Design specialises in landscape and visual impact assessment for complex infrastructure projects. The team supports major transport projects across the state and develops GIS visualisation tools. With experience spanning urban, rural and culturally sensitive environments, IRIS works to achieve stronger landscape and visual outcomes for communities.