Timothy Parker has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), following a merit-based selection process.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said Parker had the considerable leadership and project experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects to drive the development of high speed rail in Australia.
The new head has had more than 30 years of experience in developing, procuring and delivering significant infrastructure projects, including as the Head of Project for Sydney Metro since 2018, as well as having complex infrastructure experience working in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
The Australian Government has committed $500 million to facilitate a high speed rail network on Australia’s east coast starting with the Sydney to Newcastle section of the network.
HSRA is tasked with advising on, planning, developing and overseeing the construction and operation of this transformational network.
“Proper planning is critical to the success of any significant infrastructure project and getting it right from the start will be of enormous benefit to this project in the future,” King said.
“I look forward to working with Mr Parker in the chief executive role and continuing to work with the High Speed Board to deliver HSRA’s key priority of planning and corridor works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the high speed rail network.”
Parker replaces Andrew Hyles, who had been acting CEO during the HRSA’s initial months.
