Australia's east coast could soon be linked by a high-speed rail network if Labor wins the next federal election.
A Gillard government would carry out a feasibility study into the project later this year, Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.
The $20 million study would look at whether a high-speed rail link on Australia's east coast would be financially viable, and identify potential train routes and station stops.
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Mr Albanese said the network between Brisbane and Melbourne would be examined, with a focus on preserving the rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.
It's expected the study will take about 18 months.
Mr Albanese said high-speed rail had the potential to cut travel times for people commuting between capital cities and growing regional centres.
"Nearly 10 million people live along the east coast between Brisbane and Melbourne which requires ongoing investment in modern transport infrastructure," he said.
The announcement comes as the Australian Greens, who have been lobbying for such a study to be undertaken, look set to win the balance of power in the Senate after the August 21 poll.
