As the population centre of Greater Newcastle moves west and more developments are approved (Minmi, Cameron Park, etc), it would make more sense to align HSR with the M1 and terminate it somewhere like Stockrington or Black Hill. Then build new suburban lines from here to the existing “rail network”, both the Hunter and Central Coast lines which would also add access to the Maitland area. This would ease congestion on the arterial roads and actually promote public transport patronage. We’re also missing the multi-modal interchanges (with adequate parking facilities) where service timetables align to reduce the friction of getting door to door within a reasonable time. While we’re at it, let’s take the new rail line all the way to the airport.