Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese today said Parsons Brinckerhoff and GHD had started the initial planning work.

‘‘This is about working through the safety, design, operational and environmental issues so that the project is at a stage where it can be considered for possible federal funding,’’ Mr Albanese said.

‘‘Parsons Brinckerhoff will do the engineering work of investigating design, safety and operational issues involved in completing the rail link.

‘‘GHD will investigate the environmental issues in the rail corridor and surrounding areas, which will be critical in securing planning and environmental approvals before any construction could start.’’

The completed freight rail line would feature about 35 kilometres of track and one of Australia’s longest rail tunnels, connecting Port Kembla directly to the main south line at Picton.