Mr Hawes' plea comes after the chamber was told in November that community consultation about a future Fassifern to Hexham line would begin early this year.

"It is expected that consultation with the community and key stakeholders will commence in early 2019," former parliamentary secretary Kevin Anderson said in a letter to the chamber on behalf of the Minister for Roads, Maritime and freight.

"Consultation will initially focus on key environmental and land-use constraints, and corridor alignment options.

"Following the review of feedback from the community, a recommended corridor will be exhibited for further discussion prior to consideration by the NSW Department of Planning."

The chamber had sought clarification on the project, given it had attracted almost $40 million across three consecutive state budgets for detailed planning but there appeared to be no progress.

The same concerns were echoed by Newcastle council earlier this week, when it claimed budget papers showed only $1.59 million of the funds had been spent.

While the spend is correct up until last July, it is understood the funding - $14 million (2016-17), $11.8 million (2017-18) and $14 million (2018-19) - was rolled over and was not new allocations.

The council's concerns came after it was revealed a Wakefield motor sport park would conflict with the corridor.

An alignment past the park may still be possible, but there are concerns urban sprawl further along the route could cause problems.

"Preservation of the [corridor] is regarded by the chamber as a key priority for the region that needs to happen sooner rather than later to provide the certainty necessary for efficient regional planning," Mr Hawes said.

"Given the westward movement of residential and other development ... it is imperative the preferred alignment is identified quickly so necessary steps can be taken to ensure it is preserved in state and local government planning strategies."

Transport for NSW was on Friday unable to provide a time frame for consultation.

A spokesperson said "technical investigations" had commenced and it would "engage" the community at an "appropriate time".

"Currently we are investigating options for a potential corridor, while assessing topography, existing land use, biodiversity, flooding, heritage and engineering constraints.

"Corridor investigations are complex and engaging with the key stakeholders, landowners and councils is critical to the corridor preservation process."