Western NSW Business Chamber regional manager Vicki Seccombe said the chamber has been pushing hard for better transports links for the Central West and any plan that promises greater connectivity deserves a good look.

“We need it, but whether this specific proposal passes the muster or not remains to be seen,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Transport NSW seem to think it would cost a fair bit more than $1 billion.

“But look, if Mr Musk reckons he could build it for less, then great. Let’s see the plans and get the conversation going.”

Ms Seccombe said a shorter journey through the Blue Mountains will open up the region to more tourists and encourage more Sydneysiders to consider relocating here.

Orange Rail Action Group's Phil Stevenson said it’s a brilliant idea.

“The biggest challenge is the horrendous cost of tunneling,” Mr Stevenson said. 

“This bloke reckons he could do it for $50 million a kilometre. It is extremely low and unbelievable.”

Mr Stevenson said Musk built a 100-megawatt battery in South Australia in no time a couple of years ago.

“At that time everybody doubted the project. Now it has turned out to be very profitable.”

NSW Farmers Orange branch chair Bruce Reynolds said it seems Musk’s project is not going to benefit the farmers in the Central West.

“What I have read is that his project is not for transporting agriculture products,” Mr Reynolds said.

Mr Reynolds said farmers want a quicker road option for agriculture products across the state.

“An expressway with 100km/h to 110km/h and bypassing the traffic lights, school zones, Katoomba and other mountains will be ideal,” he said.