Inland Rail moves to next phase of engagement in Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and Scenic Rim
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is entering a new phase of consultation on three Inland Rail project sections between Gowrie and Kagaru in Queensland.
October 10, 2018
Senior Project Manager Max Nichols said ARTC was stepping up its one-on-one consultation process with landholders whose property is impacted by the rail line’s preliminary alignment to better understand each property’s individual characteristics.
“I understand that landholders’ homes and businesses are critically important to them and many have queries about impacts on their property which we want to talk to them about. It takes time to get this right and as we enter this more detailed phase of studies for the Environmental Impact Statement we are taking care to engage with each individual landholder and to discuss what is important to them.”
Mr Nichols said ARTC was seeking as much feedback as possible and encouraged the community to get involved.
“All the information we gather is fed into the design process, so we have been dealing with directly affected landholders in the preliminary alignment first, so they can talk to our staff one-on-one and pass on the unique aspects of their individual properties. We want to listen and explore ways to minimise potential impacts,” he said. “
We will be going to the wider community shortly, as we want to give the community the opportunity to provide feedback on matters of importance to them such as flooding, property severance, levels crossings and noise. As well as one-on-one meetings with landholders whose property is impacted by the preliminary alignment area, we are holding staffed information displays in local shopping centres as part of wider community consultation.
“We still have a long way to go and we are trying to give people as much certainty as we can, as soon as we can.”
Mr Nichols said ARTC is committed to working with communities, stakeholders and landholders throughout the process.
“We are also continuing to meet with the State Government and the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Ipswich councils to determine their infrastructure needs in these areas so that we can take a coordinated approach to integrating and future-proofing the transport network,” he said.
Further information about Inland Rail is available on our website inlandrail.com.au, by telephoning the team on 1800 732 761, or by emailing inlandrailqld@artc.com.au
Media contact: Chris Leslight | ARTC | 0427 691 262
