Narromine to Narrabri section update – December 2024
This quarter has seen a flurry of activity across the Narromine to Narrabri section from site investigations to crucial meetings with many of our important stakeholders.
December 18, 2024
Last month, we kicked off discussions with directly impacted landowners to further understand how they operate their properties and the infrastructure they use.
Information gathered from these discussions is documented in Individual Property Management Plans. The plans will help us manage unique landowner requirements, inform Inland Rail’s final design in their vicinity and will be shared with construction contractors to minimise any impacts at that point.
We thank those landowners who have cooperated with us during this important stage in the development of the Narromine to Narrabri section.
Last week, Inland Rail CEO Nick Miller met with representatives from local councils along the Narromine to Narrabri section to give a project update and listen to their perspectives about Inland Rail.
Meanwhile, geotechnical investigations resumed last week around Narromine after a short break due to wet weather. Soil erosion testing in the Gilgandra area has been hampered by heavy rain, putting on hold the remaining 2024 schedule.
Both investigation activities will resume after the holiday break in January. To get the latest information on all our current and upcoming work check out the works notification page on our website.
As we down tools for the year, thank you to everyone for your continued patience, cooperation and support. We’re proud to look back on our successes and preview another bumper year progressing the Narromine to Narrabri section.
Our achievements in 2024
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved on the Narromine to Narrabri section this year:
- Gained environmental approval from the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
- Conducted site investigations including property boundary surveys, geotechnical investigations, borrow pit investigations and soil erosion testing.
- Continued positive engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders including Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
What’s in store for 2025
Here’s an overview of the activities we’re planning:
- Continue geotechnical and soil investigations along the alignment
- Start utilities investigations and assess potential for flooding impacts on residences in proximity to the alignment between Narromine and Gilgandra
- Continue conversations with impacted landowners around land access and voluntary property acquisition
- Continue addressing state and Australian Government conditions of approval by developing management plans and strategies like the Fauna Connectivity Strategy and Train Collision Risk Mitigation Plan
- Continue investigating locations for potential construction water bores
- Conduct ecology, biodiversity and cultural heritage surveys.
Image caption: An excavator ready to dig a test pit as part of geotechnical investigations.
We will update the community in the new year with further details about this upcoming work schedule. Until then, everyone at Inland Rail wishes you a safe and restful festive season. We thank you for your ongoing engagement and feedback on the project.
