North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project update – September 2021

We’re working closely with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) as they complete their assessment of the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project and meeting with local industry groups to increase our understanding of issues currently impacting the region.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Councillor Jason Watts, Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Terri-Ann Crothers and Inland Rail engagement manager Naomi Tonscheck

Please visit DPE’s major projects website for more information about the project’s status and reports including our Response to Submissions, Preferred Infrastructure Report and Biodiversity Assessment Report.

Out and about

Thanks to the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce for having us at their recent business breakfast meeting. We heard from industry leaders about what’s currently impacting regional employment and human resources.

“Attracting, training and retaining employees is a hot topic for local businesses and other organisations across the Goondiwindi region,” Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer, Terri-Ann Crothers said.

“We’re in the enviable position of experiencing low unemployment rates and strong economic development in our region.

“However, these positive aspects have created issues, highlighting the crucial need for more people to fill job vacancies created in our thriving community,” she said.

“As local businesses expand, and with the arrival of major projects like Inland Rail in the future, we need to look for solutions to keep locals here and attract new residents to our towns.”

Inland Rail Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Naomi Tonscheck said industry events like the business breakfast are both thoroughly enjoyable and provide a fantastic opportunity to meet with community members to understand the full impact of the project.

“Local knowledge is vital to Inland Rail,” Ms Tonscheck said.

“In order to successfully deliver the project, we need to understand and manage its impacts.

“The best way we can do this is by talking to and listening to local communities, businesses, industry and government to increase our understanding, which in turn influences how we design, construct and deliver Inland Rail.”

Contact us

We’re continuing to undertake a range of activities including one-on-one consultation with individual landowners during this phase of the project.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local engagement representative, or get in touch by:

  • dropping into our office at 116 Marshall Street (in the Goondiwindi Business Hub)
  • calling 1800 732 761
  • emailing inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.