North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section update June 2023
In line with the Government’s response to the independent review of the Inland Rail program, we are now taking a staged approach to deliver Inland Rail. The sections of Inland Rail between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales have been prioritised for completion by 2027. Work to complete construction works already underway on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project will continue.
June 8, 2023
Future decisions by the Australian Government on the delivery of Inland Rail sections north of Narromine will be contingent on gaining the required primary approvals and land required for the Inland Rail corridor.
For the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project, work to secure the required state and Federal approvals will continue, through the collection of information needed to help inform the project’s Environmental Impact Statement.
Subject to the Narromine to Narrabri and North Star to NSW/ Queensland Border sections achieving Australian Government approvals, we’ll conduct further investigations, such as identifying utilities locations and investigating ground conditions, to help refine elements of the project’s design and provide more certainty on the delivery and cost of the full Inland Rail project.
Finally, the Australian Government has announced that the Inland Rail service offering of double-stacked trains will operate between the intermodal terminal at Beveridge in Victoria and a proposed terminal at Ebenezer in Queensland, with a single-stacked, dual gauge connection to be built between Ebenezer and Kagaru.
As such, the scope of the Inland Rail project now finishes at Kagaru. The Government also agreed a second intermodal terminal at Truganina be developed.
Environmental approvals
In February, we received environmental approval from the NSW Minister for Planning to progress the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project. The project is now being assessed by the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
What’s happening in the field?
We’ll continue holding community information sessions and be present at other public forums, because local feedback is helping us refine the Inland Rail design and informing how we plan for the staged delivery of the project.
Subject to the project achieving Australian Government approvals, we’ll conduct further investigations, such as identifying utilities locations and ground and hydrology conditions, to help refine elements of the design and inform a more detailed assessment of the cost of Inland Rail.
Visit our website to see all current and upcoming field investigations.
Out and about
We wrapped up our ag show attendance with the Warialda Show on Saturday 13 May, and were proud sponsors of Goondiwindi Show Free Family Fun Day in April.
Our local ag shows are a great way to connect with our alignment communities to seek local input and knowledge and answer any questions about the project. Thank you to everyone who dropped by to say hi, it was fantastic to see you out and about.
