North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section update August 2022
The past few months we have been out and about in the community continuing cadastral surveys across the Macintyre River. In addition, we have been working closely with the preferred civil works contractor, Freight Connect (Laing O’Rourke) on the tender package.
August 30, 2022
In July, members of Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce joined us for a bus tour of the alignment from Goondiwindi to Narromine, getting a first-hand look at construction on the Narrabri to North Star section.
As we rapidly make our way through the second half of the year, we’re continuing to work with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to determine the conditions of approval for the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project.
In early August, our team joined the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border preferred civil works contractor, Freight Connect (Laing O’Rourke) at the NAIDOC celebrations in Goondiwindi.
What’s happening in the field?
Freight Connect, our preferred civil works contractor for the Central Civil Works Program (spanning the North Star to QLD/ NSW Border and Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 sections) is currently scoping potential borrow pit (quarry) material and water suppliers in preparation for the start of construction on the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section.
We want to hear from you
You may have received an email from Inland Rail recently asking for your feedback on how we engage and communicate with you.
This is a quarterly communication and engagement survey we conduct in communities along the Inland Rail alignment.
The survey is confidential and independently run by national market research company, Ipsos.
Your survey feedback is important to us because it will shape how we can better work with communities to ensure they have the information they need and the opportunity to provide feedback as Inland Rail progresses.
The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete, and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.
If you have any questions regarding this survey, or about Inland Rail in general, please call us on 1800 732 761.
Out and about
In July, we hosted the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce on a bus tour of the alignment from Goondiwindi to Narrabri. Stopping along the way, we viewed the project first-hand, from greenfield areas and existing rail corridor to the various stages of construction on the Narrabri to North Star section. Highlights included seeing a ballast train in action at Croppa Creek, and the sheer size and complexity of the project. Thank you to the Chamber members for coming along!
What’s coming up?
On 13 September, the ARTC Inland Rail Skills Academy and Industry Capability Network (ICN) Queensland are holding business capability building workshops in Goondiwindi to help local and First Nations businesses get ‘Inland Rail ready’ and tender for upcoming supply opportunities.
EIS status
The North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section remains in the approvals stage as we continue to work with the DPE on our conditions of approval. We expect the Minister for Planning to decide about the section in the coming months.
Find out more by visiting DPE’s website.
Questions?
For more information about the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section, please get in touch. You can contact the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Isabella Hall via 0409 413 155 or ihall@artc.com.au.
Alternatively, drop in to see us between Monday and Friday at 116 Marshall Street, Goondiwindi.
IMAGE: Members of Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce on a bus tour of the alignment from Goondiwindi to Narromine.
