NSW/Qld Border to Gowrie Section update – August 2024
Inland Rail is still going ahead with the NSW/Qld Border to Gowrie section and neighbouring sections in northern NSW.
August 19, 2024
In Queensland, our focus remains on finalising the required environmental approvals, gaining land access to conduct site surveys and investigations, and securing land required for the rail corridor.
We’re still progressing the NSW/Qld Border to Gowrie section’s revised draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), ensuring additional information requested by the Queensland Coordinator-General is addressed in our submission.
Site surveys and utilities investigations
Our teams are currently in the field at various locations between the NSW/Qld Border and Whetstone completing site surveys and utilities investigations.
Data from these activities will help determine the final scope and cost of building this section and inform Australian Government decision making on when construction can start.
We’ll be doing aerial drone surveys in Yelarbon (pictured) this week on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 August between 9am and 4pm, depending on weather conditions.
You may see our team of a remote pilot and spotter on the roadside and open areas within the project area undertaking the survey. These surveys gather topographical information to assist hydrology modelling.
We’re also preparing to conduct Erosion Threshold Velocity (ETV) testing. ETV testing provides information about erosion at known flooding areas that will inform how we might refine detailed designs to mitigate these flooding impacts on communities.
Further planned investigations include:
- Detailed surveys – to map features and details of the landscape
- Ground truthing surveys – to validate captured aerial data against actual ground conditions
- Flood level surveys to assist in understanding potential hydrology impacts
- Utilities investigations to confirm the location of existing utilities.
To view all upcoming investigations, please visit the works notifications page on the project website.
What’s happening
A combined Inner and Southern Darling Downs Community Consultative Committee (CCC) was held on Wednesday 18 June 2024 in Millmerran. The meeting minutes and Chairs’ summary are available on the Inland Rail website.
Revised draft EIS update
Work continues on the NSW/Qld Border to Gowrie section’s revised draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), ensuring additional information requested by the Queensland Coordinator-General (CG) is addressed in our submission.
The timing for public consultation will be determined by the CG following submission and acceptance of our revised draft EIS.
Please visit the CG’s website for more information about the B2G EIS process, including frequently asked questions.
Questions?
For more information about the NSW/Qld Border to Gowrie section, please reach out to our Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Isabella Hall via ihall@inlandrail.com.au or 0409 413 155.
