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In parallel to the Procurement stage, projects develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or similar planning approvals application which consolidate findings of all the environmental and technical investigations and community…
Learn moreIllabo to Stockinbingal Environmental Impact Statement
Illabo to Stockinbingal section receives Australian Government approval
In October 2024, Inland Rail received Australian Government approval for the Illabo to Stockinbingal section under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 1999).
This follows the NSW Government’s environment approval in September 2024 to progress the Illabo to Stockinbingal section, subject to conditions.
To view the Australian Government’s approval notice and find out more about the Conditions of Approval, please visit the EPBC Act Public Portal.
What’s next?
In October 2024, Inland Rail appointed John Holland to design and construct works on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section.
With all primary regulatory approvals now in place, Inland Rail will prepare various environmental and social management plans, permits and licenses, which are required before major construction can start.
We’ll also conduct further site investigations and field surveys to progress detailed designs and continue to consult extensively with NSW and Australian Government agencies and key stakeholders such as councils and emergency services.
Keeping you informed about the Illabo to Stockinbingal section’s progress and our proposed solutions to manage impacts is important to us. We encourage the community to continue providing feedback so we can finalise our designs and ensure the best possible outcomes for the region.
The Environmental Impact Statement approval process
October 2023: Project received Australian Government approval
September 2023: Project received NSW Government approval
November 2023: Response to Submission (RtS) report lodged with DPHI.
August 2022: Environmental Impact Statement lodged with DPHI.
March 2021: Project status upgraded to Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI)
June 2018: State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) application and Scoping Report lodged with DPHI.
August 2018: Project determined to be a ‘controlled action’ and required assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999) before it could proceed.
September 2018: Project declared State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) by DPHI and issued a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). DPHI issued the revised SEARs for the project on 30 April 2021.
