Consultation
We are committed to working with landowners and stakeholders in the Narrabri to North Star communities to receive their feedback as we progress our planning.
To date, our team has spoken with many affected property owners and community members through one-on-one discussions, briefings, meetings and workshops. This consultation has been used to discuss key project elements such as flood management, level crossings and community issues as well as discussing impacts associated with Inland Rail. Locals have been generous in sharing their knowledge and we have received a lot of valuable feedback to date and will continue to gather feedback as the project continues. We encourage you to get involved in the process and invite you to contact the project team for more information and to provide feedback at any time.
Phase 1: Narrabri to North Star
Even though major construction on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section of Inland Rail is now complete and the rail line operational, the Inland Rail stakeholder engagement team will continue to assist with general project enquiries. Contact Inland Rail on 1300 732 761, or email inlandrailnsw@inlandrail.com.au.
Phase 2: Moree to Camurra
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for Phase 2 (the Gwydir floodplain track crossing and the new track at Camurra) commenced in mid-2020. The EIS was formally lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in early September 2022 and was on public display between 21 September 2022 and 9 November 2022. The 49-day public exhibition period that generated 20 public submissions and 12 pieces of agency advice.
A Response to Submissions Report is being prepared to address the EIS exhibition feedback.
We are also conducting additional studies in response to DPHI’s request for further information about hydrology and operational noise. The results will be collated and published in a Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR). We will notify the community on this website and via our regular newsletter when the documents will become available online.
Operational noise mitigation consultation in Moree
One of the additional studies we have undertaken is around noise impacts to residents north of Alice Street in urban Moree (specifically Oak, River, Morton, McElhone, Gosport and Warialda Streets), once Inland Rail is operational. We have completed additional noise modelling, produced a Noise Mitigation Options Assessment Report and consulted with the community about noise impacts and the ways they can be minimised.
The primary way Inland Rail asked for feedback about noise mitigation preferences was through a Noise Mitigation Survey. Inland Rail issued this survey to all 55 community stakeholders in the assessment area and received 20 responses. On the eastern side of the railway, the results of the survey which were weighted to consider the most impacted stakeholders show 56.25% of respondents identified a Noise Wall as their ‘preferred noise mitigation measure’. On the western side of the railway, the weighted results of the survey show 70% of respondents identified at-property treatment as their ‘preferred noise mitigation measure’.
This feedback, along with technical expertise, will inform Inland Rail’s recommendations for preferred noise mitigation measures and will be outlined in the Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR).
It’s important to note, the ‘preferred noise mitigation measures’ will be verified and confirmed during the Operational Noise and Vibration Review, which will occur immediately prior to construction of the Phase 2 project. The community will then be offered the opportunity to provide further feedback on the Operational Noise and Vibration Review. To find out more about how we approach noise mitigation, please see our operational noise mitigation fact sheet and an overview of the consultation and assessment process.
Phase 2 Community Reference Group
In mid-2023 a Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 section was established to inform development of the project as we transition through the Environmental Impact Statement approvals phase.
The CRG will gather and disseminate information regarding the project throughout the community and bring representative views from the community back to the Group. The CRG consists of 12 community members and two members representing the Moree Plains Shire Council.
The CRG is led by experienced Independent Chairperson, Mike Silver. The Chair can invite non-members to attend meetings, either as observers or to provide advice to the Group.
Key objectives of the CRG are to:
- Establish good working relationships and promote information sharing between Inland Rail, stakeholder groups and local councils on the Phase 2 section.
- Allow Inland Rail to keep the community informed about the Phase 2 section, seek community views, and respond or matters raised by the community.
- Allow community members and local councils to seek information from Inland Rail and provide feedback on the development and implementation of the Phase 2 section to assist with the delivery of balanced social, environmental and economic outcomes for the community.
If you would like to raise a topic for discussion or attend the next meeting please contact Mr Silver on NS2Binlandrailccc@bigpond.com. Mike can also put you in contact with CRG members if you wish to raise an issue through them.
Interactive map
We have developed an interactive map of the current project design. Drop a pin on the map to add your comment. Your feedback will help us get a better understanding of key issues from a community perspective.
