Preferred Infrastructure Report summary
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposal was on public exhibition, commencing in September 2022 for 49 days, resulting in 19 submissions and 11 pieces of agency and council advice.
In assessing the proposal, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) requested further information relating to hydrology and flooding, and operational noise impacts.
The Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR) includes information on additional assessments, consultation, and design refinements in response to DPHI’s request. It also documents several additional mitigation measures developed since the EIS.
The PIR was lodged with DPHI in October 2024 and is available to view on the NSW Government’s Major Projects website.
We have also responded to EIS exhibition submissions and advice in a Response to Submissions Report.
We have also developed an information page to provide a summary of the report
PIR outcomes
Hydrology and flooding
DPHI request – Extend flood model coverage to include the village of Ashley, northwest of Moree, and assess compliance against the same design limits considered in the EIS.
Outcome – Extended model shows impacts are within acceptable limits.
DPHI request – Model scenarios to reduce the redistribution in floodwater including retention of the existing Camurra hairpin embankment.
Outcome – Hydrology models were re-run with the Camurra hairpin embankment retained and additional cross drainage structures. Modelling data showed improvement in surface water flow distribution, and a decrease in flooding impacts on surroundings.
DPHI request – Assess the impacts of the proposed increase in rail level north of Moree Station (and south of Alice Street) and other measures to mitigate impacts to residential properties in Moree from the cumulative flood impacts of Phases 1 and 2 of the Narrabri to North Star section.
Outcome – A low bund or earth embankment (<500mm) is proposed to be located within the western side of the existing rail corridor, adjacent to Moree train station. It extends approximately 250 metres south of the Alice Street level crossing. The bund mitigates the cumulative flooding impacts of the Phase 1 and 2 Inland Rail sections.
Operational noise
DPHI request – Assess the effectiveness and feasibility of noise mitigation measures for residents of Moree township. Undertake targeted resident engagement to discuss, seek input on and recommend a preferred treatment option. Document results in a justification report.
Outcome – The Inland Rail Stakeholder Engagement team completed a comprehensive consultation campaign to explain operational noise impacts, discuss mitigation options and understand resident preferences.
Two community information sessions and 20 one-on-one meetings were held, and surveys with affected residents were conducted to gather property treatment preferences and feedback.
Preference survey results
- East side of railway resident preference: Noise wall – 56.25%*
- West side of railway resident preference: At-property treatment: 70%*
A justification report recommending the above options was submitted within the PIR. Other mitigations considered include suppression of level crossing bells at night and train driver reminder signs.
* Results are weighted (70%) to favour residents who are predicted to be impacted by noise levels that exceed trigger levels outlined in the NSW EPA’s guideline on rail noise. For more information about the assessment process and the trigger levels please email us or find the information on our website at inlandrail.com.au/n2ns-noise-mitigation-consultation-process.
