Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project update February 2023
Welcome to the first project update of the year from the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 team. Since early January we’ve been busy progressing many aspects of the project. We’ve continued working with the Department of Planning and Environment on developing EIS documentation, hosted a successful business event in Moree, and welcomed a new addition to our Stakeholder Engagement team.
February 27, 2023
EIS approvals continuing
The public exhibition of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concluded on 9 November. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process. All responses to the EIS are available to view on the NSW Government’s Major Projects website.
Our Approvals team is currently preparing a Response to Submissions report which documents and considers the EIS responses raised by community members (public), organisations and public authorities formally received by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).
The report will also describe any actions taken since the EIS was placed on public exhibition and provide an updated set of mitigation measures, considering the issues raised in responses and/or any additional information.
The report is expected to be lodged with DPE in the first half of this year. Once reviewed, DPE will publish the report on its Major Projects website.
DPE will consider the report in their assessment of the project and may request additional information prior to providing a recommendation to the NSW Minister for Planning for determination.
Local businesses keen to hear about project supply opportunities
Our Meet the Preferred Contactor event in Moree on 9 February was a success with 62 local businesses attending.
The event featured presentations from Inland Rail and Laing O’Rourke, our preferred civil works construction partner, discussing the Phase 2 project’s scope of works and upcoming supply opportunities.
Attendees also had the opportunity to network, ask questions and present their business offerings to the project.
Say hello to Rachel Latimer
In early January, we welcomed Rachel Latimer to the Phase 2 Stakeholder Engagement team. Rachel replaces Lauren Marer who is now enjoying maternity leave with her family after the arrival of a beautiful baby boy.
Rachel is a long-time Moree local and has been working with Inland Rail, supporting the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 construction team, since December 2021. We are thrilled to bring Rachel’s wealth of local knowledge and project experience to Phase 2. Coupled with her warmth and generous spirit, she will be a huge asset to the project.
IMAGE: Project Director Adam Barber addressing the audience at the Meet the Preferred Contractor event in Moree on 9 February
