Border to Gowrie project update February 2023
The NSW/Queensland Border to Gowrie team has literally hit the ground running in 2023, getting ready for the local agricultural shows through March. Meanwhile, our construction partners continue with geotechnical investigations in the project area and work is progressing on the project revised draft EIS for submission to Queensland’s Coordinator-General (CG).
March 1, 2023
What’s happening in the field?
Our preferred construction partners for the NSW/Queensland Border to Gowrie (B2G) project, BHQJV (Gowrie to Whetstone) and Laing O’Rourke Queensland (Whetstone to NSW/Queensland Border) are continuing with a range of geotechnical surveys in the project area.
The surveys include test pits, bore holes, cone penetration and seismic refraction testing. Bathymetric (or underwater) surveys are also in progress.
This survey data is important because it will help validate and enhance the project’s existing reference design.
Given some sections of the project alignment pass through areas of black soil, which tend to shrink and swell under variable moisture conditions, knowing the ground conditions inside and out is essential to building a strong foundation for the rail track.
BHQJV has established a temporary site office in Millmerran to store vehicles, machinery and equipment as investigations progress towards the southern end of the proposed alignment.
During these investigations you may see BHQ JV and Laing O’Rourke representatives out and about in local communities.
Visit our website to see all current and upcoming field investigations.
Out and about
Next month, we’ll be hitting the road for the agricultural shows in the B2G section. Kicking off with a stall at the Millmerran Show on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March, we’ll then make our way along the alignment with stands at the Pittsworth, Inglewood, and Toowoomba Royal Shows.
We look forward to seeing you, so be sure to drop by and say hello to our team’s new and familiar faces.
Revised draft EIS status
The NSW/ Queensland Border to Gowrie project remains in the approvals stage as we prepare additional information to support the project’s revised draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The revised draft EIS will be subject to a period of public consultation following submission and acceptance by the Coordinator-General (CG). Timing for additional consultation will be determined by the CG in due course.
Find out more by visiting the CG’s website.
Questions?
For more information about the NSW/Queensland Border to Gowrie (B2G) project, please get in touch.
For questions about the section between:
- Gowrie to Millmerran, please contact Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Katie Unipan via kunipan@artc.com.au or 0438 429 105
- Millmerran to Whetstone, please contact Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Scott Cobine via scobine@artc.com.au or 0488 032 447
- Whetstone to the NSW/QLD Border, please contact Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Isabella Hall via ihall@artc.com.au or 0409 413 155.
