Environmental Impact Statement Update

Response to Submissions Report 

Following exhibition of the EIS, DPE published all the submissions it received on the Major Projects website and asked ARTC to respond to the issues raised. The purpose of this request is to not only give ARTC the opportunity to reply to the issues raised, but also to ensure the community receives considered responses and to help DPE evaluate the merits of the project. 

Preferred Infrastructure Report

The Planning Secretary may request a PIR if an aspect of a project or its EIS needs to be modified to address issues raised in the submissions phase or during DPE’s detailed assessment of the project. The purpose of the PIR is to outline these changes and to help the community, government agencies and DPE understand the implications of any such changes. 

The N2N PIR will provide additional information on project design development. It will also further address hydrology and flooding impacts, including proposed mitigation measures, particularly around the townships of Narromine and Narrabri. 

Amendment Report 

Since exhibition of the EIS, ARTC has undertaken further investigations and is proposing several minor design refinements to the project. These refinements address issues raised during consultation and look to minimise potential impacts, particularly in respect to property, traffic and access.

The Amendment Report will outline the design refinements, assess potential impacts and provide updated mitigation measures.    

Next Steps 

Once submitted, these reports will be made publicly available on the DPE and Inland Rail websites. DPE may also put the reports on public exhibition. 

DPE will then complete its assessment of the project in accordance with government legislation, policies, and guidelines. A recommendation will be made to approve the project, including either conditions of consent or reasons for refusal, and refer to the Minister or delegate for determination.  

For more information, please visit the DPE website.