Latest from your Community Consultative Committee

The Committee meeting was chaired by Bill Armagnacq with 10 of the 14 Committee members in attendance, and two online. Representatives from federal, state and local government agencies, and two elected representatives observed the meeting.

Unfortunately, due to evolving COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting was for members only.

A representative from the Coordinator-General (CG) updated the Committee on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The representative encouraged the community to submit concerns and comments on the Border to Gowrie project’s EIS through the CG’s submission process. Formal submissions will be considered during the project’s assessment phase. Timing for the Border to Gowrie project’s EIS public notification period is yet to be confirmed.

A representative from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development, Transport and Communications updated the Committee on the review of an alternative route via Cecil Plains.

The Committee was informed that ARTC was tasked with gathering data for government which would be used to assess the route against the Inland Rail service offering. The Committee was also informed that an independent consultant had been appointed by the government to undertake detailed analysis of the information compiled by ARTC.

Separately, the Chair of the Independent International Panel of Experts for flood studies in Queensland advised the Committee that five people have been appointed to the panel, each highly experienced experts in their field. The panel’s role is to look at Inland Rail’s flood modelling and provide advice on how the models compare against national standards.

The panel will produce a detailed report, which will be made public, to inform both the CG’s and government’s decisions about the project. The community can provide information and raise concerns via inlandrailfloodpanel@tmr.qld.gov.au

Inland Rail gave an update on the Border to Gowrie project, noting the preliminary draft EIS was submitted to the CG in December 2019. Feedback provided by the CG and government agencies has now been incorporated into the draft EIS and resubmitted. Inland Rail is awaiting advice on timing for the public notification period.

The Gowrie to Helidon project submitted their preliminary draft EIS to the CG for adequacy review on 30 June 2020. The project team also noted there were five successful Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program recipients from the Toowoomba region.

The Committee requested ARTC present on noise impacts at the next meeting. Detailed Committee meeting minutes will be uploaded to inlandrail.artc.com.au/IDD-CCC

Upcoming meetings

• Southern Darling Downs Community Consultative Committee meeting – 26 October 2020
• Inner Darling Downs Community Consultative Committee meeting – November 2020 (date TBC)

While the Committees are keen for observers to attend, this will depend on the latest public health advice. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming meetings.