Narromine to Narrabri project update April 2022
It has been a busy start to the year for the Narromine to Narrabri project, with environmental approvals gathering pace, more opportunities to engage with our stakeholders and a bridge raising announcement pointing to the long-term supply chain opportunities Inland Rail can unlock for the region.
April 8, 2022
The Narromine to Narrabri project is in the last stages of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. A Response to Submissions Report and Preferred Infrastructure/Amendment Report are currently being finalised in consultation with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). The reports outline proposed project amendments to further reduce impacts identified in the EIS. The reports also respond to feedback from community consultation, key stakeholders and EIS submissions.
The reports will be published on DPE’s website and we will keep you informed as they become available.
Last month, ARTC’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Campbell and Inland Rail’s Interim Chief Executive Rebecca Pickering joined the project team to brief Narrabri Council on the latest developments with route selection and hydrology. The team presented detailed flood modelling, overlaying data from the most recent Narrabri flood event, to show the current alignment is the safest, most reliable rail line possible.
In late March, the project team also presented at Community Consultative Committee meetings in Narromine, Gilgandra, and Narrabri.
Committee members were updated on the EIS approvals process with a particular focus on route selection, flood modelling and fauna mitigation measures.
We also announced an additional $8 million investment by ARTC to raise the height of the proposed bridge over the Walgett Line. The announcement supports Narrabri Shire Council’s vision to future proof connectivity between the proposed Inland Rail line and the existing Walgett Line. Once constructed, the new taller bridge will allow double-stacked trains to transition on and off the main Inland Rail line. Learn more about how the modification will benefit the local community here.
And finally, last month our teams were out in force at the Coonabarabran, Baradine and Gunnedah ag shows. We’d like to thank each show organiser for giving us the opportunity to answer questions and receive public feedback on the project’s progress.
Come and say hi to our teams at these upcoming shows:
- Trangie, Truck and Tractor Show (9 April)
- Classics Out West Show (23 April)
- Narrabri Show (29 – 30 April).
IMAGE: Aerial view of the Walgett line looking towards the proposed site of Inland Rail bridge.
