Narromine to Narrabri project update June 2023
Since our last update in March, we’ve continued working to secure the final Australian Government environmental approvals. We’ve also been out and about at local Ag shows, markets and other community events.
June 28, 2023
Environmental approvals
In February, we received environmental approval from the NSW Minister for Planning to progress the Narromine to Narrabri project. The project was then referred to the Australian Government to be assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
We’ve been responding to requests for further information about our approach to ecology and hydrology and expect to achieve Australian Government environmental approvals in the coming months.
Out and about
We’ve had a busy three months since our last newsletter supporting a swag of local Ag shows in Gunnedah, Gilgandra, Narrabri, Walgett, Dubbo, Coonamble, and Gulargambone.
Local Ag shows are a great way to connect with our alignment communities to seek local input and knowledge and answer any questions about the project. Thank you to everyone who dropped by to say hi, it was fantastic to see you out and about.
In April, we also attended the Narrabri and Narromine ANZAC Day dawn services, whilst in May we engaged with the next generation of engineers at the North West Region Careers Expo.
This month, stakeholder engagement managers from NSW, Queensland and Victoria attended the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra, including representatives from the 36 Local Government Areas (LGAs) covering the alignment. Over the three days, our team engaged with council representatives about the Inland Rail review and its recommendations and discussed the latest project updates.
What’s next?
Subject to the project achieving Australian Government approvals, we’ll conduct further investigations, such as locating utilities and assessing ground and hydrology conditions, to help refine the detailed design and provide more certainty on the delivery and cost of the full Inland Rail project.
Local feedback is helping us plan for the staged delivery of the Inland Rail project. We will continue to attend the local Narrabri and Gilgandra monthly markets, engage with our key stakeholders at regular meetings and be present at other community forums as opportunities arise.
Once the weather warms up and local Ag shows return, so will we! Stop by and see us at:
- Trangie Truck and Tractor Show – 19 August
- Ag Quip (Gunnedah) – 22 to 24 August
- Wee Waa Show – 26 August
- Narromine Show – 1 to 2 September
IMAGE: The Inland Rail stand at the Dubbo Show 150th anniversary in May
