Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 operational noise consultation to start in early 2024

During the development of the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), modelling occurred to identify the impact of additional noise from trains from the opening year of the operation of the Phase 2 section. The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) assessed the EIS and requested additional studies be prepared and presented in a Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR).

To fulfill this request Inland Rail has undertaken additional noise modelling and identified a total of 18 properties where noise is predicted to exceed levels categorised as reasonable by the current guidelines (The NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s Rail Infrastructure Noise Guideline or RING).

The RING is a key document used to assess noise impacts from rail infrastructure projects (such as Inland Rail) and ensure these impacts are managed effectively and consistently.

Community views collected during the upcoming consultation, along with technical expertise, will inform recommendations for preferred noise mitigation measures and these will be outlined in the PIR report.

The preferred noise mitigation measures may be refined during the Operational Noise and Vibration Review (ONVR) which would be completed during the Phase 2 detailed design stage should the necessary planning approvals be granted.

We are committed to ensuring community members have access to sufficient information to make an informed contribution and we will be engaging them through a variety of ways including visits to their homes, phone calls, emails and two community events. We will be providing residents with information and access to advocates and cultural representatives should they wish to use them.

The community is also represented by the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 Community Reference Group which was set up to provide a forum for discussion between Inland Rail, its agents and contractors, selected community representatives and various interest groups relevant to this section.

Key objectives of the CRG are to:

1. Establish good working relationships and promote information sharing between Inland Rail, stakeholder groups and local councils on the Phase 2 section.
2. Allow Inland Rail to keep the community informed about the Phase 2 section, seek community views, and respond or matters raised by the community.
3. Allow community members and local councils to seek information from Inland Rail and provide feedback on the development and implementation of the Phase 2 section to assist with the delivery of balanced social, environmental and economic outcomes for the community.

The members are:

• Rodney Schoupp
• Ann Turner
• Steve McIntosh
• Alexander Munro
• Lynne McQueen
• Terry Haynes
• Karen Craigie
• Angus Witherby
• Michael Murphy
• Meryl Dillon
• Christopher Hartin
• Sonia Rowe

For more information about how we manage noise impacts at Inland Rail please read our Fact Sheet

If you have any questions about this update or the upcoming community consultation, please get in touch with Isabella Hall, Stakeholder Engagement Lead – Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 on 0409 413 155, or Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Ms Lauren Marer on, 0419 255 322.

More detail about our planned engagement activities are:

Image Caption: A double stacked train going through an activated signalised crossing