North Star to NSW/QLD Border project update March 2021

This month on the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project we lodged our draft response to Submissions Report with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for review and continued our work on the Macintyre River flood model.

The Border Bridge over the Macintyre River looking towards the township of Goondiwindi

In line with the ‘Response to Submissions’ phase of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, we submitted a draft report for review earlier this month and are currently responding to DPE’s comments. We expect to provide a final submissions report to DPE for assessment in the coming weeks.

Macintyre River flood model 

We have been working with DPE to determine the flood modelling and construction guidelines for the alignment. Our flood model has been compared to the existing Border Rivers Floodplain Management Plan model and updated to incorporate feedback from the independent review facilitated by Goondiwindi Regional Council, the latest LiDAR data and the Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR) 2019 guiding principles. 

The team recently met with landowners to present impact mapping for the 1976 flood calibrated to ARR 2019 guidelines. The next step is to present this information to local councils, Transport for New South Wales and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Cities. 

Current field investigations

Extensive cadastral surveys will be conducted along the alignment in the coming months. You may notice vehicles stopping in various locations to identify cadastre survey markers and confirm property boundaries. If you have any concerns about this work, please contact the team on 1800 732 761 or email. 

Upcoming consultation 

We’re continuing to work with directly affected landowners and local councils to further explore hydrology impacts and hold property acquisition conversations with directly impacted landowners. For more information on Inland Rail’s land access and property acquisition processes, please visit our website.  

We welcome your feedback and invite you to contact the project team on 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au for more information.