North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project update June 2022
Since our last update, we’ve spent time out and about in the communities along the alignment. We’re continuing to work with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to determine the conditions of approval for the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project. And keep an eye out for some great opportunities and events in coming months to meet the team and learn more about Inland Rail.
June 30, 2022
What’s happening in the field?
Inland Rail’s koala genetics study commenced in mid-June with boots and paws on the ground in the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge / Bromelton section area.
Inland Rail’s field teams of two ecologists and a koala detection dog are currently investigating properties for evidence of koalas along the alignment in Queensland.
Investigation dates for the North Star to QLD/ NSW Border (NS2B) section are still to be confirmed.
Freight Connect, our preferred civil works contractor for the Central Civil Works Program (spanning the North Star to QLD/ NSW Border and Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 sections) is currently scoping potential borrow pit (quarry material) and water suppliers in preparation for the start of construction on the NS2B section.
Out and about
To help promote the region and all that Goondiwindi offers, our team joined a contingent of Goondiwindi businesses and councils at the G’Day from Goondi event held at University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba in late June.]
Organised by the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce, G’day from Goondi was an opportunity for local businesses to showcase opportunities for engineering students attending USQ. ARTC Inland Rail proudly supported the inaugural event, and it was fantastic to speak with students about future career opportunities with Inland Rail and the rail industry generally.
In June, our preferred civil works proponent for the North Star to NSW/QLD Border project, Freight Connect (Laing O’Rourke) updated members of Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise and Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce on section progress.
The team provided an overview of the early works packages which will be put out to tender via the ICN Gateway online portal and the construction segments the team will deliver so local businesses could see how they can get involved.
As we move closer to commencing construction on the North Star to NSW/QLD Border section, we will host ‘Meet the preferred proponent’ workshops in communities along the alignment so local business can meet contractor representatives in person and discuss opportunities. Keep an eye out for more information on the Inland Rail website.
What’s coming up?
On 5 July, Inland Rail with TAFE NSW Boggabilla will host an information session to meet member of our Stakeholder Engagement, Indigenous Participation and Inland Rail Skills Academy team to talk about upcoming opportunities to get involved with Inland Rail and discuss the progress of cultural heritage and the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border project.
To register, please call 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.
EIS status
The North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section remains in the approvals stage as we continue to work with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) on our conditions of approval.
We expect the Minister for Planning to make a decision about the section in the coming months.
Find out more by visiting DPE’s website.
Questions?
For more information about the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section, please get in touch. You can contact the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Isabella Hall via 0409 413 155 or ihall@artc.com.au.
Alternatively, drop in to see us between Monday and Friday at 116 Marshall Street, Goondiwindi.
