Online information sessions a success
During May, we replaced our scheduled staffed project information displays with online events due to COVID-19. Our project team and various environmental specialists were available online, in real time, to answer questions and discuss the project’s progress with local community members.
July 8, 2020
Key topics raised at the sessions included:
Managing noise and air quality
We understand local communities may have concerns about how the project will manage noise and air quality impacts associated with construction and freight train operations.
We want to reassure you that the project team is committed to managing and mitigating any environmental risks associated with Inland Rail construction and operation.
Air quality and noise monitors have been installed at key sites along the proposed alignment to gather baseline noise and air quality data under current operating conditions.
We’re using this data to develop operational air quality, noise and vibration modelling to predict potential environmental impacts when Inland Rail is operational.
The data will also help inform any mitigation measures we may need to consider if impacts exceed levels set by government authorities.
You can view the locations of our noise and air quality monitors here.
We anticipate the results of our environmental investigations will be available later this year and we will share these with the community.
Coal transport
Some attendees raised concerns about the potential for coal transport on Inland Rail.
In November 2019, the Federal and State governments signed the Inland Rail Intergovernmental Agreement to facilitate the delivery of the project. Under this agreement, coal trains won’t run along the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge project alignment until construction of the Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger line commences, which is still a number of years away, or another time as agreed by governments.
If coal trains use Inland Rail in the future, the Australian Rail Track Corporation will ensure freight operators comply with all relevant legislation, including dust emissions, as determined by the Queensland Government.
Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail
We had a number of questions regarding passenger rail. Inland Rail is a freight rail project. The Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail corridor study is a State Government initiative, run by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. More information about this study can be found here
Thank you to everyone who participated in our online forums. Stay tuned for updates about more information sessions in the coming months.
