Status
Project Stage
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4 Approvals
- 5
- 6
In parallel to the Procurement stage, projects develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or similar planning approvals application which consolidate findings of all the environmental and technical investigations and community…
Learn moreAlbury to Illabo Environmental Impact Statement
EIS Exhibition
The Albury to Illabo Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released for public exhibition and comment by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) on Wednesday 17 August 2022 and closed on Wednesday 28 September 2022. The EIS described the potential impacts of the project and proposed mitigation measures.
During this time, the community and key stakeholders were invited to view and make a submission to DPE on the draft EIS.
In all, 155 submissions were received from the general public, community organisations, business groups, along with Government Departments, agencies and local Councils.
Response to Submissions and Preferred Infrastructure Report
Inland Rail has prepared a Response to Submissions (RtS) report that includes an analysis of the issues raised in the submissions and how they have been addressed. In April 2023, the DPE directed Inland Rail to provide a Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR) that further assesses traffic and transport, noise and vibration, and air quality. Both reports have been finalised and are available on the DPE Major Projects website.
The PIR will be placed on public exhibition from 15 November 2023 to 6 December 2023, to allow all stakeholders to read and comment on the new information and project matters of interest.
Community information sessions will be held from 20 November 2023, in Albury, Henty, Wagga Wagga and Junee. Further details on these sessions can be found on the events page.
Steps to Approval
Once the PIR exhibition is completed, we will prepare a further Response to Submissions report. DPE will then consider the EIS, the PIR and both Response to Submissions reports in its assessment of the Albury to Illabo project.
DPE will then make a final recommendation for the Minister to approve or refuse the proposed project.
For more information about the project’s EIS and next steps, visit the DPE website.
Albury to Illabo PIR summary of findings
The Albury to Illabo project summary of findings will help you understand what is covered in the PIR with an overview of the key issues raised during the EIS exhibition, Inland Rail’s response to these matters, along with a simplified overview of the additional assessments prepared since the EIS exhibition.
How to make a submission
DPE encourages online submissions to ensure the timely consideration of all issues raised.
Online
To have your say online, during the exhibition period go to planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects and click on ‘Make a submission’. You will need to log in or create a user account.
By post
If you cannot lodge online, post or drop your submission to the address below, to arrive before the close of exhibition:
Director – Transport Assessments Planning and Assessment
Department of Planning and Environment
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124.
If you choose to send a paper-based submission, it is important that both the submission and mailing envelope are addressed to the nominated contact team.
DPE advise if you choose to send a paper-based submission and it is not addressed to the correct contact team, the submission may not be received and may be returned.
Your submission must include:
- your name and address, at the top of the letter only (if you want your personal details to be withheld from publication, please request this in a separate cover letter and do not include personal details in your submission)
- the name of the application and the application number: Inland Rail – Albury to Illabo SSI 10055 a statement on whether you ‘support’ or ‘object’ to the Proposal or if you are simply providing comment
- the reasons why you support or object to the Proposal; and
- a declaration of any reportable political donations you have made in the last two years (visit the NSW website or phone 1300 305 695 to find out more).
For further enquiries, please call Inland Rail on 1800 732 761.
Environmental planning and approvals
The Albury to Illabo project is progressing through the following environmental approvals.
- In March 2021 the project status was upgraded to Critical State Significant Infrastructure.
- In October 2020 the NSW Department of Planning Industry & Environment issued a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs).
- In May 2020 the project was classified as State Significant Infrastructure by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in May 2020.
- In April 2020 we lodged a State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) and Scoping Report with DPE.
Assessment process for New South Wales major projects
This fact sheet outlines the key steps in assessing Inland Rail major projects in New South Wales.
