Works and planning
The Border to Gowrie project comprises approximately 138km of new dual gauge track and approximately 69km of upgraded track and crosses the local government areas of Goondiwindi and Toowoomba.
A two-kilometre-wide study area has progressed to the formal planning and approvals process, following a comprehensive study of four alternative routes. The towns of Millmerran, Brookstead and Pittsworth, and the Wellcamp-Charlton Industrial Precinct are located within this study area.
In late 2019, the proposed project footprint was released, which identifies the area required for the construction and operation of Inland Rail. The project footprint varies in width along the line to accommodate proposed changes to local roads, earthworks, access tracks, and construction material storage and production.
Feedback from the local community and results from field studies have played a key role in determining the proposed footprint. Technical viability, safety, operational restrictions, constructability, environment, and community and property impacts have also been considered in determining the footprint.
Preferred Northern and Central Civil Works Program proponents awarded
In 2021, we appointed BHQ Joint Venture (BHQ JV), comprising Brisbane-based companies Bielby Holdings Pty Ltd, JF Hull Holdings Pty Ltd, and QH&M Birt Pty Ltd, as the preferred proponent for the Northern Civil Works Program within the Border to Gowrie section of Inland Rail between Whetstone and Gowrie.
We also appointed Freight Connect, a consortium led by Laing O’Rourke and including Toowoomba-based FKG Group, as the preferred proponent for the Central Civil Works Program. This section of Inland Rail includes an approximately 86km section between North Star in New South Wales and Whetstone in Queensland, as well as a separate 14km package south of Moree called Narrabri to North Star Phase 2.
BHQ JV and Freight Connect were selected following rigorous evaluation and both demonstrated their capability to deliver the right technical solution while also providing significant lasting benefits for local communities along the alignment.
Next steps
We’re committed to ensuring the design of Inland Rail meets the highest environmental, safety and community standards in line with State and Australian government approval processes.
While appointing preferred proponents prior to receiving planning approvals is common practice, major construction will not start until statutory approvals have been received.
Appointing preferred proponents gives local businesses and regional communities the confidence to get ‘Inland Rail-ready’ now.
Visit our supplier page to find out how.
Current and upcoming field investigations
Last updated 30 August 2023.
| Location/s | Type of work | Timing | Contractor | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW/Queensland border to Gowrie Junction | Ecology surveys | Ongoing | Ausecology | Contractor conducting walk overs on properties located on and near the alignment, as agreed. |
Watch a fly-through of the project
Get a birds-eye view of the Border to Gowrie project. This video shows the alignment as of February 2020. The fly-through video is for illustration purposes and for discussion and community consultation.
Visualisations
To get a sense of what your community will look like after the project has been completed, check out our visualisations of the proposed design.
Visualisations are for illustrative purposes and not to scale.
Brookstead School
View of the project reference design, looking north-east on Ware Street at Brookstead State School.
Gore Highway, Pampas
View of the project reference design, which follows the existing QR rail corridor, looking south-east from the Gore Highway near the intersection of Brose Lane.
Gowrie Mountain
View of the project reference design, from Linora Drive looking north-west towards the Warrego highway.
Pittsworth
View of the project reference design, looking north-west on Pittsworth Felton Road, towards Oakey-Pittsworth Road and the Gore Highway.
Yelarbon rest area
View of the project reference design, including the proposed alignment within the existing QR rail corridor and Cunningham Highway realignment and road overpass, looking south-west towards Goondiwindi, from the Cunningham Highway near Memorial Park.
Millmerran
View of the project reference design, including proposed alignment and crossing of Millmerran-Inglewood Road, looking north between Commodore Mine and Millmerran township.
Inglewood
View of the project reference design, including proposed alignment and crossing loop, looking north towards Grays Road.
Southbrook
View of the project reference design looking north-east towards Geitz Road, Southbrook.
