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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 moreNSW Planning Minister gives Narromine to Narrabri project the green light
In late February 2023 the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) received approval from the NSW Minister for Planning to progress the Narromine to Narrabri project, subject to conditions and Federal Government approval.
To view the Planning Secretary’s Assessment Report and Project’s Conditions of Approval please go to the NSW Government’s Major Projects website.
Now that State approval has been received, the Project assessment will be finalised by the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A decision is expected in the second half of 2023.
Over the coming months, Inland Rail will continue to work with the preferred construction contractor, ACACPB JV, to develop the Project’s detailed design and secondary approvals documentation (environmental and social management plans, permits and licenses) and conduct low-impact works such as service utility relocations and site investigations, including geotechnical surveys to better understand ground conditions.
Keeping you informed about the Project’s design development, potential impacts, and proposed mitigation is important to us. We remain committed to working with the community to ensure the best outcome for the region.
If you’d like to arrange a formal briefing, please call one of our Stakeholder Engagement Advisors on 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.
You can also speak with us face-to-face by dropping by our community shopfront in Narrabri (open every weekday) or visiting us at the monthly markets in Narrabri and Gilgandra.
Preferred Infrastructure/Amendment Report summary document
This document summarises the information contained in the three new reports: Response to Submissions Report; Preferred Infrastructure Report; and the Amendment Report.
The Summary document will also help you navigate the reports and direct you to where you can find more information within the full reports.
Our Stakeholder Engagement Team is always available to answer your questions.
Drop by our new community shopfront in 85 Maitland Street, Narrabri, call us on 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.
We also recommend you subscribe to receive email updates about the Narromine to Narrabri project, including updates regarding the exhibition of the Preferred Infrastructure/Amendment Report.
The Environmental Impact Statement approval process
From August 2018, ARTC Inland Rail consulted with stakeholders and worked with technical experts to develop the Narromine to Narrabri project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The EIS supported an application for approval of the Proposal under division 5.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). It addressed the environmental assessment requirements set by the Secretary of the DPE.
The EIS describes the potential impacts of the project and proposed mitigation measures. It also captures information gathered from consultation with landowners and other stakeholders and demonstrates how consultation was considered in determining the final rail corridor.
The Narromine to Narrabri project’s EIS was on public display for 62 days, from 8 December 2020 to 7 February 2021. The exhibition resulted in 116 public and agency comments submitted to DPE and we thank all parties for taking the time to lodge submissions.
In April 2021, the Planning Secretary directed Inland Rail in accordance with section 5.17(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) to provide a Preferred Infrastructure Report to further address flooding and hydrology impacts and provide additional detail on the route selection process.
In February 2022, a Preferred Infrastructure Report, Amendment Report, and Response to Submissions Report were submitted to the DPE for adequacy review. The reports were finalised and formally lodged to DPE in August 2022.
In September 2022, the Preferred Infrastructure/Amendment Report (PIR) was placed on public exhibition for three weeks. The reports outline proposed amendments to further reduce impacts identified in the Project’s EIS and respond to feedback from the community, key stakeholders and EIS submissions. Seventy public and agency submissions were received by DPE in response to the exhibition.
On 23 February 2023 the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) received approval from the NSW Minister for Planning to progress the Inland Rail Narromine to Narrabri Project, subject to conditions and Federal Government approval.
DPE’s N2N Environmental Assessment Report and the Minister’s decision has been forwarded to the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for final assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Narromine to Narrabri EIS summary of findings
This summary outlines the Narromine to Narrabri project, planning and assessment processes, engagement activities, and potential impacts and approaches to management and mitigation. Each section will show you where you can find more information in the Narromine to Narrabri Environmental Impact Statement.
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.
