Works and planning
Works in the North Star to NSW/QLD Border project area include upgrading 27km of non-operational rail line and constructing 12km of new track across the Macintyre River to join the existing rail line in Queensland.
Since 2016, our team has undertaken detailed field studies and consultation with landowners and local communities. These investigations have helped us to understand the potential issues and opportunities around the Macintyre River crossing.
Some of this work includes:
- meeting and working with landowners, stakeholders and the community to gather information about flooding, roads, traffic patterns, utilities and services, business opportunities and farming operations
- undertaking a range of investigations to gain a better understanding of existing environmental features, technical challenges and opportunities
- sharing information with the local community through individual conversations, community information sessions, meetings and project communication
- developing a detailed flood model of the Macintyre floodplain catchment area
- liaising with directed affected landowners, local flood specialists, government and the community to incorporate feedback and input into the reference design.
Preferred Central Civil Works Program proponent
Laing O’Rourke is our preferred construction partner for the North Star to NSW/Queensland Border section of Inland Rail.
This section of Inland Rail includes approximately 86km 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.
The North Star to NSW/QLD Border project sits within the Central Civil Works Program.
Laing O’Rourke was announced as our preferred construction partner in 2021 following rigorous evaluation and 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 a preferred proponent prior to receiving planning approvals is common practice, major construction will not start until statutory approvals have been received.
Appointing a preferred proponent gives local businesses and regional communities the confidence to get ‘Inland Rail-ready’ now.
Visit our supplier page for more information.
Watch a fly-through of the project
Get a bird’s-eye view of the North Star to NSW/QLD Border section.
This fly-through shows both the 30km section of the project in NSW and 9km in Queensland, and provides a bird’s eye view of the project’s reference design, including the proposed rail alignment, proposed Macintyre floodplain crossing solution, public road rail crossings, bridge structures, cuttings and embankments.
Please note, the reference design may change as a result of further investigations, government approvals or during detailed design. Buildings directly impacted by the reference design are not shown in this video.
We acknowledge some properties are impacted by the project reference design and landowners can still provide feedback by contacting the project team on 1800 732 761 or via email at inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.
View the 30km of new track and associated facilities between North Star and the NSW/Queensland border being considered by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. This section comprises 25km of the existing non-operational Boggabilla rail corridor and 5km of new corridor to the north of the alignment. Please visit the Department’s website for more information on the project.
