I write in reference to the advertisement in The Courier on June 24 [Inland Rail on the wrong track through Narrabri], specifically in relation to the flood modelling and a Plan B proposed by concerned residents.

Inland Rail has long been championed by Coalition governments and me personally, which is why I think some myths need to be expelled.

The Inland Rail project is not a train.

It is a railway line linking Melbourne and Brisbane that will allow a more efficient mode of moving freight between the two cities.

It will also, for the first time in our country’s history, connect every state in Australia to a standard gauge line.

My support of this project has always been based on the benefits it will bring to the wider corridor it traverses.

With this investment comes more than 21,500 jobs at the peak of construction and a boost to the Australian economy of more than $18 billion during construction and over the first 50 years of operations, over and above the delivery cost.

The route is not just an arbitrary line on a map.

It has been selected over the past 15 years through several comprehensive studies, such as the 2010 Inland Rail alignment study, 2015 Inland Rail implementation group report and Inland Rail business case.

Earlier this year, the New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) received more than 100 submissions to the Narromine to Narrabri (N2N) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

I am aware that a number of stakeholders raised concerns or objections through this process.

As a result, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will be required to prepare a response to submissions report and preferred infrastructure report/amendment report.

In terms of flood modelling along the Narromine to Narrabri route, the project incorporates design measures to identify and mitigate potential impacts on watercourses and accommodate natural flows during flood events.

Inland Rail is taking the advice of highly qualified flood modellers as well as engaging local residents with expertise and personal experience with regard to local flood history.

The N2N EIS approval is expected towards the end of the year, and these measures will be further refined during the detailed design process.

The line will be designed to handle one in one hundred-year floods.

The final design will not only provide a flood free route for freight movements, it will be designed to ensure minimum impact on traditional water flows.

Inland Rail is a project that creates opportunity and jobs in the short, medium and long-term – with jobs created in supply contracts like the supply of rail and sleepers, the future jobs and investment during construction, and the enduring benefits that will come from the enhancement and expansion of regional supply chains.

Working closely with Narrabri Shire Council, I have been able to secure $7.8 million for the Northern NSW Inland Port and $44.7 million for the ARTC to upgrade 35 kilometres of the Narrabri to Turrawan line between the Hunter Valley Coal Network and Inland Rail, which will allow longer and heavier freight trains to access the Newcastle and Sydney Ports.

The Commonwealth government has also funded a business case that focuses on providing connectivity between Inland Rail and the Walgett line, which includes the Inland Port.

There has also been funding to support a business case that is investigating lengthening two sidings at the Auscott Narrabri siding and incorporating two additional turnouts to handle longer trains.

This project will not only provide a cheaper and more efficient connection for local producers and their overseas customers, it will be the catalyst that will secure Narrabri’s future growth.

This will only be achieved if Narrabri is connected to Inland Rail in the most efficient way possible.

This is the project that will allow future generations an exciting opportunity to prosper without having to leave the community they love.

I would like to finish on a personal note.

Projects of this magnitude are not easy.

There are local concerns along its entire length, especially in the section in my electorate.

My support of this project is well known.

However, I have always endeavoured to make sure any concerns that have come to me directly have been elevated to the highest level of management.

The people who are directly impacted have been in discussion with the project team for some time. Concerned residents, whether directly impacted or not, have had the opportunity to engage through the EIS process.

I have had many conversations over the last decade that start in support of the project but end by expressing an opinion that the line is in the wrong place.

Indeed, last week’s Courier advertisement generated a reaction from landholders who would be impacted should the route be changed.

Sadly, I have lost the respect of some people I have known for 40 years.

However, if the route was changed purely to avoid impacting my personal friends or National Party members, we would have complete anarchy, not to mention accusations of corruption!

A thorough review to change the route would take several years.

This would lengthen the uncertainty for the residents near the current alignment, some of whom are currently in negotiations with Inland Rail around compensation over the resumption of their property.

They don’t need any more uncertainty.

The community of Narrabri, led by its council, have been enthusiastic about this project since its inception.

I will continue to work with directly impacted residents as this project becomes a reality.

Federal Member for Parkes, Hon Mark Coulton MP

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