Inland Rail infrastructure, amendment report open for feedback

A preferred infrastructure report and amendment report on Inland Rail’s Narromine to Narrabri project has been placed on public exhibition.

The report addresses the planning secretary’s direction to ARTC to prepare a preferred infrastructure report.

This report will provide further information on flooding and hydrology impacts and information on the design of the proposal and the alternate project routes considered, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment said in its notice of exhibition.

The report includes an amendment report which describes and assesses amendments made to the proposal by ARTC since the exhibition of the environmental impact statement.

While the alignment itself remains unchanged, amendments along the route include locating the Pilliga crossing loop 11 kilometres south of the location.

The Bohena Creek crossing loop is now proposed to be located 5.6 kilometres south of the location.

New level crossing have also been proposed along the route which passes through the Pilliga between Narrabri and Baradine.

In its amendment report, ARTC said it has undertaken further investigations and is proposing a number of amendments to the proposal.

“The aim of these amendments is to minimise the potential impacts of the proposal, where practicable, particularly in respect of land use and property, flooding and hydrology, and traffic and access, and to take into account further design development.

“The amendments have been developed taking into account consultation with the community and key stakeholders, and submissions made.”

Members of the public will have the opportunity to discuss the reports at a drop-in session with Inland Rail at the Narrabri RSL from 10am to 4pm on Monday, September 5.