Alternative line suggested for Inland Rail corridor

An alternative line for the Inland Rail project, further west of Narrabri, has been suggested by local residents in an attempt to address flooding, noise and land valuation concerns of the rail freight corridor.

Residents voiced their worries at a special meeting of Narrabri Shire Council last Wednesday afternoon.

The extraordinary meeting was convened to discuss several issues, including council making a submission to the NSW government on the Environmental Impact Study for the Narromine to Narrabri section of the 1700-kilometre project.

Local engineer Jim Purcell suggested the line be moved further west of the township.

In his presentation to council, he outlined the benefits the alternative route would have for local residents as well as the project.

His suggested route would mean there would be no bridge over Bohena Creek near the Newell Highway. There also would not be a need to cross Spring Creek.

Mr Purcell told council of his concerns about the line crossing the Namoi floodplain immediately downstream from Narrabri.

“I think it’s important to realise that in fact there is no good reason why we have to have the Inland Rail route immediately downstream of the town,” he said.

“As an engineer, I would say why is it not out here,” he said, pointing to his suggested route.

Following the presentation, Cr Cameron Staines asked Mr Purcell if there would be a cost saving with the alternative route.

“The cost saving for the project would be significant,” Mr Purcell told the meeting.

Following Mr Purcell’s presentation, Wee Waa Road resident Beth Kelaher told council she had attended nearly every meeting with Inland Rail on the project.

“I have continually been asking why the line could not go further out of town,” she told the meeting.

“I have been supplied with impact maps which have not been explained to me in layman terms.”

Cr Robert Kneale moved that council make its submission on the project.

The motion was seconded by Cr Annie McMahon.

Cr Kneale said there had been considerable debate and consultation within the floodplain risk committee management team.

“I think there certainly … are a number of issues that council is drawing their attention to that needs to be addressed,” he said.

In its submission, council has submitted a similar route to Mr Purcell’s.

Mayor Ron Campbell said the submission would potentially open up the conversation with ARTC about the flood impacts of Narrabri with the current alignment.

In its EIS submission, council said the current route proposed for the Inland Rail project did not provide an optimum outcome for Narrabri Shire.

“While it is acknowledged that considerable time and effort has been expended on determining a suitable route it is clear from our flood modelling, road network and future development that the route proposed is not optimised for the local community,” council said.

“Furthermore, due to its proposed location, Narrabri will have significant impacts to the extent that several properties will be worse off.”

The EIS will be on public exhibition until February 7.