Nats split on route decision

MPs call on minister to renounce controversial line

ANGRY Queensland Nationals have sensationally accused one of their own Cabinet ministers of stuffing up the multi-billion-dollar Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project and have demanded a “more transparent process”.

Eight Queensland Nationals backbenchers signed a letter demanding Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester make a public statement that backs down on the route he announced just weeks ago.

Mr Chester, who is a Nationals MP, was in his office when he faced an expletive-laden assessment of his decision to choose a questionable route through Queensland that could flood properties.

The correspondence was sparked after the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Senate Estimates Committee was told that proper assessments had not been done.

In September, Mr Chester said the Government would pursue a Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail route through Millmerran, Brookstead and Southbrook on to Wellcamp and through to Charlton.

A review of modelling by Maranoa MP David Littleproud found the route could be seriously problematic.

There are fears the corridor could cause an inland lake, creating significant problems for farmers and landholders.

There are also questions as to how much it will cost to build an elevated rail track 12.5km across the Condamine floodplain.

It comes as Inland Rail Unit acting executive director Richard Wood and Australian Rail Track Corporation John Fullerton told Estimates hearings that some of the decisions for the rail corridor were made on high-level assumptions and not on detailed costings.

Mr Chester said the Yelarbon to Gowrie section of the project would be subject to an environmental impact statement that would take up to two years and provide “many opportunities for consultation and engagement with affected landowners”.