EIS field work begins

Inland Rail assessments and surveys are under way

AUSTRALIAN Rail Track Corporation has begun field work for environmental and geotechnical investigations across the two-kilometre wide Inland Rail study area between the Queensland border and Gowrie.

The investigations will include visual assessments, flora and fauna surveys, air quality and noise monitoring, and collection of water, soil and rock samples.

The works follow the Queensland CoordinatorGeneral's declaration of the Inland Rail Border to Gowrie project as a "coordinated project" on March 16, the results of which ARTC will use to inform the development of the design and Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

Investigations on private property will be carried out following mutual agreement with landowners.

It is anticipated the Coordinator-General will release draft Terms of Reference for the EIS for community comment in the coming months.

ARTC said it was committed to continuing to work with landowners and local communities and would ensure it provided many opportunities for the community to give input to the project.

Landowners are encouraged to keep up to date with the project by registering via the Inland Rail website, inlandrail.artc.com.au. Meanwhile, the Southern Darling Downs and Inner Darling Downs Community Consultative Committees have called an extraordinary meeting at the Brookstead Hall on April 10 to discuss methodology of design and engineering works for the crossing of the Condamine Floodplain.

The meeting will start at 6pm and observers are welcome.