Minister reiterates: No resumptions until state satisfied

TRANSPORT and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has reiterated that land resumptions along the Inland Rail corridors in Queensland will not take place until the Environmental Impact Statements have been completed and the government is satisfied there has been “genuine” consultation with affected communities.

Responding to a Question on Notice from Southern Downs MP James Lister, Mr Bailey said the EIS involved rigorous assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Inland Rail project, and that the terms of reference included specific requirements for public consultation to understand specific detail about people’s concerns.

“The completed EIS and the supporting reports and directions on community consultation will form part of considerations prior to any land resumptions commencing for this project,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland gets the best outcome from the project, and that the Australian Government considers and responds appropriately to issues raised by Queenslanders.”

Mr Bailey said the earlier Inland Rail Bi-Lateral Agreement between the State and Federal Government included protections such as a more meaningful and rigorous consultation process, greater focus on flood plain modelling and design, restrictions to some coal train operations, and concerns around noise, dust and social impacts.