Ipswich residents are being encouraged to have their say on a section of the Inland Rail project planned to run through part of the Ipswich Local Government Area.
The entire project runs from Melbourne to Brisbane.
The Queensland Coordinator-General has released the draft Environmental Impact Statement (Calvert to Kagaru) for public comment until 8 March 2021 and is accepting formal submissions until then.
The section runs through parts of Ipswich and is expected to cost $1.2 billion to construct.
Key features include:
- 53km single-track dual-gauge freight line to accommodate double stack freight trains up to 1.8km long.
- About 1km of tunnel through the Teviot Range.
- Construction of rail infrastructure, 27 bridges and four crossing loops.
- Connection to the existing West Moreton and Interstate railway lines.
- Ancillary works including road and public utility crossings and realignments.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the consultation process is an opportunity for the community to have its say on major infrastructure.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in the Inland Rail project, particularly those directly impacted by the proposed route, to review the draft Environmental Impact Statement and make a submission,” Mayor Harding said.
“This is important nation-building infrastructure, but we need to ensure it is delivered in a way that provides the best possible outcome for our community.
“Council is reviewing the draft Environmental Impact Statement and will be lodging its own submission with the Coordinator-General, who will assess the draft EIS.”
The Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project is not a council project. Two sections of the proposed route impact Ipswich. They are Calvert to Kagaru and Helidon to Calvert.
The draft EIS for the Calvert to Kagaru section is available online here: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/inlandrail-c2k
It is also available at these locations:
- Ipswich Central Library, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich
- Rosewood Library, 15 Railway Street, Ipswich
- Beaudesert Library, 58 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert
- State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane
- National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra
- ARTC Inland Rail Gatton Office, Suite 5 & 6, 47 North Street Gatton.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), who prepared the EIS, is hosting a series of community information sessions about the draft. Upcoming sessions include:
- 28 January, 4pm to 7pm at Rosewood Uniting Church Hall, 21 John Street, Rosewood
- 6 February, 9am to 12pm at The Centre Beaudesert, 82 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert
- 11 February, 4pm to 7pm at Ipswich Civic Centre, 50 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
Submissions on the draft EIS for Calvert to Kagaru must be made by 5pm on 8 March 2021. Submissions can be made here: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/inlandrail-c2k