Freight Rail

Nominations open for new Inland Rail consultative committee

A committee managing community consultation for the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section of the Inland Rail project has been established, with nominations currently open and the first meeting expected to take place in early October.

The new Community Consultative Committee for the section is the fifth for the Inland Rail project, with others already formed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation in the Southern Darling Downs, Inner Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley, and Scenic Rim.

The committees – which consist of up to 16 members – have been established to provide channels for communication and feedback between landholders, local businesses, residents and the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

Each committee focuses on the Inland Rail developments in their geographical area. Committee members consult with members of the community and key stakeholders before presenting findings to the quarterly committee meetings.

The ARTC’s Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller said that local MPs had been advocating for the establishment of another committee for the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section.

“We are heartened that people see great value in establishing such a committee and want residents in the southern suburbs of Brisbane, Logan and parts of the Scenic Rim area to contribute to the design of Inland Rail so that we can deliver the best possible project,” Wankmuller said.

“With Queensland set to benefit from more than $7.2 billion worth of economic activity due to Inland rail, it is important local communities share in the benefits as well as address local concerns and issues, and that will be an important role for the local committee.”

The ARTC is now looking for an independent chair and between 12 and 15 community members that will reflect the interests of residents, community groups, environmental groups and businesses.

Nominations for committee members will close on 31 August.

The Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section will consist of 49km of existing track, upgraded to enable double-stacking capability along the interstate route.

Wankmuller said that ongoing community and stakeholder input would be vital as the project moved into a period of extensive design studies, which is expected to take between 12 to 18 months.

“I encourage landholders and residents who are interested in the project to nominate to become members of the local committee,” he said.

“The public will also be able to attend committee meeting, further broadening the reach of information and feedback as Inland Rail progresses.”