NOMINATIONS are being sought for four Inland Rail Community Consultative Committees in Queensland.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Chester said the committees, of between 10 to 15 members each with an independent chair, would cover the greenfield inland rail projects in the southern Darling Downs, inner Darling Downs, the Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim regions. 

Each project will be assessed through the Queensland Government’s formal project assessment and approvals process requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement.

The EIS process is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

Mr Chester said the committees would be another channel for direct feedback and information sharing between landholders, local businesses and residents and the ARTC.

“Local people told us they wanted committees in each of the Queensland Inland Rail project areas and that’s what we are delivering,” Mr Chester said.

“Regular and ongoing input is both vital and welcome as ARTC moves through the EIS process of extensive studies and engineering work which will take around 18-months to two years across all four Queensland projects covered by the committees.”

Mr Chester said the geographically-based committees would focus on the Inland Rail projects in their local area, with committee members gathering and disseminating information throughout their community and then presenting those views to the committee.

“In general, committee meetings will be open to the public,” he said.

“Queensland stands to gain thousands of jobs and more than $7.2 billion in economic activity from Inland Rail so it is vital for local communities to contribute to the development and progress of Inland Rail in their local area.”
CLICK HERE for more information or telephone ARTC on 1800 732 761.