Inland Rail

[ozbob]

Queensland lags as Inland Rail ramps up in south

THE INAUGURAL Inland Rail Conference at Parkes last week pulled a crowd of around 400 people as construction of the project nears kick-off in and near the central New South Wales town.

Delegates at the conference have come away feeling confident about the project as a whole, but aware that the Queensland Government is still wrangling with alignment and investment issues tied to getting a line from the NSW border to the Port of Brisbane.

The conference was an initiative of the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), with support from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) as well as the Parkes Shire Council.

Unofficial reports from the conference said uncertainty surrounding Queensland sections of Inland Rail drew criticism from Port of Brisbane's chief operating officer, Peter Keyte, and Toowoomba Regional Council mayor, Paul Antonio, and not for the first time.

ARTC Inland Rail CEO, Richard Wankmuller, also saw the chain dragging in the north, where he said an Inter-Governmental Agreement was needed to bring Queensland into line with Victoria and NSW.

"Queensland needs to get on board and we need to get moving. We need an IGA in place and the benefits can start to flow in Queensland," Mr Wankmuller said.

Issues for the Queensland leg include a Public-Private Partnership to fund construction of a new alignment through the Great Dividing Range in Toowoomba, a decision about the line's route from the NSW border, and access to the Port of Brisbane.

"Although the port connections are important, the business case for Inland Rail does not rely on them," Mr Wankmuller said.

He did, however, acknowledge that "the clock is ticking, and it needs to be addressed."

"The only issue is the time in figuring that out. Everyone knows it needs to be done at some point."

Southern progressARTC signed IGAs with the Victorian and NSW governments earlier this year and, pending final NSW and Federal government approvals, the Parkes-to-Narromine leg is this year set to become the first of 13 Inland Rail sub-projects to commence construction.

Last week, the Victorian Government announced its Freight Victoria plan, which supports aspects of Inland Rail, including the building of the Western Interstate Freight Terminal at Truganina, near the Port of Melbourne.

Time countsA joint statement from ALC and ARA said one of the key messages of the conference was that the Melbourne-Brisbane transit time of less than 24 hours had to be achieved and adhered to.

"An absence of reliability and certainty will undermine market confidence," it said.

Mr Wankmuller said the 24-hour transit time was essential to achieve from the project, which is due to be completed in 2025.

"It not only has to be connected, but it has to be very fast. We have to shave at least 10 hours off the time and get it down to 24 hours or less.

"That's no small challenge, but very important to the customers."

Positive moodWhile some criticisms were made of the planning and approvals process, the ALC and ARA statement said the overwhelming mood of the conference was one of enthusiasm and collaboration, and the need to embrace communities along the 1700-kilometre route.

"The response to this first industry-led conference focussed entirely on Inland Rail was phenomenal, and shows that industry participants are eager to work cooperatively with governments to deliver this transformation for Australia's freight networks in the years ahead.

"The conference showed there is enormous enthusiasm for Inland Rail across a wide range of industries and a diverse range of communities, be it ports in our major cities or smaller regional communities eager to capitalise on its economic development opportunities."

ARTC's projections have said Inland Rail will take 200,000 truck movements off the road annually.

Inland Rail will also form a central part of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy that is currently being developed by the Federal Government.

Following the success of this inaugural event, ALC and the ARA are looking at staging the next Inland Rail Conference in Toowoomba in mid-2019.

The Queensland Government, Paul Antonio and Peter Keyte were not available to comment.

[ozbob]

Redland City Bulletin --> Inland Rail - which will impact on the Scenic Rim and Logan - also will impact on Darling Downs farmland, say farmers

LANDHOLDERS on the Condamine Floodplain will be keen to impress on new Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack the importance of getting the Inland Rail project right, if it to cross some of Australia's most important agricultural land.

Mr McCormack, who is also the deputy prime minister, is expected to meet with concerned landholders on the ground within the next two weeks.

Australian Rail Track Corporation chairman Warren Truss, a former Nationals leader, is also expected to attend meetings on the project which will also impact infrastructure through the Scenic Rim and Logan districts.

The invitation was extended to Mr McCormack after he assumed the infrastructure portfolio following the dumping of John McVeigh from federal cabinet by new Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Wes Judd, a spokesman for Condamine Floodplain farmers on the 16km corridor, said landholders were waiting on a preliminary assessment of the proposed rail corridor.

"Until we see that engineering report ordered by the Senate, we don't know what ARTC and the government are thinking," Mr Judd said.

"What we do know is there is no way an embankment can be built on this floodplain without causing massive disruption to the farming systems here.

"If the inland rail is to come across the floodplain it will have to be on a bridge. That seems unlikely given the extreme cost. 

"There are other alternatives and we will be making sure Mr McCormack knows it."

The Inland Rail project has now had four ministers overseeing the project since October 2016, when an emergency meeting was held in Warwick to get the $10 billion project back on track.

Mr McCormack's leadership of the controversial project follows Darren Chester, Barnaby Joyce and John McVeigh, who all struggled with community reaction to the proposed infrastructure. 

However, with a federal election unlikely to be held any later than May next year, there are an increasing number of indications the Queensland section of the Inland Rail project may never be built.

Labor has already signaled the economically questionable trophy project championed by former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce is unlikely to be a priority investment.   

Condamine MP Pat Weir said a major test for the resolve of government would be when, and if, the Queensland government was willing to issue compulsory resumption notices for the rail corridor.

"The case must absolutely stack up or the community will not accept it," Mr Weir said.

"Resumptions are always complex and governments need to show a lot of compassion, not just for affected farmers, but the entire community.

"But until we know what is being planned we are all still in the dark."

The proposed Inland Rail corridor is expected to be a key issue when the Palaszczuk government Cabinet meets in Toowoomba from September 24.

This story McCormack must understand Inland Rail impact, say farmers first appeared on Beaudesert Times.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Planning approval granted to first Inland Rail section

Following two years of environmental assessments and community consultations, planning approval has now been granted to the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project, bringing the start of construction another step closer.

Planning approvals from state and federal governments are necessary for the beginning of construction works to begin on the Inland Rail project.

Contracts were awarded earlier this year for the construction of the Parkes-Narromine section, which is to involve upgrades to the existing rail corridor to prepare the line for the "double-stacked" 1.8-kilometre-long trains that will travel on the Inland Rail, through upgrades to the track, track formation and culverts. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller said that the local community were energised about the project.

"We have been working closely with landowners and the community here for over two years," Wankmuller said.

"We are very grateful for the support, feedback and land access provided which aided throughout the design and environmental assessment process and continues to date. Community feedback has proven invaluable to the process."

The 106-kilometre Parkes to Narromine section is to utilise existing ARTC operated track. It will undergo extensive upgrades, including the replacement of bridges and culverts, enhanced level-crossings and three new crossing loops at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly. A new 5-kilometre long connection to the Broken Hill line west of Parkes is also to be constructed.

Steel for the Parkes-Narromine track is being manufactured at Whyalla in South Australia by Liberty OneSteel, who will provide approximately 14,000 tonnes of steel. 6,534 tonnes have been delivered so far.

Rocla, from Braema, Mittagong, has the $20 million contract for the production of 200,000 concrete sleeper production. Pacific National began transporting the sleepers from Braema in May, and will run a train carrying 9,000 sleepers to the Parkes-Narromine rail alignment every week over the coming months.

Parkes based companies Calvani Crushing and Ausrock Quarries have also won contracts worth $7 million to supply materials.

"All wheels are in motion for the construction phase to move forward," Wankmuller said. "Just last month, industry briefings calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for work required on the route were held in Parkes, Narromine and Dubbo. We have had keen interest from the community so far, with over 200 EOI registrations from local businesses."

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Inland Rail consultation committee slammed as a 'fail' for Brisbane and Logan

COMMUNITY over coal ... it's that simple, according to Greens MP Michael Berkman.

The Member for Maiwar has lashed out at the Labor State Government for not listening to residents in Brisbane's south and Logan who are outraged the Inland Rail project will see coal carried through their backyards.

More than 50,000 people will be impacted by the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge section of the 1700km interstate rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane.

About 280 freight trains will run past homes in Parkinson, Algester and Acacia Ridge, as well as suburbs in Logan, weekly by 2040.

At least 84 of them will be carrying coal.

At the moment about 40 freight trains a week use the existing railway line.

Mr Berkman's comments come after Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch slammed the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which is responsible for the design and delivery of the Federal Government project.

Ms Enoch claimed the ARTC had failed to meet the September deadline for implementing a Community Consultative Committee and had not kept the public up to date.

However, Mr Berkman said Ms Enoch had not addressed the issue most important to the community — getting the State and Federal governments to have the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section of the track declared a co-ordinated project.

That one move would trigger an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) into the project.

"I think it really depends on the State Government and how meaningfully they want to approach this consultation — I mean if the community is universally up in arms about it and no one in the community wants to see it go ahead, what do they do then?" Mr Berkman said.

"Do they just capitulate to the corporate interests that they routinely do or do they actually respond to community concerns even if it comes at a cost to industry.

"And make sure that coal trains are covered and that these impacts from coal dust don't worsen over time.

"I think the main concern we've seen is the lack of consultation is a real issue for the locals."

Ms Enoch responded to Mr Berkman's comments by saying: "The Morrison Government and the ARTC could initiate an EIS at any time and have failed to do so, regardless of community concerns.

"The Community Consultative Committee is an important step in ensuring that local residents finally have a vehicle to voice their concerns about the Federal LNP Government's Inland Rail Project directly to the ARTC — something which they have been unable to do to date."

Mr Berkman said the potential impact of coal dust on people's health was unable to be denied.

"The evidence is becoming clearer about the impacts of fine particulates and just how far they can get into people's lungs," he said.

"Obviously, it is a slightly different level of exposure from pneumoconiosis (a disease of the lungs due to inhalation of dust, characterised by inflammation, coughing, and fibrosis) that miners suffer but the reappearance of black lung in Queensland tells us all we need to know about the risks that coal dust pose to people's health.

"The State (Government) could deal with these impacts of coal dust overnight if they decided that coal carriages had to be covered then that would be the new norm but we've got a State Government that is unwilling to stand up to big business and the resource industry in particular, even when their actions (could) come at the expense of community wellbeing."

Despite applying to be part of the CCC, Algester father-of-two Mallory Wuthrich, told the Southern Star he thought it would be a "pointless and toothless talkfest".

But he knew if he wasn't on the CCC and able to voice his concerns on behalf of the community, locals would suffer.

"I think they (government) are being calculating," Mr Wuthrich said.

"They State Government has the legislative mechanisms at their disposal to ensure due diligence is done, by using their powers to designate the route a co-ordinated project and thus force an Environmental Impact Statement (can be done).

"That they continue to say they don't whilst advocating for a toothless CCC shows they clearly are just paying lip service to residents concerns."

Mr Wuthrich recalled an IR interview on the ABC a couple of months ago that stated once nominations closed they'd finalise nominations very quickly.

" ... And now they're delaying?" he said.

"I think maybe they haven't been able to manage the makeup of the committee to their advantage."

ARTC has its say

Inland Rail Queensland Stakeholder Engagement Manager Mercedes Staff said: "A number of nominations have come in from the community to be part of this consultative committee and these have been reviewed by an independent organisation for their suitability.

"ARTC has been provided with the results of that assessment and are expecting to be in a position shortly to contact successful nominees. The Committee will meet for the first time in November and logistics are currently being finalised for a venue and date for that meeting," she said.

"Listening and working with the community is paramount to ARTC delivering the best possible project. We have established similar committees across Queensland and they provide invaluable feedback to us on the Inland Rail project and I look forward to meeting with the new members of the K2ARB Committee and working with them."

Community Consultative Committee process

Establishment of a Community Consultative Committee for the Federal LNP Government's Inland Rail Project has dragged over a week past their deadline without any update to the community.

Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch MP said she was disappointed at the inconsistent information being provided to the local community and the delay in establishing the Committee.

"I'm very concerned that local residents near the rail line are still being left in the dark

despite the ARTC agreeing to genuine consultation," Ms Enoch said.

"This issue is incredibly important to our community, and right now we need reliable, consistent information.

"After seeing the lack of reliable information within our own communities, I, along with Linus Power MP and Charis Mullen MP, lobbied for the Committee to be formed.

"But so far, despite receiving confirmation back in June that the Committee will be formed, we are still waiting and now deadlines are being pushed back."

Nominations for the committee closed on August 30, 2018 and Ms Enoch's office was advised by the ARTC that committee members would be confirmed by the end of September, with the first meeting to occur in October 2018.

However, a committee chair and final committee members are yet to be appointed and the ARTC has now informed Ms Enoch's office that the first meeting will not take place until November.

The Interim Charter states the Committee's membership will consist of 10 to 15 members as well as an independent chair and that meetings will be held quarterly
What residents think:

Long-time Algester resident Kevin Gray told the Southern Star for the past 39 years he had lived in the same house, only 94m from the existing railway line.

"My family grew up here, went to the local school and enjoyed what the area had to offer," he said.

"We knew the railway line was there and was aware of the number of trains passing each day. It was minimal and was well-tolerated.

"I, as well as a lot of the community was not aware of the impact the inland rail could have on our lives.

"Most of the residence in this highly-populated area knew of the project, but no details were provided.

"We didn`t even know that it was going along the existing interstate line.

" ... If the inland rail goes ahead along the existing track, coal trains should be excluded for health reasons. Veneering only covers the top section, no protection for sides and floor or load movements. It has been proven in the past that these trains, with all best intentions, does not prevent coal dust from finding its way out, up to 2kms away from the line."

Acacia Ridge resident Clare Wang, 39, said the rail line was "right next to the back fence".

"I feel angry about not being informed about the project and the government let it process without public inquiry," Miss Wang said.

"I am very concerned for my health and for the public. I have a nine-year-old boy and a mum who live with me.

"We're worried about the health impact this has on us.

"I definitely think that the government should forbid coal from transporting on (the) inland rail."

Algester resident Barry Petersen said: "The really sad part about the Inland Rail is that if the line had come directly from NSW to Acacia Ridge then trains would have a major time advantage over trucks but instead vested interests have complained and now to go via Toowoomba that major advantage will be lost."

[ozbob]

My personal view is that all coal from the SEQ coal basins should go via Wandoan and Banana and on to Gladstone (this was the plan for a while but lost favour).

Not covering the wagons has been dumb and just gives folk a cause.

[ozbob]

For information

Ron Ruys GradOIEAust is a campaigning for an improved rail route from Bromelton to the Port of Brisbane.

See  http://www.facebook.com/Ron.Ruys.Australia

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Contract signed with INLink JV for Parkes-Narromine Inland Rail

A $300 million construction contract has been signed for the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project, the first section to be built for the 1,700-kilometre freight rail line.

A joint-venture between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan, called INLink, has been selected as the construction contractor for the Parkes to Narromine section.

INLink was named the preferred bidder for the contract in July.

Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and federal member for Parkes Mark Coulton said that the federal government was working with the ARTC and INLink to create local jobs and opportunities for local businesses to work on the project.

"An Australian government project facilitator is working with the ARTC and INLink to open the door for local businesses, communities and job-seekers on the ground to get on board with the opportunities this project presents," Coulton said.

"Right here in the Parkes electorate there will be local opportunities for concrete supply services, transportation, fencing, earthmoving, drainage, electrical works, concrete works, security and water bore drilling."

The 106-kilometre Parkes to Narromine section is to utilise existing ARTC operated track. It will undergo extensive upgrades, including the replacement of bridges and culverts, enhanced level-crossings and three new crossing loops at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly. A new 5-kilometre long connection to the Broken Hill line west of Parkes is also to be constructed.

Federal finance minister Mathias Cormann said that, with the beginning of construction works, Australia was closer to addressing its long-term freight challenges.

"In New South Wales alone Inland Rail will boost the Gross State Product by $2.6 billion and create around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and into operation," Cormann said.

"We are already seeing jobs for regional communities in New South Wales as well as complementary investment in towns along the route, such as the $50 million Parkes National Logistics Hub."

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Inland Rail Community Consultative Committee named

A WIDE cross-section of the community has been chosen to represent those affected by the Inland Rail project between Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton.

More than 50,000 people will be impacted by this section of the 1700km interstate rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane.

A chairman and 16 members have been vetted by an independent assessor to form the Community Consultative Committee, which will meet for the first time in November.

About 280 freight trains will run past homes in Algester and Acacia Ridge, as well as suburbs in Logan, weekly by 2040.

At least 84 of them will be carrying coal.

At the moment about 40 freight trains a week use the existing railway line.

While the community will be able to voice their concerns through the CCC, it will not necessarily trigger an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — which is what locals want.

The power to do this rests in the hands of State and Federal Government and the ARTC — although they all continue to play political football about who is actually responsible.

The ARTC announced the committee this week but are yet to specify the date, time or venue of the first meeting.

The ARTC said: "The committee will provide community input on aspects of the studies required as part of the project approvals process, as well as providing ARTC Inland Rail insights into community issues, concerns and opportunities.

"While the committee is for consultation purposes and will not be a decision-making body, the input and feedback received will result in a project that better addresses community issues and concerns during planning and design.

"The committee chair and members will be bound by the Interim Charter, which sets out the scope of the committee and expectations of behaviours. It is expected that the committee will ratify the Interim Charter at their first meeting."

The ARTC received 36 nominations, with all nominations assessed by an independent assessor.

"The member selection process sought to ensure members had demonstrated local community connections and/or relevant knowledge," the ARTC said.

"Nominees were assessed against the following criteria: Community participation/connections,

community channels, subject matter experience, business experience, board experience.

K2ARB Community Consultative Committee

CHAIR

John Brent OAM

MEMBERS

Mallory Wuthrich — Individual (Algester)

Suz Corbett — Inland Rail Action Group

Damon Gerebtzoff — Algester Sports Club

Phil Manitta — St Stephen's Catholic Primary School

Costas Alexandrou — Peet Flagstone City Pty Ltd

Steven Coghill — Yuggerah Moreton Elders

Dorinda Hall — Individual

Hon. Gary Hardgrave — Regional Development Association (Logan Redlands)

Angela Harlen — Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce

Stephen Harrison — Flinders Land Holdings Pty Ltd

David Kenny — Logan Country Safe Group

Anne Page — Logan and Albert Conservation Association

Lloyd Stumer — Individual

Chantal Swanton-Gallant — Bolton Clarke (RSL Care and RDNS)

Cameron Thomas — Scenic Rim Regional Council

Bob Wiley — Individual (Flagstone)

If you have an inquiry about the committee or the nomination process, please contact the project team by phoning 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailqld@artc.com.au

[SurfRail]

For information

Ron Ruys GradOIEAust is a campaigning for an improved rail route from Bromelton to the Port of Brisbane.

See  http://www.facebook.com/Ron.Ruys.Australia

He strikes me as something of a crank and a narcissist.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Residents push for greater say at first Inland Rail meeting

RESIDENTS living along a proposed freight train line say they are not being given a chance to air their concerns, despite a community consultation meeting planned for November 12.

The first meeting of the Australian Rail Track Corporation's Community Consultative Committee will be open to the public but only members of the committee will be able to speak.

Chairman of the committee John Brent, the former Scenic Rim mayor, said members of the public would have to get committee members to raise issues on their behalf.

"There is the expectation members of the committee will be able to raise issues on behalf of the public," Mr Brent said.

"The meeting will follow usual protocol and after guests speakers, committee members will be able to ask questions."

Mr Brent said the purpose of the first meeting was to bring the community" up to speed" over planning for the freight line.

Committee member and Forestdale resident Suz Corbett said she was concerned the community would not get enough time to raise issues.

"I am disappointed with the agenda content set by the ARTC and John Brent," she said. "I drew their attention to the critical omission in the first agenda that there is no provision for questions from committee members, which is what I thought was the purpose of these meetings.

"These meetings only have two hours every three months over a period of two years, which is a total of eight hours. I am concerned ARTC will take up precious time speaking about their project and not the community's issues."

Mrs Corbett, who helped found the Inland Rail Action Group, dismissed concerns about holding the meeting at Crestmead but said she hoped the ARTC would find a venue closer to the rail where the communities would be directly impacted for future meetings.

IRAG member Leisa Dobson, whose Hillcrest backyard is 20m from the existing line, said she wanted her concerns to be dealt with.

"I think this lack of community consultation and committee appointments is because it is a done deal," she said.

"They are just going to railroad this through - and residents won't even get a fence or sound barrier. This plan is considered a material change of use and therefore must include a comprehensive environmental impact statement."

Mrs Dobson and her neighbours have all written to the state and federal governments expressing their concerns but have had no replies.

[verbatim9]

3 mins into this video is a good example of double stack freight under catenary. Proves that this can be done coinciding with the Inland Rail in parts where electrified fast rail can share the same line as inland rail in parts going to and from Toowoomba.

https://youtu.be/qWlY8cmAd3U

[achiruel]

And where do the double-stacked containers go once they reach Acacia Ridge? One wonders if there is any benefit to double-stacking if the containers need to be replaced on to another wagon to make it to the port (where I assume that most of the freight will be heading)?

And will existing QR rolling stock be able to reach that high catenary? I suspect if they need to acquire special rolling stock to service west of Rosewood, it might well be ignored completely.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Inland Rail investigations head underground

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation has headed underground in its pursuit of the best engineering solutions for Inland Rail.

Just like the landscape above ground presents challenges in building Inland Rail, ARTC will contend with a variety of geological conditions below the surface.

Inland Rail Public Private Partnership director Tony Lubofsky said ARTC had begun geotechnical investigations in the study corridor to provide data for companies preparing bids for the Public-Private Partnership section of Inland Rail from Gowrie near Toowoomba to Kagaru near Brisbane.

As part of the geotechnical work, about 500 boreholes will be drilled, with the deepest at Mount Kynoch. This hole will be 280 metres deep and will provide the technical data to inform the build of the 6.4km long tunnel through the Great Dividing Range.

"ARTC is seeking to engage with major Australian and multi-national builders and engineers to harness innovative design solutions to deliver the most technically challenging section of the 1700km Inland Rail project," Mr Lubofsky said.

"Private sector involvement in the design and build is critical.

"There are some engineering marvels to be built in this section. As we come through the Toowoomba Range, there are going to be tunnels, bridges and viaducts," he said.

"One of these bridges will be higher than the Story Bridge in Brisbane.

"The tunnel will have an 11-metre diameter to provide clearance for double-stacked containers and will be a one-in-65 grade, meaning trains will be able to ascend and descend without requiring assistance. There is leadership in the private sector that ARTC will need to harness to deliver this exciting stage."

"To provide the information for the challenges ahead ARTC has awarded a contract of around $23 million to Golder Associates Pty Ltd to perform comprehensive geotechnical studies between Gowrie and Kagaru. This data will enable these companies to take their bids forward with certainty."

It is expected the drilling will take about five months.

[verbatim9]

Public consultation is up regarding the inland rail project - Gowrie to Kagaru. People can comment on the design phase.

I added a comment regarding the tunnelling and alignment, if it can allow provision for electric passenger services from Brisbane? e.g. design specs for tunnels for electrification and dual gauge two tracks, as well as passing loops on other sections of the corridor etc...

I also mentioned if this can be delivered together as one project being an integrated electric passenger service connecting Brisbane to Toowoomba, along with the freight line build.

https://artc.mysocialpinpoint.com.au...ebar/tab/about

https://investment.infrastructure.go...7134-17QLD-NRP

[ozbob]

Railway Gazette --> Sod-turning launches construction of 1 700 km Inland Rail corridor

AUSTRALIA: Construction of the 1 700 km Melbourne – Brisbane Inland Rail freight corridor was officially launched on December 13 when Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack turned a ceremonial first sod in Parkes, NSW.

Scheduled to be completed in 2025, the Inland Rail project includes the construction of 600 km of new alignment and the upgrading of 1 100 km of existing line. The Melbourne – Brisbane transit time would be under 24 h, competitive with road haulage, and the Australasian Railway Association said the line would significantly improve capacity, allow north-south freight movements to bypass Sydney, and would provide environmental and safety benefits by removing lorry movements from roads.

The project is being undertaken in 13 sections, with one in Victoria, seven in NSW and five in Queensland.  The national government has committed A$9·3bn for construction, with additional funding expected to come from private sector.

The infrastructure is being designed to accommodate double-stack trains up to 1 800 m long. It will include what infrastructure manager ARTC says will be the largest diameter diesel freight tunnel in the southern hemisphere, passing through the Toowoomba Range in Queensland.

The ceremony in Parkes marked the start of construction of the first 5·3 km of new line, which has been bundled with the upgrade of 98 km of the existing route between Parkes and Narromine. A construction contract worth more than A$300m has been awarded to INLink joint venture, while Calvani Crushing and Ausrock Quarries have a A$7m contract to supply ballast and Rocla a A$20m contract to provide 200 000 concrete sleepers. Liberty OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks has already started to supply 14 000 tonnes of rail under a A$20m contract.

'The sod-turn for Inland Rail is a significant, momentous occasion and it's fitting to celebrate it at the site where the first greenfield section of Inland Rail will be built', said ARTC CEO John Fullerton. 'When Inland Rail is operational, Parkes will be an important hub with double-stacked, 1 800 m trains connecting west to Perth and Adelaide and along the east coast between Melbourne and Brisbane.'

Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller said the line would provide 'a more resilient rail network, with multiple pathways to meet the needs of our customers while also providing flexibility for our farmers by connecting to existing regional freight lines.'

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> ARTC accused of dirty coal train 'secret'

A CAMPAIGN to stop coal trains running on a proposed inland freight line has been ramped up, after the federal government was attacked for withholding information.

The government's Australian Rail Track Corporation was in the firing line when Logan City councillors Laurie Smith and Trevina Schwarz took up the plight of residents living along the proposed Kagaru to Acacia Ridge section of the Inland Rail line.

The councillors launched their missive, explaining the ills of coal dust, days before the first Inland Rail community consultative committee meeting for the year on Monday, February 11.

"This seems to be flying under the radar and the federal government is certainly not raising the coal issue," Cr Schwarz said.

"They are not attending to the residents, they are not letting them know details, they are not raising the alarms.

"I know they don't want to do that because they just want to put the line through.

"We were basically told that it was not going to be consultation and engagement and basically, we are going to be told when they start building it."

Cr Schwarz said residents wanted a passenger line and could live with a busy freight line but were opposed to coal trains.

Cr Smith said households using tank water would also suffer and residents living along the line faced a life breathing in toxic coal dust while watching their property values slump, if the plans went ahead without an environmental impact assessment.

Currently there are 30 to 40 trains a week on the line.

But, Cr Smith said, that would jackpot to 45-64 trains a day by 2040, which equated to one every 32 minutes.

"And we're not talking about a normal goods trains, these are 1.8km in length and by 2040 could even be 3.6km in length — that's a lot of dust."

An ARTC spokesman said containing dust was up to the train operators and the state government could refuse permits to those who failed.

The spokesman denied claims the ARTC was foiling plans for an environmental impact Statement and said a commitment was made in November for the project to be lodged with the Coordinator General's department by the end of February.

"There will be a range of detailed investigations undertaken to understand the characteristics of the existing environment, consider and describe the potential impacts of the project and detail how any impacts may be mitigated," the spokesman said.

"These investigations generally include geotechnical, flooding and hydrology, ecological, noise, air quality and vibration, social and heritage studies.

"The use of the Coordinated Project assessment is robust, independently managed by the Office of the Coordinator-General, and enables community and whole of government input on the assessment of a proposed project."

Members of the Inland Rail Action Group said it was up the Coordinator General's office to decide whether to hold an impact assessment not the ARTC.

IRAG spokeswoman Suz Corbett claimed an impact assessment would be legally required if coal trains were added to the line triggering a "material change of use".

Monday's meeting will be in the Currong Room at Greenbank Community Centre, 145 Teviot Rd, Greenbank from 6 to 8pm. Observers are welcome.

Registrations on 1800 732 761.

[SurfRail]

How can you not be aware that coal trains would be using this line?  Seriously...

[timh]

And where do the double-stacked containers go once they reach Acacia Ridge? One wonders if there is any benefit to double-stacking if the containers need to be replaced on to another wagon to make it to the port (where I assume that most of the freight will be heading)?

And will existing QR rolling stock be able to reach that high catenary? I suspect if they need to acquire special rolling stock to service west of Rosewood, it might well be ignored completely.

There was some talk of running an entirely new dual-guage alignment and line from Acacia Ridge to Port of Brisbane to meet this requirement, rather than moving it to trucks or putting it on the existing dual guage Fisherman Island line. This got some new light recently when it was mentioned in the City Deal proposal. Although I have heard nothing new regarding the alignment. Last I heard there were murmurings that it would basically follow the Logan Motorway/Gateway Motorway corridor all the way around and up to the port, but I haven't heard anything concrete. Does anyone have any information on this?

If they were to build that new alignment, it would be amazing (however unlikely) if they were to build it more than single track, to maybe future-proof for a very long term passenger line (suburban loop-style)

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InlandRailway/status/1099967738544570368

https://twitter.com/InlandRailway/status/1099964822542798852

[Stillwater]

Today's Courier-Mail reports that Queensland Government has yet to 'sign up' to Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Railway, thereby holding up detailed planning process.  What's the go, Jackie Trad?

[ozbob]

Goondiwindi Argus --> Goondiwindi Regional Council concerned about Inland Rail route

The Goondiwindi Regional Council has grave concerns about the route of the inland rail.

Ironically, GRC Mayor was, in a time of drought, talking about floods when he approached Senator Matt Canavan, Senator James McGrath and Senate candidate Susan McDonald when they were in town last week.

"Drought is the topic on everyone's lips and deservedly so but I want to draw your attention to the inland rail and our concerns," he said.

He has three "significant" issues.

There's the impact construction could have on the "re-distribution of water" on properties and on the town, especially during floods.

"We have 27km of levee bank and in 2011 it (water) was an a few inches away from going over.

"There appears to have been no work done?"

He also said he was concerned about the economic benefit if the right route isn't chosen.

At present the preferred appears to be 20km east of Goondiwindi.

Cr Scheu says it has to be closer to ensure, and to make it economically viable for businesses, including two cotton gins, to use rail rather than road transport.

"if that's not the case, what's the point?" he said.

"The fact is once goods are on road, they will stay on road, if there's no incentive to change."

Cr Scheu he understood the concerns of farmers and communities along the route and pointed to the NSW Farmers.

The group has instructed its members to down tools and refuse to engage with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) until the Australian Government finally calls an inquiry into inland rail.

It said last week that the ARTC CEO John Fullerton was unaware of community concerns across two states about the proposed route and impact on landowners.

NSW Farmers' Inland Rail Taskforce Chair, Adrian Lyons, said the project is a critical piece of nation building infrastructure and the time had now come for an independent inquiry to get this $10 billion project right once and for all.

"The Coalition Government's rush to deliver this project has now caught up with them.  After spending years denying there is an issue, two hours of questioning in Senate Estimates (last week)y has demonstrated the extent to which this project is at risk of collapse," Mr Lyons said.

"It is time the Government admitted that there are issues warranting investigation and called an open, transparent and independent inquiry into inland rail.  Until they do, we are calling on our members and other affected landowners to refuse to engage with the ARTC so that we finally get the answers we deserve."

[ozbob]

Today's Courier-Mail reports that Queensland Government has yet to 'sign up' to Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Railway, thereby holding up detailed planning process.  What's the go, Jackie Trad?

Why am I not surprised ... 

Couriermail 7th March 2019 page 25

It's been a long haul

[SurfRail]

Everald is a lovely chap (I'm currently reading his book about John Flynn), but very forthright in his opinions and especially on this topic. 

I'm surprised they didn't go into him explaining why this is the wrong route - perhaps he had a change of heart.

[Stillwater]

It is good hard-nosed Queensland politics - cut off your nose to spite your face.  Don't do anything constructive to settle the route, don't sign the inter-governmental agreement in the lead-up to a federal election so there can be no pats on the back and sod-turning ceremonies in Queensland by a Canberra-based LNP/Coalition government -- make the Conservatives work harder to win votes in crucial seats.

Meanwhile, the dollars are pouring into those parts of the route not subject to controversy (in NSW).  The most difficult bit of the whole project is Moree to Brisbane and that is where the focus should be now.

Queensland Labor straddles Old Joh's barbed wire fence comfortably ... frustrate a satisfactory conclusion for political purposes while simultaneously shouting WHERE'S THE MONEY in the direction of Canberra.

[ozbob]

Financial Review --> Business case for inland rail unravelling

The amount of coal being exported through the Port of Brisbane is well short of the numbers used in the business case to prop up the Morrison government's $10 billion Melbourne-to-Brisbane inland railway.

With doubts about the long-term financial viability of the 1700-kilometre project, it can be revealed the amount of coal exported through New Hope Group's Queensland Bulk Handling terminal at the Port of Brisbane last year was only 7.2 million tonnes.

The amount of coal being exported through the Port of Brisbane is well short of the numbers used in the business case to prop up the Morrison government's $10 billion Melbourne-to-Brisbane inland railway.

With doubts about the long-term financial viability of the 1700-kilometre project, it can be revealed the amount of coal exported through New Hope Group's Queensland Bulk Handling terminal at the Port of Brisbane last year was only 7.2 million tonnes.


The Melbourne-to-Brisbane inland rail will allow freight to be moved between the capital cities in 24 hours. Supplied

The multi-user facility has a capacity of 10 million tonnes, but the 2015 business case for the inland rail project by former deputy prime minister John Anderson estimated there would need to be 12.9 million tonnes of coal exported through the port by 2024-25, increasing to 19.5 million tonnes a year in 2029-30 and continuing at that level until 2069-70.

If the optimistic coal export numbers are not met, it could undermine the whole business case for the inland rail project, which is being funded by a $9.3 billion equity injection from the Commonwealth.

The Anderson report into inland rail estimated there would be 24.283 million tonnes moved to and from the Port of Brisbane in 2024-25, increasing to 50.13 million tonnes in 2069-70.

More than half of this amount (12,900) is from coal, with the remainder agricultural products (6.7 million tonnes) and intermodal freight (4.6 million tonnes).

The Anderson business case, which was submitted to Infrastructure Australia, gave the inland railway the green light, but said the Commonwealth would have to fund most, if not all, of the rail link because the private sector would not go near it.

It found the new freight route would deliver a net economic benefit of $13.9 billion, including lower costs to consumers because of cheaper freight costs to move goods interstate.

A CSIRO report released last week found the project would deliver transport cost savings of between $64 to $94 a tonne, or $70 million a year, if freight was moved off the road onto the nation-building infrastructure project.

But the equity injection to the ARTC could cause a fiscal headache for future governments because it will have to be brought back on-budget if the project does not deliver the promised returns.

A Senate estimates hearing in 2017 heard the private sector would expect a rate of return of between 11 per cent and 13 per cent for a greenfields project, while the Australian Rail Track Corporation – which is receiving the government funding – only expected a return of 5 per cent to 5.5 per cent for the inland rail project.

The average amount of coal exported from the Port of Brisbane was 7.2 million, according to New Hope Group figures, with the largest amount recorded, of 8.67 million tonnes, in 2012.

A spokeswoman for New Hope Group said the company did not provide estimates on future coal export from the Port of Brisbane, but noted any future expansion was dependent on demand.

"Any future potential expansion of QBH would be driven by demand from coal producers seeking to use the terminal," she said.

Federal Labor's infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese said there needed to be greater transparency about the inland rail project.

"When it comes to the expenditure of such a large amount of money as is involved with inland rail, the Morrison government needs to be transparent about the details. To date it hasn't been," Mr Albanese said.

A future Shorten government would consider an inquiry into the inland railway following unrest from NSW farmers about the route chosen for the landmark project.

There are also questions being raised about the full cost of the $10 billion  inland railway, which in its current version stops at the Queensland border.

An uncosted and complex 126-kilometre section tunnelling through the Toowoomba Ranges is still to go to the market as a public-private partnership.

The federal government has also yet to commit to building the "missing link" 38-kilometre section from Acacia Ridge to the port, which is expected to cost another $2.5 billion.

ARTC chief executive Richard Wankmuller said the last section of the inland rail project would not have to be filled for two decades due to a lack of demand.

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack last week said the inland rail project would be a "game-changer" for the freight industry.

" ... An uncosted and complex 126-kilometre section tunnelling through the Toowoomba Ranges is still to go to the market as a public-private partnership.

The federal government has also yet to commit to building the "missing link" 38-kilometre section from Acacia Ridge to the port, which is expected to cost another $2.5 billion.

ARTC chief executive Richard Wankmuller said the last section of the inland rail project would not have to be filled for two decades due to a lack of demand. ... "

[SurfRail]

IE stuff the passenger network, we'll just steal whatever train paths we need.

[timh]

IE stuff the passenger network, we'll just steal whatever train paths we need.

Hey Surfrail, just to clarify, what did you mean by that? Is there plans to build new Freight lines in corridors earmarked for future passenger rail? Or do you mean they will be running more frieght trains on the existing Citytrain passenger network?

[SurfRail]

The main benefit of the Inland Rail sections in Queensland (especially between Toowoomba and Brisbane) is that they will completely reroute virtually all freight away from the Ipswich line, making it much easier to run more Ipswich trains full time.  It pops out at Bromelton and then works it way up towards Acacia Ridge.

The benefits don't completely materialise until there is a dedicated connection from the interstate line and/or Acacia Ridge to the Port which doesn't connect with the Beenleigh or Cleveland lines, and it doesn't fix the need for freight coming from the North Coast line to pass through the inner Ipswich line or South Brisbane, but it is going to help.

[ozbob]

4BC --> Major concerns as government forges ahead with $10b inland railway

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/EVERALDATLARGE/status/1113216881790410754

[Stillwater]

Interesting words from Compton:

"The proposed highly expensive track from Toowoomba to Brisbane will never be needed as it is a better strategy to build the Inland Railway on to Gladstone and open up a huge regional development opportunity on the Darling Downs, Maranoa and Central Queensland.

"But, negotiations between the Morrison and Palaszczuk Governments have broken down over the cancellation of promised federal funding for Brisbane's Cross River Rail by Abbott 6 years ago. It would have been built and operating by now if Abbott had not done this.

"So, Palaszczuk now makes a fair comment to Morrison, 'You restore the Cross River Rail money and we will let the Inland Railway into Queensland.'

"Who can blame her? But I am sure that Albo will fix it when he becomes Infrastructure Minister in May."

[ozbob]

 

[SurfRail]

Everald also still believes in the discredited Bradfield scheme.

It's not just about the interior.  Frankly the Toowoomba to POB stretch is more important for us than the rest, not just for freight.

[ozbob]

Queensland Country Life --> McCormack: Inland rail will be built despite Qld holding back

DEPUTY Prime Minister Michael McCormack says he has no doubt the Queensland section of the $10 billion inland rail project will be built, despite the Palaszczuk government still having to sign off on the project.

Speaking at the Rural Press Club in Brisbane, Mr McCormack said while deals had been struck with Victoria and NSW, an intergovernmental agreement was still to be reached with Queensland.

"We'll get it built and it will be game changing, it will be nation building; it already is," Mr McCormack told the post-Budget lunch.

"When it is completed, people will look back and say thank goodness you did it."

However, there are growing concerns that the 1700km Melbourne to Brisbane project will slip down the federal government's infrastructure priority list, if a Labor government is voted in at the upcoming federal election.

That would effectively see the project stall at Moree.

Millmerran farmer Wes Judd, who speaks for landholders on the agriculturally important Condamine Floodplain, said there was good reason to reconsider the project.

"We're not against infrastructure, but the problem is ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) and the departments do not go to the ballot box," Mr Judd said.

"We need to reassess the business case and make sure this thing stacks up because we just aren't being given all the information.

"Secondly, we need an inquiry into how the strategic planning of the project has been carried out; and understand how and why some of these decisions on routes have been made.

"If this project is just about buying steel, laying down track and creating jobs during the construction phase without having a solid business case, then we need to know."

Goondiwindi mayor Graeme Scheu also expressed concern over a so-called independent review by ARTC of the North Star to NSW/QLD Border (NS2B) section.

"The review will simply show that the criteria set under the multi-criteria analysis report has been followed," Cr Scheu said.

"What it will not show is what this council, along with many landholders, believe are a number of deficiencies in those criteria.

"A flawed process and outdated information have been used to make decisions on this critical infrastructure.

"I fear a decision has already been made and that ARTC is going to engineer its way out of any problem to justify the original decision.

"We all know that you can do anything with engineering but it comes at a cost - likely millions of taxpayer dollars."

Mr McCormack also flagged the development of the Bradfield Scheme, saying the long-proposed inland irrigation project was possible with sufficient funding.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Inland_Rail/status/1118292033058164736

[verbatim9]

I received a reply from social point after 4 months. Not sure if it's an official reply or just a reply from another user in the public domain.

"The proposed feasibility design will allow for utilisation of the tunnel by non-electrified passenger services trains. The proposed design does not preclude construction of future dual track high speed passenger lines."

^^Sounds like the tunnel will only be used for freight and maybe the Westlander?

^^It's a shame really as this would be an opportunity to reduce costs as well as bring forward a potential electrified service to Toowoomba. The reply is also confusing as I didn't, mention HSR at all.

[timh]

I received a reply from social point after 4 months. Not sure if it's an official reply or just a reply from another user in the public domain.

"The proposed feasibility design will allow for utilisation of the tunnel by non-electrified passenger services trains. The proposed design does not preclude construction of future dual track high speed passenger lines."

^^Sounds like the tunnel will only be used for freight and maybe the Westlander?

^^It's a shame really as this would be an opportunity to reduce costs as well as bring forward a potential electrified service to Toowoomba. The reply is also confusing as I didn't, mention HSR at all.

To which tunnel is that referring? Is that the one through the Toowoomba range? Or is it the proposed tunnel between Port of Brisbane and Acacia Ridge?

There are a few options for that last leg, none of which have been fully explored. The two ones I'm interested in are an electrified tunnel, or a new rail corridor following the Logan Motorway/Gateway Motorway. Personally, I think that if they're going to build a freight corrifor along those lines, it would be amazing to also construxt (or at least build in such a way to allow for future upgrades for) passengers services.

If it is just the Toowoomba range crossing you're talking about though, at least if the Westlander can use it, that's better than nothing!

Here's the Acacia Ridge - Port of Brisbane options I was talking about: https://www.ryanmurphy.com.au/news/inlandrail

[verbatim9]

I received a reply from social point after 4 months. Not sure if it's an official reply or just a reply from another user in the public domain.

"The proposed feasibility design will allow for utilisation of the tunnel by non-electrified passenger services trains. The proposed design does not preclude construction of future dual track high speed passenger lines."

^^Sounds like the tunnel will only be used for freight and maybe the Westlander?

^^It's a shame really as this would be an opportunity to reduce costs as well as bring forward a potential electrified service to Toowoomba. The reply is also confusing as I didn't, mention HSR at all.

To which tunnel is that referring? Is that the one through the Toowoomba range? Or is it the proposed tunnel between Port of Brisbane and Acacia Ridge?

There are a few options for that last leg, none of which have been fully explored. The two ones I'm interested in are an electrified tunnel, or a new rail corridor following the Logan Motorway/Gateway Motorway. Personally, I think that if they're going to build a freight corrifor along those lines, it would be amazing to also construxt (or at least build in such a way to allow for future upgrades for) passengers services.

If it is just the Toowoomba range crossing you're talking about though, at least if the Westlander can use it, that's better than nothing!

Here's the Acacia Ridge - Port of Brisbane options I was talking about: https://www.ryanmurphy.com.au/news/inlandrail

^^Toowoomba range one just past Helidon Spa

^^The link looks interesting, especially the community advocating for electric locomotive hauled freight through the area.

[Old Northern Road]

As long as the line is dual gauge and there is still a connection at Gowrie they can still run passenger services up to Toowoomba station. The line was never going to be electrified.

Inland Rail has pretty much zero chance of going ahead under a Labor government anyway.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> ALP pledge to investigate Inland Rail on track for community forum

A LABOR Party pledge to investigate the Inland Rail project has given heart to concerned residents living along the proposed track in southeast Queensland.

ALP Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said an inquiry into the $10billion Coalition project was necessary as there had not been adequate consultation.

"It is very clear that the government has failed to consult properly," he told radio host Alan Jones on Tuesday.

"It's very clear that there are real issues with the route going through prime agricultural land, that the locals aren't being listened to."

Forestdale resident Suz Corbett said she would raise the ALP plan at next month's Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton Community Consultative Committee meeting.

She said residents were pleased the ALP had listened to the concerns of farmers.

"But we don't get a mention though — only the farmers," she said.

"I wrote to Alan Jones and pointed out that there are 50,000-plus residents on the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge route who will be directly impacted.

"And that number is increasing quickly."

Mrs Corbett said she was also concerned the agenda for the May meeting "falsely" named where "passing loops" on the track would be located.

She said Flagstone was being referred to as Kagaru and Forestdale/Hillcrest was being referred to as Larapinta.

Mrs Corbett said there were also questions about extending the Greenbank and Bromelton overpassing loops.

"ARTC are stating the passing loop is at Larapinta when in fact it is at Forestdale/Hillcrest," Mrs Corbett said.

"We have pointed this out to them so we perceive these 'oversights' could be due to less populated areas ... whereas Flagstone, Hillcrest/Flagstone are densely populated."

Project manager Kerrin Roberts told Logan City Council the project in the southeast would include two new passing loops, extensions to two existing passing loops and five places where the track would be lowered.

Ms Roberts said the track would be lowered at bridges at Beaudesert Rd, Learoyd Rd, Johnson Rd, Middle Rd and Pub Lane.

The two new crossing loops would be at Larapinta and Kagaru; and the extension of the existing ones at Greenbank and Bromelton.

"What that means for Logan is the trains will run on the existing interstate route from the northern boundary at Johnstone Rd where it borders Brisbane Council area to the southern boundary at Teviot Brook."

Acting mayor Cherie Dalley, in a committee meeting, questioned the amount of consultation with the community over transportation of coal through growing suburbs and said lowering the line was not a solution.

Cr Dalley also said the ARTC would gain greater community support if it committed to widening cross-road bridges from two lanes to four lanes at Western Flagstone and Undullah.

"The bottom line is that we are going to have roughly 150,000 people out in that southwest corridor right where the rail line is going through," Cr Dalley said.

"We have roads crossing the track there and the majority are two-lane roads.

"The fact that you are lowering those rail lines under those bridges doesn't help those people."
Ms Roberts agreed there was a lack of community understanding about the project despite information sessions in December, and said letterbox drops, social media campaigns and an interactive map were planned.

The next meeting of the K2ARB Community Consultative Committee will be at the Algester Sports Club, Endiandra St, Algester, on May 14 from 6pm to 8pm.