The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is proposing the construction of a 1,700 km freight rail line between Melbourne and Brisbane.
There are two sections of the proposed rail line that run through the Ipswich local government area:
In April 2023, the Australian Government released a report into the Inland Rail project which included recommendations which affect the Ipswich portions of the Inland Rail project. The report can be found on this website: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/independent-review-delivery-inland-rail-program
Is the project approved for construction?
- Not yet - the ARTC requires government approval before the project can be constructed.
- The ARTC is required to first complete an environmental impact statement (EIS) for each section of the project, which the government will then consider before deciding if the project can proceed.
What stage of the process is the ARTC at?
For the most up-to-date information about the project and its different sections visit the ARTC website.
Draft EIS Consultation Closed 23 June 2021 - Helidon to Calvert
The Coordinator General released the Draft EIS for public consultation between 31 March 2021 and 23 June 2021. To read Ipswich City Council’s submission click here:
Draft EIS Consultation Closed 8 March 2021 – Calvert to Kagaru
Calvert to Kagaru section
The Coordinator General released the Draft EIS for public consultation between Saturday 19 December 2020 and 8 March 2021. To read Ipswich City Council's submission click here.
Next steps
The Coordinator-General will evaluate the draft EIS and submissions made by the public before deciding whether to accept the draft EIS as the final EIS. The Coordinator-General will provide the ARTC with the submissions received and they will respond to the Coordinator-General through a submissions report.
If you would like to discuss the project or draft EIS in more detail, please call 1800 732 761 or email InlandRailQld@ARTC.com.au
Opportunities for local business
Inland Rail is progressing to the tendering stage for many of its Queensland projects. The Inland Rail Skills Academy is holding free workshops to inform and educate local and indigenous businesses interested in supplying to Inland Rail and other major projects.
Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program
ARTC Inland Rail’s Community Sponsorships and Donations program supports community-initiated projects, events, and activities. Eligible organisations and community groups along the Inland Rail route – including from the Ipswich local government area – can apply for between $1,000 and $4,000. The program supports initiatives which:
- Are one-off and short-term
- Contribute to the community’s wellbeing, prosperity and/or sustainability
- Focus on one or more of Inland Rail’s priority areas of culture, safety, environment, recreation and, entrepreneurism
- Align with the core values of ARTC Inland Rail which are future thinking, active engagement, no harm, results.
There are four rounds of funding per year. Visit the website for more information and to apply: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/sponsorships-and-donations/
How can I access mental health support?
ARTC acknowledges that the Inland Rail Program creates uncertainty for landowners and communities which can be stressful. As such, ARTC has partnered with the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN to provide additional funding for the NewAccess program to support people in Ipswich who have been impacted by Inland Rail.
- NewAccess was developed by Beyond Blue and is delivered locally by Lives Lived Well and Richmond Fellowship Queensland
- The program was designed to help people tackle life’s pressures
- It’s a free, independent and confidential service which is available 24/7
- To access the program, please call 1300 971 309 or download the flyer for more information – no doctor’s referral is required
Looking for more information or have questions about Inland Rail?
Visit the website inlandrail.com.au, phone 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailqld@artc.com.au.
If you have feedback, would like more information, have a complaint, or would like to get in touch with the ARTC team about the project, please visit: https://www.artc.com.au/contact-us/feedback/