We have said all along that the Australian Government’s proposed Inland Rail project is a dud deal for our city.
Now a Senate committee has confirmed what we have been saying – this Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) project will have a negative impact on thousands of City of Logan residents.
That’s why Council has endorsed a list of actions that we want the Queensland and Australian Governments to agree to for the protection of our community and their lifestyles.
To say this journey has been protracted and frustrating would be an under-statement.
Last December we encouraged residents to have their say during a series of public information sessions hosted by the ARTC.
A common theme quickly emerged – no one in our city wants this dirty and noisy behemoth impacting their way of life
Along with local residents, Council has regularly raised concerns about the impacts of noise, vibration and air quality on the community.
The Management of the Inland Rail project by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the Commonwealth Government inquiry’s report was tabled recently in the Australian Senate.
The report highlighted the potential adverse impacts of a 24-hour journey time requirement between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Importantly, it recommended there be no adverse impacts on passenger rail networks including the Salisbury to Beaudesert project.
There were also recommendations regarding the need for thorough consideration of alternative routes from Toowoomba to the Port of Gladstone.
Time will tell whether the recommendations will fall on deaf ears at the ARTC.
The landowners who purchased their properties in this area did not anticipate the increased size and frequency of trains rattling their rafters.
The route was selected without consultation and residents did not get an opportunity to influence the rail corridor or offer alternatives.
At a Senate committee hearing in January, I requested that this project be declared a coordinated project. That meant it would have been subject to a rigorous assessment process and which would have provided better safeguards to impacted communities.
I can’t understand why the Queensland Coordinator-General decided not to ‘call in’ the Kagaru and Acacia Ridge to Bromelton (K2ARB) section as a ‘coordinated project’ earlier this year. It would have required an environment impact statement to be completed. Now, approvals will come via the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
We are on the right track opposing this and I will continue to fight on behalf of residents.
