It’s another step forward in the Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail project becoming a reality for the shire.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Parkes to Narromine section of the project is being exhibited for community consultation, with submissions open until August 18.

NSW Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said NSW’s rail corridor between Parkes and Narromine will be an integral part of the new national transport infrastructure that will stretch 1700 kilometres from Brisbane to Melbourne.

Work will involve upgrading 106 kilometres of the track, track formation, and culverts, as well as providing three new crossing loops at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly, and a new six kilometre-long rail connection to the Broken Hill line to the west of Parkes.

“As with all major projects, the community is encouraged to give feedback and all submissions will be considered,” Mr Roberts said.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is also hosting a series of information sessions about the Inland Rail next month in Parkes, Peak Hill and Narromine.

ARTC Programme Delivery Director for the Inland Rail Simon Thomas said that ARTC’s project team members will be on hand at the sessions to answer questions about the EIS.

“The information sessions are open to everyone and I encourage people to come and learn more about this exciting project for Australia,” he said.

“Central West NSW stands to benefit from Inland Rail and ARTC understands how important it is for people to understand the proposals for their local area.”

An information session will be held at Parkes – 9am-12pm August 2 and 3-7pm August 8, in the Coventry Room, Bogan Street. 

Copies of the EIS are available from Parkes Shire Council.

Submissions can be made on the Planning Department’s website www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au or posted to the Director Transport Assessments Planning Services, Department of Planning and Environment, GPO Box 39, Sydney, NSW 2001.