Council to push for best for community outcomes in Inland Rail EIS response
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Toowoomba Regional Council will seek the best outcomes for the Region in its response to the Inland Rail Border to Gowrie (B2G) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The State Government’s Office of the Coordinator-General (OCG) has released the B2G EIS for public notification, with submissions closing on 19 April 2021.
The EIS has been prepared by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) which is delivering the project on behalf of the Federal Government.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Paul Antonio said Council had been working hard since the start of the Inland Rail project to ensure the project delivers significant benefits for the Region and substantially mitigates the impacts a major project such as this brings to our Region.
“Council will thoroughly and carefully assess the details of the EIS in terms of infrastructure, environmental and other areas and provide a response to the OCG that seeks to ensure the best possible outcomes for our communities and the wider Region,” Mayor Antonio said.
“While Council does not have any influence over the route or land tenure issues, this is our opportunity to influence potential impacts on Council assets, minimise adverse impacts where possible, and make sure decisions are made in the best interests of our Region.
“I would encourage members of the community to review the EIS and provide feedback to the OCG. It is important for our communities to have their say.”
Under State Government guidelines, the EIS provides a comprehensive description of: • the current environment in the area of the project • all potential environmental impacts of the project • proponent proposals to avoid, minimise, mitigate and/or offset those potential impacts.
The OCG has provided hard copies of the B2G EIS at Millmerran and Pittsworth libraries, with digital copies available at Toowoomba City Library.
The B2G EIS can be also found at the following link: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/assessments-and-approvals/coordinated-projects/current-projects/inland-rail-border-to-gowrie