Inland Rail
The Australian Government through Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is proposing to construct a 1,700km fast freight network to better link producers to markets and create new opportunities for businesses, industries, and regional communities.
Two of the thirteen sections of Inland Rail were previously proposed for the Scenic Rim Local Government Area as part of the freight rail network connecting Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Projects of the rail line previously proposed for the Scenic Rim are:
Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton
In April 2023, the Australian Government released a report into the Inland Rail project which included recommendations which affect the Scenic Rim portions of the Inland Rail project. The report can be found here.
The Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton has now been cancelled and will not proceed.
The Calvert to Kagaru project is continuing through the Environmental Impact Statement process.
Calvert to Kagaru
The Calvert to Kagaru Inland Rail comprises 53km of new dual gauge rail line which diverts from the West Moreton rail line near Calvert and connects to the existing Sydney to Brisbane interstate rail line at Kagaru.
The Inland Rail team have been working with community and key stakeholders since 2017 seeking input into the Calvert to Kaguru draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS was open for public comment/formal submission from 19 December 2020 to 8 March 2021 and has now closed. Council's submission in response to the draft EIS can be read here.
How to stay informed:
- More information on the Calvert to Kagaru project can be found on the Inand Rail Calvert to Kagaru webpage.
- Register to attend a Scenic Rim Community Consultative Committe meeting.
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 Scenic Rim 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.
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.
Opportunities for business and community
Visit the Inland Rail Opportunities page to find out about business opportunities, workshops, scholarships and community funding.
Looking for more information or have questions about Inland Rail?
Visit the website
Phone 1800 732 761
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 this page.