THE failure of the federal government to address community concerns about the Inland Rail project has prompted two state Labor members to speak up for the communities they represent.
Member for Logan Linus Power and Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch issued a joint statement calling on their federal counterparts, and the Australian Rail Track Corporation, to commit to “genuine” consultation with residents impacted by the proposal to increase freight train movements through their electorates by 2024-25.
The 52-kilometre Kagaru to Acacia Ridge/Bromelton section of the 1700km Inland Rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane is part of ARTC’s interstate freight rail network, set to carry coal.
Residents have expressed concerns about increased noise, dust and vibrations.
In the statement, Mr Power called for more detail on these issues, but also about the impact increased freight trains would have on future plans for passenger services on the line that would address anticipated population increases in the greater Flagstone region.
“It’s disappointing that ARTC are not providing reassurance to our community that these issues will be addressed,” he said.
No consultation
Ms Enoch resides close to the existing railway line and said she could empathise with other locals.
“I know how loud the trains are when they go past, especially late at night and in the early hours of the morning,” she said.
“Right now we have trains going past around eight times a day. ARTC is proposing this could increase to two every hour on average.
“The project was initiated by the federal Liberal government in this year’s budget with no consultation with residents.
“They say the project is designed to get trucks off our roads, but the train line finishes at Acacia Ridge and from there freight will still have to get to the port.
“This could mean more B-double trucks on our already-congested roads,” she said.
Not good enough
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz recently told the Times that in his view, ARTC’s consultation on the Inland Rail project had been “extensive”, but Ms Enoch said she understood many residents have been unable to contact ARTC to have their concerns addressed.
“I understand many residents have tried to relay their concerns directly to ARTC, but have yet to receive an adequate response, or in some cases any response at all, and this lack of consultation is not good enough.
“We want meaningful consultation with the federal government on this issue,” she said.
According to Ms Enoch, deputy premier Jackie Trad moved to assure her ministerial colleagues that the government would ensure residents had a voice.
A group called the Inland Rail Action Group has started on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/InlandRailActiongroup/.
