ARTC will notify communities the locations of where early works are planned and it should be noted that the start of early works does not mean approval has been given for major construction of Inland Rail in the A2I section.
In March 2021, the A2I section was declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the New South Wales Minister for Planning.
Under the CSSI declaration, early works activities can commence before major construction starts, to enable construction to progress more efficiently once approvals are issued.
Permitted works include minor utilities relocations, site surveys and investigations, and storing materials within existing rail facilities along the alignment. Some of these works may require separate environmental assessments and approvals.
Between December 2022 and March 2023, specialist contractors will relocate and install new water, gas, and telecommunication utilities in the vicinity of Pearson Street, Wagga Wagga and Urana Street, Turvey Park.
Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director Program Delivery, Albury to Parkes, said:
"In coming months, we propose to start utility relocations at enhancement sites which were mentioned in EIS public submissions.
"These works need to occur during this period to enable the timely progress of Albury to Illabo construction once approvals are received. During the approvals process, we are also refining detailed designs for these sites in consultation with councils and government agencies.
"We acknowledge and thank the local community for all comments raised in submissions to the Albury to Illabo section's Environmental Impact Statement regarding the project's reference design.
"We are preparing a Response to Submissions report now and this will be publicly available on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website once complete."
