A fifth Community Consultative Committee (CCC) has been established by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for Inland Rail, appointing a prominent former local Mayor to lead its work, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says.
Long-serving former Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent has been appointed as the Chair and 16 committee members have been selected from the local community through an independently-run process.
"We welcome the appointment of Mr Brent for the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton CCC. It is great to see ARTC's ongoing commitment to genuine community engagement for the once-in-a-generation Inland Rail project," Mr McCormack said.
"Together with the ARTC, we are committed to delivering Inland Rail and are working with communities and land-owners along the route to ensure local knowledge informs the planning of the project," Mr McCormack said.
Minister for Finance and the Public Service Mathias Cormann said ARTC is committed to delivering a fit-for-purpose solution which delivers positive social, environmental and economic outcomes for landowners and community.
"The Australian Government has committed $9.3billion to deliver Inland Rail. We are determined to realise the economic opportunities of this important project," Senator Cormann said.
Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport, Scott Buchholz said the CCC will comprise members with a range of backgrounds and interests, and forms a vital piece of the ARTC's commitment to informing the design of the project.
"We acknowledge the need to consult fully with the community and this CCC will help to ensure community issues are addressed during the planning and design phase of the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section. With the establishment of this fifth CCC, the entire Queensland corridor, covering almost 400km, is now covered," Mr Buchholz said.
Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen said the project will have benefits to communities across the region.
"The Australian Government is working to ensure Queenslanders can take advantage of the significant job and economic opportunities of this once-in-a-generation project, including more than 7,000 direct and indirect jobs and $6billion in capital investment," Mr van Manen said.
The first meeting of the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton CCC is expected to be held in November.
