What has happened?
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is in the process of constructing a new 1,700KM freight rail network connecting Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The Inland Rail Project will bypass the Sydney metropolitan area and dramatically reduce the travel time for freight trains moving between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Construction of the railway commenced in 2018 and is projected to finish in 2026.
Inland Rail is comprised of 13 individual projects including 7 projects in NSW:
Albury to Illabo: upgrading approximately 185km of existing rail corridor
Illabo to Stockinbingal: constructing approximately 39km of new rail line. Some compulsory acquisition of land anticipated.
Stockinbingal to Parkes: upgrading approximately 170km of existing rail corridor.
Parkes to Narromine: upgrading approximately 98km of existing rail corridor. This project is operational.
Narromine to Narrabri: constructing approximately 306km of new rail line. Some compulsory acquisition of land anticipated.
Narrabri to North Star: upgrading approximately 184km of existing rail corridor and constructing 1.7km of new track new Moree.
North Star to Border: includes upgrading 27km of non-operational rail line and construction of 12km of new track. Some compulsory acquisition of land anticipated.
Land in NSW will be acquired on behalf of ARTC by Transport for NSW under the processes set out in the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991. Among other things, this legislation determines how compensation is awarded for any acquisition (where compensation cannot be agreed).
Implications
The Inland Rail Project will require acquisition of a significant number of properties in New South Wales. If your property is affected, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Further information
For further information please contact Marcus Steele, Director, on +61 418 243 315 or marcus.steele@bicksteele.com.au.