Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the news that the route selection for the Yelarbon to Gowrie section of the Inland Rail project had moved a step closer.
Mr Coulton said the building of the Inland Rail is a major commitment by The Nationals and with a large proportion of the route within the Parkes Electorate, the news that planning was proceeding in the neighbouring Electorate of Maranoa is pleasing.
“In February the amendment to the Inland Rail corridor to take advantage of the disused Boggabilla line for the North Star to Yelarbon link was announced. It is a decision I applauded,” he said.
“We need to remind people that this project is progressing and utilising the existing Boggabilla corridor has the potential to reduce land-use and biodiversity impacts, and land acquisitions requirements.”
Mr Coulton said the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, had recently met with the Chair of the Yelarbon to Gowrie Project Reference Group (PRG), Bruce Wilson AM, for an update on the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and initial capital costings being undertaken as part of the Yelarbon to Gowrie Inland Rail alignment review. 
The MCA results were close for all four alignment options, however the costings have revealed some clear differences. 
The analysis found the Inglewood through Millmerran (base case) option was the least expensive, followed by the Wellcamp/Charlton option, Karara/Leyburn, and then the Warwick option. 
“The process in determining the best alignment in this section is important and will be a balance between community, economic, and environmental considerations. 
Mr Wilson said the technical consultants are continuing their work and will provide further detail to PRG Members at their next meeting. 
“I will be providing the Minister with the report on the transparency of the review process and an update on the continued community engagement,” Mr Wilson said. 
A separate report will be provided to the Minister for Transport, which will detail the results of the MCA, technical aspects and comparative costings for each of the four alignment options in the Yelarbon to Gowrie region. 
Mr Coulton said Australian Rail Track Corporation staff members were expected to start community consultation processes for the greenfield link between Narromine to Narrabri, in the near future. 
For more information on the Inland Rail project visit inlandrail.com.au/