Inland Rail - Albury to Illabo

The city of Wagga is growing and having the inland rail going through the centre of the city, rather than around it , will be a major disruption, especially at the Docker St crossing and it access to the Base Hospital.

While I generally support the project, I am concerned about the likely impact on the amenity of Wagga Wagga both during the construction phase and when the Inland Rail comes into use.

My concerns are
1. Restrictions on movement i) while the Edmondson Street Bridge is reconstructed; ii) when the line comes into use at two level crossings - with particular note of impact on access to health precinct.
2. Raised traffic risk due to sharp increase in inclination of reconstructed Edmonson Street Bridge approaching traffic lights at Edward Street.
3. Given the length and frequency of trains, the detrimental impact re health and livability from diesel fumes and noise and vibration levels especially in respect of health facilities and schools.
4. Negative impacts are likely to be exacerbated as the city population increases
In my view the Inland Rail should be routed to bypass the city of Wagga Wagga.

I object to the proposal as I believe it will significantly divide the city and negatively impact Wagga residents .

I write with extreme concern and opposition over the planned ARTC inland rail through the City of Wagga Wagga.
As a resident for 20 years on the southern side of the line through Wagga, I oppose the route ARTC has chosen for the delivery of goods using double decker carriages - on an hourly basis directly affecting the lives of thousands of men, women and children. The environmental impact is of a CRITICAL Nature from the VIBRATING SOUNDS-these vibrations will have EXTREME LONG Term effects on people’s health
interrupting their right and need for a sound sleep. The train vibrations will also impact land movements causing cracking in homes - REMEMBERING THAT - Wagga SOIL is of a REACTIVE nature. STOPPING of traffic (requiring people’s lives to HALT) every hour for these trains is quite rightly totally UNREALISTIC and UNREASONABLE.
The idea of increasing the height of our already high footbridges and road bridges is not in keeping with the geographic or social environment.
The proposed inland rail warrants a new conversation-an alternative which diverts the line away from Australia’s biggest inland city.
Regards.

I am not against the project but am concerned about the long term impacts that it will have on the urban area of Wagga Wagga. The EIS is not comprehensive enough because the impacts are not only during constructions but on-going. The most concerning is the Bourke St/Docker St railway crossing. This is especially concerning because it goes through the medical precinct with two hospitals within a few hundred metres of the crossing, which has implications for access to the hospitals for emergency vehicles during crossing closures if there is traffic backed up. There is also implications for traffic on the Sturt Highway (Edward St) if vehicles need or wish to turn into Docker Street will the crossing is closed and there is a long line of vehicles waiting to cross the tracks. The limited access of emergency vehicles during crossing closure could mean the difference between life and death.
The other concern is the Edmonson Street overpass that is to increase in height by 2.8 metres. The incline from the Edward Street/Best Street intersection is already very steep and will become more hazardous with the increase in height. I am also concerned about the steep driveways that people living along Edmondson Street close to the over pass will have. The new alignment of their driveways will be a traffic hazard for them when entering into Edmondson Street.

Lockhart Shire Council at its meeting held on 19 September 2022 noted the information publicly exhibited in relation to the Inland Rail project particularly the Environmental Impact Statement and Summary of Findings.
In particular it was noted that predictive modelling indicates the increase in frequency and size of freight trains and the adjustments to the track may result in exceedances of operational rail noise criteria set by the NSW Rail Infrastructure Noise Guidelines.
In the Lockhart Local Government Area one non-residential receiver, being the Yerong Creek Public School, near the Yerong Creek track clearances is predicted to experience operational rail noise exceedances.
It is also noted from attending meetings of the Inland Rail Community Consultative Committee, established as part of the project’s community engagement initiatives, that Inland Rail is consulting directly with the Yerong Creek Public School regarding noise mitigation measures.
Council is concerned to ensure that the Yerong Creek Public School continues to be consulted and that appropriate noise mitigation measures are incorporated into any approval issued for the project.
Subject to addressing these concerns Council is generally supportive of the project noting that it is consistent with the Lockhart Shire Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032 and the Council’s Delivery Plan 2022-2025 with respect to the following objectives:
- “B1 – Improve services and infrastructure that supports our rural businesses."
- "B1 – Lobby to increase the use of rail for agricultural transportation.”
In this regard Council has also advocated for the upgrade of The Rock to Boree Creek rail line to the same standard (axle loading) as the main Sydney to Melbourne rail line over a period of years due to the potential benefits including reduced freight costs for producers, improved safety for road users and reduced maintenance costs for Council in relation to its road network.
I trust the foregoing information is of assistance and the opportunity to make a submission is appreciated.

I object to the inland rail project going through Wagga Wagga as it does not meet the needs of Wagga residents and will in the future
cause problems for residents, AND what investigations have been done on any derailments in the rail corridor and consequences
of this
Joe Nicholl

I object to the ARTC proposal to run very large freight trains through the centre of Wagga Wagga for the following reasons.
1. This is a massive infrastructure proposal for NSW and it is important to get it right. A bypass of WaggaWagga makes sense just like major highways now bypass most large cities and towns.
2.Noise pollution for residents. Wagga is a large city that is currently a lovely place to live and to be divided by a railway line carrying possibly very long freight trains day and night will totally destroy the liveability of our city.
3. Freight trains several kilometers in length will cause long queues at level crossings, of particular concern as one crossing on Bourke St/Docker St is less than a kilometer from our 2 hospitals. The Hospital Emergency, situated in Wagga Base Hospital is very close to this crossing and being held up by a long, slow moving train could have dire consequences.
4. There are a number of schools from Preschools to Secondary Schools very close to the existing rail line. The possible disruption of learning due to noise from these freight trains will be an issue.
5. Current railway bridges will have to be raised- at what cost to the local community in terms of noise & dust? The steepness of road access to these raised bridges could have many unintended consequences. How for example would a person using a manual wheelchair manage to push up a steep incline?

This is a really bad idea to run this inland rail straight through our lovely country city.

I am broadly supportive of the project. I just would like to ensure that appropriate noise management occur for the future development. I am particularly keen to see some/additional noise barriers included south of the Albury railway station. At present there are no noise barriers providing any noise protection for South Albury residents.

The trains and freeway noise can be quite significant at times and it would be good to see that managed as traffic on the rail line increases. It would also make for a more appealing South entry to the city. I think this will be a critical consideration in this more built up location.
These works are overdue for what is currently in situ but also needed as further development increases. There is a view to increase residential development and density in South Albury in coming years, as industrial sites are gradually turned over to increase residential development. Housing density is high on the agenda at Albury City and this area is likely to increase numbers of high density social and private housing.
South Albury is an area of higher social and economic disadvantage and higher population density compared to the rest of the city, many of these voices may not be heard in the consultation but they should be just as able to enjoy quiet amenity of their homes as any other local residents.
Kind regards,
Melanie Fennell

My name is Nina Gaynor,

My husband Damien and I bought an investment property in Wagga last year to rent out for the next few years and hopefully one day retire in. The address is 86 Railway St. At the time we were a little worried about the noise of the trains but thought it was still bearable but that was before we knew anything about the inland rail project or the effects it would have.
We are extremely worried about this after finding out more information. The house is directly in front of the footbridge which is planned to be torn down and a higher one built. Even that disruption will be negative for potential tenants with noise and not being able to walk across to the main street while it is being built but that is a small part of the effects.
The decrease in value of the house is a big fear. We would not have bought it knowing the increase in frequency of trains, the noise and vibration that is set to increase and I am certain this would turn off potential buyers too. We are now thinking of reselling but of course would lose money due to stamp duty, capital gains etc. also now that people are starting to become aware of the effects of the proposed project it might be too late as people would be turned off by this and rightly so. It may even become difficult to find tenants and have to reduce rent because of the noise and disruptions. The last two tenants were nurses and now Doctors who all would value their sleep highly and I'm sure would have rethought renting there if there were more trains and more noise.
We would ask you to help us and the neighbours who are also extremely concerned- we are hoping they make the inland rail go through Bomen or the outskirts of Wagga somewhere, it seems ridiculous to have all the industrial heavy trains going right through the middle of a major beautiful city especially when there are lots of houses so close to the railway.

Thank you for your time
Nina Gaynor
ph 0412390835

I’m writing to express my objection to ARTC’s plan to use the main Southern Line through the centre of Wagga Wagga as part of a planned Inland Rail Project. This is completely unacceptable.

The disruption to and destruction of liveability in the city of Wagga is reprehensible. Planning for the future is imperative. It is our responsibility to build a thriving, dynamic city where families can grow and prosper.

The plan presented by ARTC will 1)result in unbearable traffic chaos during & post construction
2) exude toxic gases into the air around residential properties, the
health precinct and education facilities

3) possibly cause structural damage to properties within close
proximity as result of strong to vibrations from construction

4) devalue properties due to unacceptable noise & pollution from
large diesel engines idling while waiting for other trains

5) dangerous delays for emergency service vehicles (police,
ambulance etc ) attending crisis incidents

As a resident of Wagga I reject this proposal outright. The deterioration in liveability and amenity of our city is not worth the risk.

The massive negative impact this will have on the city of Wagga and the comfort of its residents makes me implore a rethink of the route to go through Bomen and by-pass the township of Wagga Wagga

Please refer to attached submission.

I’m writing to express my objection to ARTC’s plan to use the main Southern Line through the centre of Wagga Wagga as part of a planned Inland Rail Project. To my mind it is unacceptable.

The disruption to and destruction of liveability in the city of Wagga is considerable. Planning for the future is imperative. It is our responsibility to build a thriving, dynamic city where families can grow and prosper. The planned rail route upgrade through central Wagga, our largest inland city flies in the face of regionalisation and regional liveability.

The plan presented by ARTC will
1) result in unreasonable traffic chaos during & post construction
2) exude toxic gases into the air around residential properties, the health precinct and education facilities
3) potentially cause structural damage to residential properties in close proximity as result of strong to vibrations from construction
4) devalue residential properties due to unacceptable noise & pollution from large train engines idling while waiting for other trains passing through the railway station
5) create dangerous delays for emergency service vehicles attending crisis incidents during construction (in particular SES & Ambulance as they are based south of the railway line) whilst the hospital is north of the railway line. Bourke Street will not cope with the traffic detoured from Pearson Street & Edmonson Street road closures.

As a resident of Wagga I reject this proposal outright. The deterioration in liveability and amenity of our city needs better planning and consideration. There has been no big picture principal applied to this project.

All comments from Committee 4 Wagga are contained in the attached letter form our chair, Adam Drummond.

I object to this project for the following reasons: an assessment of the whole rail corridor in Wagga Wagga has not been undertaken and this project is going to negatively impact impact the lives of residents, school students in nearby primary and secondary schools, health precinct and businesses located in proximity along/nearby the railway through extremely high levels of constant industrial noise, constant vibrations and acoustic disruptions. Acoustic infrastructure along the whole of the rail corridor the Wagga LGA to successfully manage both the known construction phase and known extremely high and ongoing industrial level sound and vibration caused by the inland rail project should be built first - at present this plan indicates it will look at the impact of these types of issues after the project is completed which is a failure in planning and response to a known and detrimental impact this project will have on the Wagga community ongoing. As a matter of urgency a study of bypassing the central area of Wagga and building an alternative link to Bomen and the SAP should be undertaken as this has not occurred and is a failure in the planning of this project. The community consultation process to date on this project has been virtually non existent - communication has been very poor and confusing from ARTC to our community.

My major concerns about this proposal are:
(1) With the proposed route large sections of our city will be cut off from our health precinct especially the hospitals due to the level crossings running through the middle of town. This will be exacerbated by the length of the trains.

(2) Wagga is the states largest inland city & as such is experiencing significant growth. The current proposal has the potential to completely split the city in two. This is unacceptable & I can see no evidence where this has been considered in the EIS.

(3) I assume that the proposal is in part based on the need for such trains to access the industrial site of Bowman. Nonetheless the proposal does not appear to have considered alternative routes that may result in less impacts & a possible more efficient route. I can see no evidence of any consideration of this in the EIS.

(4) I am greatly concerned by the apparent lack of transparency thus far associated with this proposal. I will leave it to others with greater expertise than me to make detailed comments however numerous aspects normally associated with an EIS of such a significant project appear to have been neglected or omitted. This alone is unacceptable.

I believe the EIS submitted by ARTC regarding the Inland Rail route through Wagga Wagga is incomplete, fails to respond to the State Governments guidelines for this report, fails to acknowledge the social impact on the community and does not adequately address the traffic management and safety concerns at rail crossings.
I believe the report is incomplete in that it lacks a complete impact statement on the city by not acknowledging the loss of amenity for the community and the effects dividing the city will have in future as we grow to 100,000 by 2040. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to prevent the type of development that dogs our major cities with rail crossings in urban areas.
The EIS fails to follow the rules established by the State government in regard the provision of environment statements. It does this by failing to consider the whole city and just considering the areas of enhancement.
The EIS does not acknowledge the impact the division of the city by this development. At present population levels and train traffic levels the city is only moderately affected by the current rail corridor. This report if complete and truthful should take into account the loss of social fabric and environmental impact this will have as the city grows to 100,000 people and beyond. It should have estimated costs of a By-pass compared to the enhancements detailed in the report and considered the benefits of alternate routes around the city.
I further believe the traffic study included in the report is false and misleading. The number of traffic movements and delays at rail crossings is untruthful and fails to acknowledge the increased volume of traffic expected as the city grows.
We should be looking to remove all rail crossings in urban areas not approving greater traffic volumes by rail and vehicle movements at these crossings. I understood the State Government is making efforts to improve safety at such crossings, this development increase traffic movements on the rail reducing safety at crossings. The EIS only establishes crossings are able to carry trains of the width and height needed to satisfy passage of the train. It does not address the safety of the crossing other than to state it conforms to safety norms.
In only considering the areas of enhancement the report does not address the impact over the total length of its passage through Wagga Wagga and offers little or no information on environmental impacts. It mistakenly calls a pondage in Urana street a drain when in fact it is a salinity settling pond. There are numerous points similar to this in the report which make it unacceptable.
The people of Wagga Wagga, NSW largest inland city, deserve the best possible outcome not the cheapest.
The failure to include a cost comparison for a By-pass or other alternatives such as lowering the line to avoid rebuilding the Edmondson Street bridge render the report inadequate. The failure to consider the cost of overpasses at Fernleigh Road and Docker Streets make it unacceptable.
I request the Department of Planning reject this report and seek an alternate solution allowing this nation building project to proceed without the devastating impacts projected for the city.

To whom it may concern

I write to raise the serious concerns brought to me by my constituents, and that I share, in relation to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Albury-Illabo section of the Inland Rail project.

Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city in regional NSW and it is bisected by the main southern railway line. Without appropriate action, I believe the Inland Rail project will have a significantly negative impact on the city.

There is no doubt that the Inland Rail development will bring benefits to Australia, but I want to make sure these benefits do not come at a cost to the communities that host rail infrastructure.

I acknowledge that Wagga Wagga’s Bomen industrial estate is the site for one of the state’s Special Activation Precincts. Part of this development includes the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics hub (RIFL), which has already necessitated the building of additional rail lines and a siding. The development will bring additional jobs and opportunities to Wagga Wagga.

But the concerns of residents on a number of issues relating to the Inland Rail project must be adequately addressed.

In particular, Wagga Wagga is unique in terms of its size and the fact that the railway runs directly through the city, very close to facilities and homes.  There are also real concerns that the construction and subsequent operation of the line will have a serious negative impact on the wider transports network of the city. 

The NSW government has recently released the Transport Plan for Wagga Wagga, the first for a regional city. The plan involved many years of consultation and is designed to allow the city to grow and remain liveable. I do not believe that the current information in the EIS has taken into account the impact of the project on the Transport Plan, and this should be specifically addressed in detail.


Residents are concerned that the increasing frequency and length of the trains will create difficulties at all of Wagga Wagga’s level crossings. Already, traffic on some of Wagga Wagga’s busiest streets is brought to a halt as rail traffic passes through the city. The Transport Plan itself has highlighted the need to assess the impact of the changes to train traffic on level crossings.

One area that is specifically of concern is the impact on the health precinct. There are concerns that an increasing number of longer, more frequent, trains will affect traffic flow particularly around the level crossing at Docker-Bourke Streets. This level crossing is located on one of Wagga Wagga’s busiest streets. It is not only a major thoroughfare between the city’s northern and southern areas, but also very close to both the Sturt Highway and the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and health precinct. 

I am worried that there will be a serious negative effect on accessing health services, especially in an emergency situation.

Traffic flow across level crossings is not the only issue of concern raised by my constituents. There are also concerns about the plan to rebuild the Edmondson Street bridge, which I understand will need to be at least two metres higher to accommodate the double-stacked carriages of the Inland Rail.

The Edmondson Street bridge is located very close to a busy intersection with the Sturt Highway and adjacent to two schools. The bridge, in fact, overlooks the South Wagga Public School playground and some classrooms. Adding two metres will substantially increase the height of this bridge. Additionally, the work to upgrade the bridge is expected to take at least nine months, which will create a considerable impact on traffic flow, as well as havoc for nearby residents and schools.

The modelling contained in the EIS points to a very negative impact in parts of the city with Levels of Service dropping to D and F in some parts. If this is described in a report that is advocating for the project, I am concerned the impact may be greater. 

In light of the concerns, I believe there should further independent consideration of the impact of the project on traffic and transport through the city, both during the construction of the Edmondsen street bridge, and afterwards as the line becomes operational. 

Many residents have also expressed their concern about the potential impact of noise and vibration from the larger and heavier trains on the homes, businesses, schools and medical facilities along the proposed route through Wagga Wagga. I would expect that any likely impact from noise or vibration is carefully considered so that it can be adequately mitigated. I note that WWCC believe that the assessment of noise and vibration has only really been considered at enhancement sites. I would expect that the impact on all of Wagga Wagga should be assessed. In particular many residents whose properties are close to the railway are very concerned about the impact of the additional heavier and longer trains and have not been reassured that this impact will be properly mitigated. 

It is not just residents of Wagga Wagga who have expressed concern about the impact of Inland Rail on their communities. Smaller centres like The Rock and Uranquinty will also face issues with access to parts of their communities being restricted by lengthy and increasingly frequent trains. Again, there is  great concern is that emergency vehicles will be impacted.

Finally I point out the size of the EIS document and its complexity and the difficulties this creates for residents who wish to review it and make a submission. It is therefore of the highest importance that the Department of Planning thoroughly review the EIS on behalf of the community and ensure that the impact of the project is kept to a minimum.

While I appreciate the importance of the Inland Rail project, it is also vital that the concerns of residents in communities that will be impacted by not only the project, but also the increasing trains in the long term, are heard and their concerns addressed.

Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city in NSW and will be the first to reach a population of 100,000, which is in my view likely to happen in the next 20 years. The community welcomes this growth, but wants to ensure that it does not come at the cost of their way of life and the liveability of the city.

If the concerns of the community cannot be addressed, then an alternative route around the city should be considered.

Yours sincerely

Dr Joe McGirr, MP
Member for Wagga Wagga

Please see attached document outlining my concerns and objections.
I trust my document will be read and my concerns addressed in a return email.
Regards
Margo Angel