Twenty days since NSW Farmers’ met with the Australian Rail Track Corporation to clear the way for productive collaboration between the two bodies, and there has been no new recommendations to the farming body’s members about whether or not to sign land access agreements with the ARTC.
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NSW Farmers members have for 12 months sought justification from the ARTC for selecting the greenfield route between Narromine and Narrabri and presentation of the business case for the new line to explain why their farms need to be sacrificed.
It is understood the ARTC has not yet provided that information. The ARTC has, however, answered, in part, questions about crossings along the new route posed by Fairfax Media.
The ARTC’s Inland Rail stakeholder engagement manager, Helena Orel, said while the safe movement of stock and machinery across the rail line is a key priority for farmers, the location and number of level crossings has not yet been determined.
She said further landowner consultation, safety, environmental and planning assessments would first need to occur.
“For example in areas where farmers use large farm machinery, the design of the level crossing including gate widths, crossing surface and approach grades will need to accommodate this,” she said.
“On the other hand, where there is stock on a property, the focus will be on putting the appropriate fencing and gates in place to keep the stock out of the corridor. Stock underpasses may also be considered where topography allows,” she said.
This state of affairs presents a quandary for all concerned.
Until the ARTC produces justification and a business case for the new Narromine to Narrabri route, NSW Farmers is playing its cards close to its chest about whether to recommend to members they grant the ARTC land access.
Without the land access, the ARTC cannot further progress where crossings might best be placed, or are needed.
Ms Orel said the ARTC operates one of the largest rail freight networks across Australia and manages almost 3000 public and private level crossings.
“The State and National Rail Safety guidelines and policies prioritise safety; it is especially important for ARTC that regional communities take extra caution at level crossings and around the rail corridor.
“This means that ARTC will work with each landowner to minimise the number of level crossings across the Inland Rail alignment,” she said. NSW Farmers yesterday indicated it might issue a statement next week.
