Inland Rail: Political divisions over Queensland section of project slammed by Groom MP

‘We want this project, and to anyone who’s trying to stop this from coming to Toowoomba I say loud and clear: don’t mess with Toowoomba.’

With a Senate inquiry calling into question the proposed Inland Rail route through the Darling Downs, Groom MP Garth Hamilton has called for the multibillion-dollar project to move ahead as planned.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation is building the 1700km, $15 billion freight rail link between Melbourne and Brisbane, via regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

The Inland Rail route from the NSW/Queensland border to Toowoomba is planned to run from near Yelarbon to Gowrie Junction.

However on August 11 a Senate inquiry released its report into the Inland Rail project, which recommended the ARTC “addresses all issues identified by the Queensland independent flood panel’s findings” after finding they had fallen short on its assessment of the flood heights and on its obligation to consult with the Millmerran community.

The Inland Rail project will be a great benefit for south east Queensland and Toowoomba, according to Groom MP Garth Hamilton.

On the back of the findings, The Australian reports that Maranoa Nationals MP David Littleproud has distributed a four-page document to colleagues to push for the planned route from NSW to Toowoomba to be changed to appease angry farmers in his electorate.

Mr Hamilton has hit back at any suggestion the route would be changed.

“The message is clear from the Toowoomba business community. We want this project, and to anyone who’s trying to stop this from coming to Toowoomba I say loud and clear: don’t mess with Toowoomba,” he said.

“We’re not just talking about potential loss of investment now, we’re talking about the loss of jobs for our kids and grandkids going into he future.

“Inland Rail will do so much for the Toowoomba economy, and we will arguably benefit the most out of any location on Inland Rail’s route. We have so much to lose, and I absolutely will not risk Toowoomba missing out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

A map of the proposed route of the Inland Rail between the NSW/Queensland border to Gowrie, near Toowoomba.

Any change in the route of Inland Rail rests with Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

ARTC interim chief executive Rebecca Pickering said they recognised the contributions of many individuals and organisations that had participated in the inquiry.

“Building Inland Rail is about working together, and our priority is to continue to work with landowners, key stakeholders and government through respectful engagement and consultation,” she said.

“We will ensure continued improvements are implemented as Inland Rail is designed and constructed so that Australians can access the significant jobs and economic benefits of this national infrastructure.”