Millmerran Rail Group chairman Wes Judd thrilled with appointment of independent inquiry into Inland Rail

Millmerran farmers have voiced their approval of an independent review into the Inland Rail project which could threaten their safety during wet weather events – such as the ongoing situation.

The announcement of an independent review of the $1.7 billion Inland Rail freight line project has been met with applause by Darling Downs farmers as the design’s concerns were highlighted this week.

The Millmerran region is expected to receive more than 120mm of rain in the coming days, with a flood warning issued, as farmers fight for a new route to the controversial Inland Rail project.

Earlier this month it was announced an independent review into Inland Rail, with Dr Kerry Schott AO leading the task, would be conducted after the Federal Government made an election promise to farming families after a “damning” senate inquiry.

The Judd family and its dairy business went under twice in a fortnight of flooding. Millmerran Arts Council Flood exhibition

“The NSW border to Gowrie route of Inland remains in an environment impact assessment process by the Queensland Government’s Office of Co-ordinator-General and a separate inquiry by the independent Flood Panel,” Millmerran Rail Group chairman Wed Judd said.

“Through these processes and the senate inquiry, ARTC’s plan for a route across the Condamine River flood plain near Millmerran has exposed serious flaws.

Wes and Leanne Judd’s property on the Condamine flood plain was under water for several months in 2010 and 2011. Picture: David Martinelli

“If the independent review is to get to the root of the problem with Inland Rail, it must be a clear understanding that the route is the problem.”

The group holds serious concerns the implementation of the Inland Rail over the Condamine flood plain, which experienced major flooding through 2010, 2011 and 2016, would pose a larger threat to families.

“The increased flood risk of building the Inland Rail on the proposed corridor over the Condamine River flood plain is too much risk for farming families and businesses in our area,” Mr Judd said.

“We want consistency across government policy.

“At a time when governments recognise the folly of building houses in flood plains, they should not build an expensive rail line across the Condamine Flood Plain.”

Mr Judd said the group welcomed Dr Schott’s appointment and has strongly encouraged her to visit the region and meet farming families to understand the full extent of the proposed plans.