Farmers back call for inland rail inquiry

More than 120 landholders unanimously called for an independent inquiry into the selection of the inland rail route between Narromine and Narrabri at a meeting in Curban Hall on Tuesday. 

The NSW Farmers called the community meeting to update progress in the Association’s pursuit for answers from the ARTC on justification for route selection. 

Landowners expressed their support for the work of NSW Farmers, and particularly welcomed the successful negotiation of a more farmer-friendly land access agreement, developed between NSW Farmers and the ARTC.
 
NSW Farmers’ Policy Director, Robert Hardie, said it was clear from today’s meeting that the community continued to have questions about the route selection.  

“The meeting endorsed the work of NSW Farmers to date, and reiterated our call for an independent inquiry into the assumptions and reasoning underpinning the decisions made to date”, Mr Hardie said.  

“There remains deep concern in the community about a number of issues - from route selection through to land acquisition practices- and today’s meeting aimed to give the community a chance to have their say.  NSW Farmers will engage with the ARTC to further explore community concerns.”

“NSW Farmers is getting on with the job of representing our members.  We are determined to ensure that the inland rail we have passionately supported for many years provides a positive catalyst for change in rural communities.  We will only build one inland rail and we have to get it right.”

Date:  22 May 2018
Media Contact:   Michael Burt  | 0428 228 988