Comment on the draft Terms of Reference - flood modelling expert panel

The Australian and Queensland Governments have called for public comment on the draft Terms of Reference for an international independent panel of expert hydrologists and engineers.

This new Panel will review existing ARTC flood models and reference designs to ensure industry best practice modelling techniques have been applied.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said public consultation was important to provide further confidence that the design of Inland Rail will safely cross the Condamine Floodplain.

“Public safety remains the number one consideration for this Government in the design and delivery of Inland Rail.

“The establishment of this Independent Panel of Experts, which will include international expertise, will reaffirm our commitment to an engineering solution which safely crosses the Condamine and meets global best practice,” Mr. McCormack said.

The Panel is being established to provide assurance for Inland Rail’s engineering solutions. To do this it will take into account local geology and hydrology patterns and use modelling to examine flooding impacts. This is to ensure the highest level of public safety is in place for Inland Rail in flood prone environments.  

The draft Terms of Reference for the Panel were released on 27 April 2020 for public comment and are available via email at inlandrailcomms@infrastructure.gov.au 

Interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback to the Department on the Terms of Reference before 12:00 noon, Monday 11 May 2020. 

The Australian and Queensland Governments will finalise the Terms of Reference following the consultation and announce the Panel members shortly.