The project is currently at environmental impact statement stage. A spokesperson for Surat Basin Rail said during the EIS review, 33 submissions were received from state agencies, local government and land owners.
The submissions are currently being reviewed and action plans are being developed for each.
“If required, these actions may be bundled together to form a supplementary report to the EIS. Once completed, this report will be submitted to the coordinator general for his consideration,” the spokesperson said.
The Surat Basin Railway Joint Venture, which will build a 210km railway connecting the Western Railway System near Wandoan with the Moura Railway System near Banana, comprises Australian Transport and Energy Corridor, Xstrata, Anglo and QR.
The joint venture is investigating the economic feasibility of developing the rail link with the intention of bringing the project to financial close at the end of 2009, with commencement of operations in 2012.
