The Study identified the potential freight demand and established the approximate scope, timing and costs (+/- 50%) to enable freight rail operations to resume on the lines. The Study’s purpose was to inform future Government decision-making about this project by:
- Carrying out an investigation of the layout, design and cost of reinstatement.
- Analysing the suitability of the existing alignment, options to improve the alignment and treatment of level crossings.
- Identifying potential freight facility connections especially at Blayney, Cowra, Wattamondara and Greenethorpe, as well as locations that may have been identified through stakeholder consultation.
- Conducting a sensitivity test to open sections of the Line based on their viability.
- Assessing the project’s viability on environmental, heritage, social and economic criteria, including an economic cost-benefit evaluation of various scenarios.
- Identifying any statutory planning requirements (including but not limited to corridor protection, acquisition, and environmental
- Examining and costing the implications of not pursuing the project.
- Identifying any legislative requirements and cross-jurisdictional issues.
