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CEO's Report - ARTC Environmental Impact Statement

Southern Queensland Landscapes was invited onto the Inner Darling Downs and Southern Darling Downs Community Consultative Committees in mid-2020. At that time, we invited people to let us know their thoughts and concerns about the project to ensure the project proponents knew how our community felt about the project and what it needed to know from them. We received little comment; however, we did receive an offer to tour the affected area by one of our members which we gladly accepted.


Since that time, the ARTC people have worked toward an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which has been submitted to the Coordinator-General. The submitted material was not enough for the project to be approved for several reasons and these have been progressively addressed. As at today, the EIS has not been approved.


This project is very complex and affects the Eastern Downs in many ways, both positively and negatively. As with all projects “of State Significance” assessed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, the project will happen unless there is an unresolvable issue identified in the EIS; the proponent ceases to be an entity for whatever reason; or some other external factor cancels the project. Assuming the ARTC is here to stay and the political will continues, we can assume the project will happen.


We are very conscious that people who live on and near the rail corridor are deeply affected by the project, and while there is ample legislative protection for the people directly affected to be adequately compensated for the affect of the project on their lives, many of these people have strong and long ties to their places. The impacts on them are real and should not be dismissed.


The Community Consultative Committees have a wide representation from people directly indirectly impacted by the project as well as potential beneficiaries. Our place on the Committees is two-fold. To reflect any views our communities and members may wish expressed, and to keep a careful eye on the technical issues associated with the conduct of the EIS and associated processes where there are inadequate skills available from others.


Our role by virtue of the Charter for the Committees, is not to “take sides” and advocate for sectional interests or other reason that lies outside our technical competence. It is to ensure the ARTC people receive issues and concerns from our members and communities. The details of the Committee, minutes of all its meetings, its membership and Charter can be found at:



From what we understand, the technical issues of most of concern are:

  • The Condamine Floodplain impacts on the project and assurance that these impacts can be managed without negative impact
  • The issues associated with soil types and structures on the construction and long term sustainability of the rail
  • The potential impacts of construction on the groundwater aquifers and their viable use
  • The impacts of the infrastructure on biodiversity (including Koala populations)
  • The short term noise and pollutant impacts of the construction phase as well as their long term impacts when trains are active on the line.


Needless to say, there are many other issues needing to be resolved which is the job of the EIS. There has been much debate and concern around the adequacy of consultation for the alignment and the viability of the project given potential cost blowouts and the like. These are all in the public domain and have been the subject of a Senate Enquiry and are now under review led by Kerry Schott for the Australian Government. These are not matters for the Community Consultative Committee.


It is timely to again invite thoughts and concerns from our members and communities as the project nears the end of its development stages. We are very keen to hear from you if you do have concerns, praise or any other thoughts we can offer ARTC people through the committees. We would also like to know if members wish to receive a regular briefing on the project now that it is approaching its final development stages.



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7 March 2025
Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
3 March 2025
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception. 
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Condamine Headwater
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The Condamine Headwaters, a critical ecosystem in Southern Queensland, has long faced threats from sedimentation, habitat degradation, and thermal regime changes. The Blackfish Project, dedicated to reversing these impacts, unites scientists, landowners, and the community in a shared mission to restore and protect this vital environment. At its core lies the river blackfish, a sensitive indicator of the overall ecosystem health.  Central to the project's success is the unwavering commitment of landowners like Paul Graham. Inspired by the project's vision, Paul reached out to SQ Landscapes seeking support for a solar pump and tank to divert his cattle away from waterways on his property. Paul's deep-rooted love for his land, captured in his humorous quip "I love my land more than I love my wife," is a testament to the powerful connection between people and place that drives conservation efforts.
by Caleb Back 31 October 2023
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes recently met in Toowoomba. In addition to the Board meeting, Board and Executive worked through updating SQ Landscapes’ strategy. Company Secretary Pam Murphy highlighted the importance of the latest Board meeting and what it means for the company’s future. “The updated strategy will help SQ Landscapes deliver sustainable natural resource management (NRM) outcomes that improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future,” Pam Murphy said. “We’re excited to continue delivering value for our region and build Flourishing Landscapes and Healthy Communities across Southern Queensland under the guidance of the Board,” Mrs Murphy said.
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