The Inland Rail Stockinbingal to Parkes project has received an ‘Excellent’ Design rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Council, acknowledging its sustainable design practices.
The first of the Inland Rail sections between Albury to Parkes to undergo rating, the Stockinbingal to Parkes section was evaluated on economic, social, and environmental performance by the IS Council, who determined the project design delivers best-practice sustainability outcomes.
The Stockinbingal to Parkes project involves modifying specific sites along the existing rail corridor to accommodate double-stacked freight trains.
Works included within the IS rating are:
- Increasing vertical clearance under the Wyndham Avenue Road Bridge in Forbes
- Building a new crossing loop north of the Daroobalgie Road level crossing
The IS rating provides a comprehensive system for evaluating sustainability across the design and construction of Inland Rail, providing an independent assessment that rewards beyond business-as-usual outcomes.
Other Inland Rail projects which have received recognition are the Narrabri to North Star phase one project, awarded an ‘Excellent’ Design rating, and the Parkes to Narromine project, the first section of Inland Rail to be awarded an ‘Excellent’ As Built rating.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail’s innovative Business Sustainability Webinars and Mentoring Program were also recognised by the IS Council for its work in supporting businesses and suppliers to improve sustainability.
ARTC Inland Rail developed a three-part webinar series with complementary toolkits purpose-built for small to medium businesses.
Eligible businesses who complete the webinar series can opt-in for a free mentoring session with a sustainability professional to gain additional support developing sustainable operations and services.
Inland Rail Director Program Delivery – Albury to Parkes, Melvyn Maylin, said, ”It is fantastic to see the Stockinbingal to Parkes project receive an ‘Excellent’ Design rating, demonstrating the program’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and industry leadership.
“The ARTC Inland Rail team is committed to delivering best-practice sustainability outcomes. We are proud that our Business Sustainability Webinars and Mentoring program was acknowledged by the IS Council as a market-leading initiative.
“Upskilling businesses will foster innovation and drive higher performing products and services in regional Australia.
“The Stockinbingal to Parkes project is now in the procurement and detailed design stages. During this time, we are seeking to appoint a construction contractor to finalise detailed design and construct the project,” Mr Maylin said.
Featured image: Forbes railway station. Courtesy of Inland Rail.
