Protecting Queensland's unique natural environment is an important part of our planning for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project. We are committed to minimising the project's environmental impacts and ensuring matters of cultural heritage significance are appropriately considered and managed throughout the project.

Environmental considerations

To ensure the project is designed and delivered in an environmentally sensitive manner, we have been working with a range of subject matter experts and stakeholders. Extensive environmental investigations have taken place along the corridor including surveys to determine habitat values for native fauna and flora, aquatic ecology surveys and water quality monitoring, and cultural heritage assessments in conjunction with Traditional Owner groups.

The information and data collected from these surveys will be used to determine what mitigation measures will be taken to meet legislative requirements under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Environmental approval granted

 The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (LGC) project was determined to be a "Controlled Action" at the time of referral under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act1999 (EPBC Act). TMR was required to submit Preliminary Documentation to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) during the assessment phase to identify potential environmental impacts and informing specific mitigation and management measures.

To ensure the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (LGC) project is designed and delivered in an environmentally sensitive manner, we have been working with a range of subject matter experts and stakeholders to ensure ecological and environmental management values have been appropriately characterised.

Extensive environmental investigations took place along the project corridor between 2022 and 2024 to determine the type and quality of habitat supporting species protected under the EPBC Act, including koala habitat. These investigations informed the development of the draft Preliminary Documentation.

The draft Preliminary Documentation was released for public comment from 12 March to 4 April 2025. Each public comment submission received was formally considered, with minor updates made to the Preliminary Documentation where relevant. Following direction from DCCEEW, the updated Preliminary Documentation and Public Comment Response Document was provided for public viewing from 23 May and 5 June 2025.

On 3 July 2025, DCCEEW granted formal environmental approval for the LGC project, with conditions. View details of the approval and conditions on the EPBC Public Portal.

Flood mitigation

We are working closely with local councils and Queensland Rail, assessing existing flood data, and undertaking flood modelling to inform the project. Where required, the design will include mitigation measures to manage flooding, in accordance with the relevant standards, guidelines, environmental approvals and legislation.

Noise mitigation

We have undertaken preliminary noise and vibration assessments along the project corridor. These assessments provide an initial understanding of potential impacts and inform the types of treatments, such as noise barriers, that will require consideration during detailed design.

As the project design is developed and the location, type and extent of noise reduction measures is refined, we will work closely with the affected stakeholders before any noise and vibration treatments are implemented or installed.

Cultural heritage considerations

We are committed to honouring and respecting the cultural heritage of the land on which the project will be built. 

To ensure the project conserves cultural heritage for the benefit of the community and future generations, the project will comply with the:

• Queensland Heritage Act 1992
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984
• Duty of Care Guidelines (DTATISPCA 2004)

We are working closely with the Aboriginal parties to identify any issues or sites of significance prior to construction. There are 4 Aboriginal parties located within the project area:

• Jagera People #2 Traditional Owner Group
• Turrbal People Traditional Owner Group
• Danggan Balun (Five Rivers) People Traditional Owner Group
• Gold Coast Native Title Group (Jabree).

The project area also includes a number of state and locally listed historical heritage properties. We will minimise impacts and investigate opportunities for these properties during refinement of the project design.