Northern Australian Transport Link

(Mt Isa to Tennant Creek)

Technical Assessment Program

Project Summary Report

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Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 6

2 Background .................................................................................................. 6

3 Technical Assessment Program................................................................. 7

3.1 Trial Route ..................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Scope of Technical Assessment Program ..................................................... 7

4 Technical Assessment Program Summary ............................................... 8

4.1 Aerial Photography and Digital Mapping ........................................................ 8
Study Outputs .......................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Environmental Scoping Report and Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment ..... 10
Key Findings ...........................................................................................................10
Key Points ..............................................................................................................12
4.3 Hydraulic Assessment Report ...................................................................... 13
Stage 1 Findings .....................................................................................................13
Stage 2 Findings .....................................................................................................14
Study Limitations ....................................................................................................15
Future Project Risks ...............................................................................................15
Recommendations ..................................................................................................16
4.4 Construction Material Supply ....................................................................... 17
Methodology ...........................................................................................................17
Study Findings ........................................................................................................18
Potential Geo-hazards ............................................................................................21
Recommendations ..................................................................................................22
4.5 Geotechnical Investigations Report ............................................................. 25
Study Findings ........................................................................................................25
Geotechnical Challenges ........................................................................................27
Technical Standard for rail construction over black soils .........................................28
Construction techniques and treatments – black soils .............................................28
Water Supply ..........................................................................................................29
Recommendations ..................................................................................................29
4.6 Multimodal Freight Transport Facility (Tennant Creek) ................................ 30
Demand forecast methodology ...............................................................................30
Potential demand ....................................................................................................30
Site locations ..........................................................................................................31
Design ....................................................................................................................32
Cost Estimate .........................................................................................................32
4.7 Multi-user, Multi-modal Load-out Facility Feasibility Report (Mt Isa) ............ 33
Rail demand ...........................................................................................................33
Rail Concept of Operations .....................................................................................34
Terminal Siting Assessment ...................................................................................34
Terminal Design and Capital Costs .........................................................................35
Staging considerations ...........................................................................................36
Recommendations ..................................................................................................36

5 Technical Assessment Project Costs ...................................................... 37

6 Strategic Cost Estimate ............................................................................. 37

7 Trial Alignment Refinements .................................................................... 38

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8 Technical Assessment Program Conclusion .......................................... 40

Appendix A – Trial Route Alignment .................................................................... 43

Appendix B – Site Options..................................................................................... 44

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Abbreviations
Terms, Meaning
abbreviations and
acronyms

AEP Annual Exceedance Probability

ASRIS Australian Soil Resource Information System

CHRA Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment

CBIISC Cross-Border Infrastructure and Investment Steering Committee

Cr Creek

Cth Commonwealth

DTM Digital Terrain Model

ESR Environmental Scoping Report

JTWG Joint Technical Working Group

MCA Multi Criteria Analysis

MITCR Mt Isa Tennant Creek Rail

MITEZ Mt Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NEGI North East Gas Interconnector

NT Northern Territory

Qld Queensland

SBC Sub-ballast capping

SOP Strategic Options Paper

SRTM Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

TAP Technical Assessment Program

TEU Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit

TLC Transport and Logistic Centre

TMR Department of Transport and Main Roads

TRA Trial Route Alignment

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Executive Summary
In June 2015, the Australian Government released Our North, Our Future: White Paper on
Developing Northern Australia. This paper included a commitment to undertake freight rail
feasibility studies in Northern Australia. A priority of the White Paper was to undertake a pre-
feasibility study for a new railway link between Mount Isa and Tennant Creek known as the
Mount Isa to Tennant Creek Rail proposal (MITCR). Included in this was the study of two
multi modal / multi use facilities, one at Tennant Creek and one at Mount Isa.
To progress the initiative the Commonwealth, Queensland (Qld) and Northern Territory (NT)
governments undertook the MITCR pre-feasibility study in two parts, a Strategic Options
Paper (SOP) and a Technical Assessment Program (TAP).
The purpose of the SOP was to improve the understanding of the economic drivers of the
Darwin to Townsville supply chain and to generate options to advance the MITCR. The TAP
included a number of studies that provide a high level assessment of the key challenges and
risks associated with constructing a rail line between Mount Isa and Tennant Creek.
The SOP identified that, although the desired outcome of the rail link is to increase economic
growth, construction of a rail link is not currently commercially viable as the existing transport
network can manage current freight volumes. The SOP did however identify that policy
reforms and the right market conditions could increase economic growth and enhance the
opportunity for the private sector to invest in new mining and agricultural production, driving
possible viability of a new rail line.
This report summarises the studies that comprise the TAP including key findings and a
revised strategic cost estimate associated with the trial alignment. The reports find that the
railway is technically feasible and provides a starting point for understanding the risks and
challenges as well as the additional work required to further de-risk the project in subsequent
stages. Overall the conclusion is that the risks and challenges are manageable and there
are opportunities to refine the alignment.
The TAP studies indicate that the key risks and challenges include environmental and
cultural heritage risks, issues surrounding flooding, the extensive networks of caves and
sinkholes, threatened species, the sourcing of water, the removal of waste, pastoral leases
and land tenure issues of surrounding Native Title and national parks.
Further work will be required including detailed field observations to determine sources for
construction materials (particularly ballast), the significance of geotechnical hazards and
solutions and a better understanding of sink holes.
A vertical and horizontal alignment was identified based on a 1% AEP flood level. A strategic
cost estimate was calculated using this flood level as the basis for designing the required
infrastructure. The cost of the initiative at this prefeasibility stage is estimated at
approximately $4.1B not including multi-modal / multi-use sites.
Preferred sites for multi-modal / multi-use terminals in Tennant Creek and Mount Isa have
been identified and will cater for 1,800 metre trains. Both sites have concept of operations
prepared and include high level cost estimates.

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Introduction
The Mount Isa to Tennant Creek Rail (MITCR) proposal is a greenfield rail line to connect the
Great Northern Line in Queensland (Qld) to the Alice Springs-Darwin Railway in the Northern
Territory (NT), connecting the towns of Mount Isa in Qld and Tennant Creek in the NT.
The MITCR proposal is an Australian Government initiative (arising from the White Paper for
developing Northern Australia 2015) to stimulate regional and national economic
development and create regional employment opportunities.
The MITCR would be built to same standard gauge as the Alice Springs-Darwin Railway and
consequently involve a break-of-gauge at Mt Isa to network to the Qld narrow gauge rail
system. The initiative includes two multi modal / multi use facilities at Tennant Creek and at
Mt Isa with sufficient capacity to handle freight transfer by rail and road.
If constructed the proposal would provide rail connectivity between the Port of Townsville and
the Port of Darwin and potentially encourage the development of phosphate, agriculture,
gas/liquids and other mineral exports along the rail corridor. It is also anticipated that
industry would move some of the general freight transported between the NT and Qld from
road to rail, reducing the impact of heavy vehicles in the region.
The NT and Qld governments have been working closely together in conjunction with the
Australian Government to investigate and develop an understanding of the economic,
commercial, technical, environmental and engineering aspects of the project.
The economic and commercial aspects of the project have been reported in a completed
Strategic Options Paper (SOP).
This report provides a summary of the technical assessment program (TAP) undertaken
including key findings and recommendations. It includes an assessment of the technical
feasibility of the MITCR proposal based on the trial rail alignment (TRA) and a strategic cost
estimate for the proposal at this pre-feasibility stage.

Background
The Australian Government’s White Paper for developing Northern Australia (2015)
committed up to $5 million to undertake analysis of freight rail projects in northern Australia.
The paper identified, as its first priority, the undertaking of a pre-feasibility study for a new
railway line between Tennant Creek and Mt Isa to assess the viability and economic
opportunities of a new freight link between Qld and the NT.
To progress the MITCR proposal, the Commonwealth, Qld and NT governments
commissioned the SOP and the TAP. The Australian Government committed $1.5 million to
undertake studies with the Qld and NT governments each contributing $350,000.
The SOP was commissioned to consider the broader strategic options, opportunities and
implications associated with the MITCR link in the context of the broader Darwin to
Townsville supply chain supported by an economic analysis, commercial and financial
analysis. This work has been completed and is with the Qld and NT governments for their
respective consideration.

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1 Technical Assessment Program
The TAP was undertaken to develop a greater understanding of the proposal’s key technical
challenges and risks. The TAP outcomes included:
 Refinement of the corridor between Mt Isa and Tennant Creek using the trial
alignment as the basis.
 Identification of major environmental / technical challenges / construction risks.
 De-risking the project for future stages by providing a better understanding of the
risks.
 Refining the estimated indicative capital cost of the proposals.

1.1 Trial Route

Preliminary studies were carried out by both the NT and Qld governments to determine the
optimal route. An initial Trial Route Alignment (TRA) between Mt Isa and Tennant Creek was
prepared by the Qld government in consultation with the NT government and is shown in
Appendix A.
The TRA was selected as the most logical alignment based on best available information.
The alignment has been designed to run parallel to the southern side of the Barkly Highway
for approximately 654 kilometres, to provide for ease of construction and ongoing
maintenance. Overall it is also considered to generally provide the route offering the least
hydrological and topographical challenges within the proposed multi-use infrastructure
corridor area.
Mt Isa was considered the most likely location for a multi-modal / multi-use terminal including
break-of-gauge facility in Qld. A junction with the existing Alice Springs - Darwin Railway just
north of Tennant Creek was considered the most appropriate location for a similar terminal in
the Northern Territory.

1.2 Scope of Technical Assessment Program

The agreed scope of work for the TAP comprised of eight project areas as follows with the
lead agency indicated in brackets:
1. Photogrammetry survey and mapping (NT).
2. Hydraulic Assessment Report (Qld).
3. Construction materials supply (NT).
4. Geotechnical Investigations Report including data investigation (Qld).
5. Environmental Scoping Report / Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment (Qld).
6. Intermodal transport facilities concept and siting - Tennant Creek (NT).
7. Multi-user, multi-modal load out facility investigation - Mt Isa (Qld).
8. Project summary report (Qld).

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2 Technical Assessment Program Summary
A summary of the key findings from the technical reports/activities undertaken are provided
in this section with recommendations included as applicable. The information in this section
is summarised from the individual reports prepared for each study. Prior to using this
information the relevant report should be examined to ensure the appropriate context for the
work including the limitations and assumptions behind the work are noted and understood.

2.1 Aerial Photography and Digital Mapping

Aerial photography and digital terrain modelling was required to support a number of
assessment activities for the TAP. The NT Government engaged a contractor to undertake
this work. The target capture area was determined based on the proposed TRA. A 3km
target capture area was established surrounding the alignment, extending 0.5km north and
2.5km to the south. The total area surveyed was 1973 square kilometres.
The methodology used to capture the data is as follows:

Aerial Photography:
Aerial photography was acquired using a single perspective digital camera and differential
GPS processing. Softcopy photogrammetric processes were undertaken to generate a
seamless orthophotograph of the area. Aero-triangulation information was also delivered to
support the extraction of digital terrain information (mapping).

Mapping:
Digital terrain information was derived from the aero-triangulation information through a
combination of automated and manual processes.

Study Outputs
The datasets produced are as follows:

Aerial photography (to 95% confidence in areas of well-defined features)

 Orthorectified seamless mosaic
 Ground Sample Distance (Pixel Size): 15cm
 Horizontal Accuracy*: +/- 0.3m
 Vertical Accuracy*: +/- 0.3m

Digital Mapping (to 95% confidence in areas of well-defined features)

Bare-Earth Digital Terrain Model
2.5m Spot Elevation Grid enhanced with break-lines and break features
Contours - 1m contour interval
Features: fences, gates, signs, excavations, roads, tracks and watercourses
Mapping Scale: 1:2500
Horizontal Accuracy*: +/- 0.3m
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Vertical Accuracy*: +/- 0.3m
The datasets were captured in two stages as outlined in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

 STAGE ONE DATA CAPTURE

 AREA: 663 SQ KM

 PERIOD OF CAPTURE: 2015

Figure 1: Stage 1 Data Capture.

 STAGE ONE DATA CAPTURE

 AREA: 663 SQ KM

 PERIOD OF CAPTURE: 2015

Figure 2: Stage 2 Data Capture.

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Data Limitations
 The accuracy of projects acquired by remote sensing, including aerial photography,
are influenced by a range of factors in the capture process. Photogrammetry has
proven to be a reliable capture process which addresses many of the inflight
anomalies through the aero-triangulation process.
 As the technique is based on visibility of the ground the accuracy of the dataset is
expected to be 0.3m to 95% confidence in areas where the ground or features are
clearly visible. Areas of dense vegetation may not reach this accuracy.

2.2 Environmental Scoping Report and Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment

WSP Australia Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Qld Government to undertake an
Environmental Scoping Report (ESR) and Cultural Heritage Risk Assessment (CHRA) for the
MITCR.
The scoping assessment concluded that the project has both a potentially high
environmental and high cultural heritage risk, potentially impacting multiple environmental
factors and triggering a range of environmental approvals. The need for extensive field
environmental assessments during the design and pre-construction stages was identified.
Requirements for environmental assessment and approvals were identified across various
factors pursuant to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth),
the Environmental Assessment Act (NT) and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld).
Detailed further assessments will be required to progress the project in accordance with
State and Commonwealth environmental approval pathways.

Key Findings
A summary of key findings for the specific areas investigated are provided below:

1. Water
The project traverses, and is in proximity to, multiple mapped watercourses, drainage lines,
waterholes, boreholes and farm dams. Flooding in the region is a risk to the project,
especially within the eastern half of the project alignment where the greatest amount of
watercourses are located. Further, the project itself may exacerbate the impact of flooding,
given the potential for any rail embankment to act as a barrier (this issue is discussed in the
hydraulics section).

2. Soil and Land Management

The project crosses two lithostratigraphic units which both contain an extensive network of
caves and sinkholes, with the largest concentration found around the town of Camooweal.
These areas may require additional assessment, incorporation of specialist design measures
and result in additional construction costs to address the lithostratigraphy.
In addition, the black clay plains of the Barkly Tablelands, which underlie approximately
160km of the project corridor, are subject to significant expansion and contraction with
seasonal rainfall. This will also need consideration in the project design, as well as in
construction programming to avoid construction during peak rain periods. This issue is
discussed further the geotechnical summary.

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3. Biodiversity
Both State and Commonwealth protected and threatened species as well as habitat for
suitable threatened species) were recorded within the project corridor. Subject to detailed
ecological assessment, the project will require referral to the Commonwealth Government
and may subsequently be considered a Controlled Action. It is likely the preparation of a
Review of Environmental Factors and specialist studies will be required to support the
Referral.

4. Cultural Heritage
The cultural heritage risk assessment determined that the project is Category 5 High Risk.
There are a significant number of known Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and artefacts
present across the region, and the potential for further heritage factors yet to be discovered
within the project corridor.
Category 5 works are those that pose the highest risk of harming Aboriginal cultural heritage.
This project should not proceed without further cultural heritage assessment and consultation
with all relevant Aboriginal parties in order to manage the risk and ensure the project works
comply with the duty of care.
While not as extensive as the Aboriginal cultural heritage, historical cultural heritage related
to early exploration, mining and military uses are also present and will need further
assessment during cultural heritage surveys required for future stages of the project

5. Public Amenity and Health

Although the project generally crosses remote and sparsely populated land, there are
townships, Aboriginal communities and homesteads in close proximity to the project. In
addition to direct impacts to land, there will likely be public amenity and health concerns
regarding visual amenity, noise, air quality and vibration impacts on local residents. Detailed
assessment, consultation and design consideration will be required within future project
stages.

6. Resource use and management

The construction of a project this magnitude will result in significant resource use. This
includes immediate construction resources for the railway itself such as quarry material, as
well as key resources such as fuel and water.
Many of the waterways in the region are ephemeral and bores are used by land owners to
support their own industry production. Therefore, local government authorities and land
owners will require consultation regarding the sourcing of water to support construction.
There are limited facilities for waste management to dispose of wastes generated by the
project during construction. Waste transportation will increase project costs necessary to
transport construction materials, fuel for extended transport costs and labour to the site.

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7. Special areas and Land Tenures
Properties traversed by the project represent substantial landholdings, many of which are
pastoral lease tenures for stock grazing. The project dissects some properties, acting as a
bounded corridor within the useable land for leaseholders, limiting access to pastoral land
and stock movements. The project also crosses several designated stock routes, posing a
risk to stock and/or a delay to operation of the train line when the stock routes are utilised.
The project crosses large areas of Aboriginal land and native title which will require
consultation with Traditional Owners, or their representative.
The project alignment crosses between the township of Camooweal and the Camooweal
Caves National Park. The project should seek to avoid the National Park, while also
minimising the impact on the township. The alignment’s positioning through the
township/National Park pinch point will need to consider the impact on the township (i.e.
access, public health and amenity) and the National Park (i.e. access, biodiversity), as well
as the previously mentioned geotechnical and cultural heritage aspects.

8. Potential Environmental Offsets

The project will require ecological surveys and assessment to ground truth mapping and
database results and confirm the presence or absence of threatened species and
communities. Approvals will need to be sought for the project, which will potentially have
specific conditions attached inclusive of offsetting requirements.

Key Points
 This study was high level and at an early stage of planning involving a 3km wide
corridor. Much more detailed assessments will be required once the corridor is
confirmed and narrowed.
 The project has the potential to have a high impact on the environment. Despite
being classified as high risk, none of the above environmental factors are
insurmountable, conditional to the appropriate assessment and mitigation in future
project stages.
 The project has a high cultural heritage risk. Further work is required to clarify this
risk and will require consultation with the impacted aboriginal parties. Learnings from
the nearby Jemena pipeline project suggest a considerable amount of work may be
required to gain the support of impacted aboriginal parties.
 The project is likely to require environmental assessment and approval pursuant to
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), the
Environmental Assessment Act (NT) and the Environmental Protection Act 1994
(Qld). Detailed further assessment and consultation will be required to progress the
project in accordance with State and Commonwealth environmental approval
pathways.
 The cost and scheduling implication for these approvals may be substantial and will
require consideration during the planning of future project stages.
 Until a final alignment is determined and the impact on the environment quantified,
other issues including offsetting requirements cannot be established.

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2.3 Hydraulic Assessment Report
Jacobs Australia Pty Ltd were engaged by Qld Government to undertake a two-staged
hydraulic assessment study of the TRA. The key study outcomes sought were to:
 Determine a vertical alignment for the TRA using the photogrammetry data made
available as part of the TAP work.
 Recommend improvements to the horizontal alignment.
 Prepare a strategic cost estimate, including an assessment of the bridge / culvert
requirements.
 Determine if there were any major impediments for the TRA.
The study consisted of two stages.

Stage 1
 Desktop assessment of hydrological issues / major risks to the trial alignment.
 Identification and mapping of catchments in the study area, with recommendations of
catchments to be modelled in Stage 2 to inform vertical alignment.
 Refinement of the horizontal TRA based on an assessment of the terrain data and
watercourse intersections.

Stage 2
 Development of flood models for 11 catchments.
 Propose a vertical alignment (using the 3 flood immunities levels agreed upon).
 Prepare a strategic cost estimate.

Stage 1 Findings
Using a 3km wide corridor, Jacobs’ analysis identified 39 catchments within the TRA study
area. The methodology and technique to identify, characterise and map the catchments is
available within the Stage 1 report.
To assist in identifying a vertical alignment the JTWG determined three flood immunity levels
to be assessed ). These were: 2%, 1% and 0.2% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP)
flood events. A desktop risk assessment was undertaken based on known flooding issues,
catchment sizes and design rainfall intensity.
A total of 11 catchments were identified to be the subject of detailed flood modelling in Stage
2.

Horizontal Alignment
With the benefit of 3D data (3km wide), Jacobs undertook an initial review of the TRA. This
review indicated several opportunities for rationalisation and improvement, particularly in
terms of constructability and reduction in capital cost, mainly through a reduce earthworks
requirement and the provision for the adoption of simpler structures at water crossing points.

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An alternative horizontal alignment for the eastern half of the route heading south-west from
Mt Isa was identified for future consideration. The advantage of the alternative alignment is it
crosses lesser waterways, and reduces the length of alignment traversing poor ground
conditions. The Qld Government’s Geotechnical Section review of the alignment in Section 7
indicates some concerns with it particularly the increased length.
Factors such as land ownership, environment, heritage and geotechnical conditions were not
considered in the proposed alternative TRA alignment and will need to be considered before
a final horizontal alignment could be established.

Vertical Alignment
The assessment for vertical alignment was carried out in two stages which:
 Established the base vertical alignment for hydrology modelling.
 Refined the vertical alignment taking into account the hydrology study outcomes such
as flood levels and the required flow capacities under bridges and through major
culverts.
Three vertical alignments were derived for the three agreed flood immunities assessed (2%,
1% and 0.2% AEP).
The alignment model was analysed against the photogrammetry contour model to identify
any non-conforming areas of the TRA and opportunities for improvement.
The vertical alignment of the TRA was reviewed and adjusted primarily to meet specified
criteria as follows:
 Maintaining standard ARTC track design standards (assuming a speed of 100 km/h).
 Shortest alignment route to minimise construction costs whilst giving consideration to
rail profile for train operational efficiency and formation earthworks optimisation.
 Avoiding existing infrastructure.
 Aligning crossings of major waterways to minimise waterway width and bridging
length, with crossings on tangent track where possible.
 Where possible running adjacent to Barkly Highway to minimise property severance.
 Maintaining a minimum rail separation of 60 metres from the Barkly Highway. While
this minimum 60m separation has been used in the initial realignment, further
realignment as part of Stage 2 will consider locations where the route can be closer to
the highway (to reduce earthworks and property resumptions).

Stage 2 Findings
In Stage 1, 11 flood catchments were identified to be modelled. Stage 2 identified further
interactions between some catchments making it necessary to merge some of the flood
models. This resulted in 8 rainfall-runoff models developed to derive inflows to the hydraulic
models. However, only the hydrology model for Ranken River could be calibrated to one
flood event due to a lack of recorded flood and rainfall data.
A total of nine 2D hydraulic flood models were developed to size culverts and bridges as well
as provide inputs into the rail vertical alignment design. None of these were able to be
calibrated to recorded flood levels.

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Flood estimation methods based on the run off models were derived to calculate peak flows
for other catchments not hydrologically or hydraulically modelled. Culvert and bridge
estimates were then derived for these catchments (> 20km2) based on limiting structure
velocities and assumed depths of flow.

Design and Earthworks Volume Estimation

The vertical alignments for three flood immunities (2%, 1% and 0.2% AEP) were derived
based on the flood levels from the developed flood models. The vertical alignments were
then used to estimate approximate earthworks volumes based on a number of assumptions
(refer to main report). Two key points from this assessment are:
 Earthworks volumes are in the order of 9.2 million m3 of cut and 4.8 million m3 of fill
for 1% AEP.
 The earthworks volumes for these three flood immunities did not vary significantly for
the three flood immunities.

Study Limitations
 The resolution of the 2D flood models is 10m. More accurate data could be obtained
if the model resolution was improved to 5m.
 The 2D flood models required development of downstream boundaries. The
assumed bed slopes for these boundaries are likely to have some minor influence on
the flood behaviour at the rail alignment.
 There is a notable lack of flood records to inform the hydrology assessments hence
design hydrology estimates were determined based on the best available information
at the time of the study.
 The flooding behaviour of the large catchments and floodplains in the western portion
of the route, particularly near Walkabout Creek and Goose River are poorly
understood. It is likely that floodplain infiltration plays a significant role in this flood
behaviour and the frequency of large flood flows across the route.
 Future use of the design flow estimates presented in this study should take into
consideration the inherent uncertainty of the estimates.
 The supplied photogrammetry data covered a relatively narrow corridor. While this
data was sufficient to carry out this assessment, there are locations where additional
survey data is required to develop hydraulic flood models. The study has used low
accuracy Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data in places to extend the
flood models. Ideally, these areas would be improved with higher accuracy
photogrammetry data.

Future Project Risks

The study has identified future risks for this project as it matures:
1. The lack of available rainfall data and flood records results in a large degree of
uncertainty in flow estimations. This could have a large impact on the derivation of
flood levels and waterway structure sizes.

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 2. The flooding behaviour of the large catchments and floodplains in the western portion
of the route (e.g. Walkabout Creek, Goose River) are poorly understood. This
uncertainty could have a large impact on the cost estimation.
3. The high-level design of the alignment has not been fully integrated with the
geotechnical and environment / heritage assessments.
All three of these are likely to influence the design.

Recommendations
Jacobs provide a number of recommendations for future consideration / further work:

Data
1. Work with the Qld and NT governments on methods to collect more rainfall data for
the study area. There is limited flood records available to inform the hydrology
assessments. Specifically, there is only one gauged catchment crossing the corridor
and very few rainfall stations in the catchments.
2. Gauging flood flows and coincident recording of catchment rainfall carried out in the
following catchments:
o Georgina River (possibly gauged at Camooweal using Barkly Highway bridge
for flow measurement with rainfall gauging in Camooweal (or preferably
further north and closer to the catchment centroid).
o James River (possibly gauged at Avon Downs using Barkly Highway bridge
for flow measurement with rainfall gauging at Avon Downs or preferably
further north closer to catchment centroid).
o Walkabout Creek or Goose River (possibly using maximum height recorders
for water depths over Barkly Highway acting as a long weir for flow
measurement with rainfall based on radar imaging although nearest radar is
Mt Isa which is 400km from catchment).

Hydrology
3. Future use of the design flow estimates presented will need to consider the inherent
uncertainty of the estimates, and the estimated error bounds presented for the
Ranken River flood frequency analysis and catchment area flow relationships.
4. Information regarding initial and continuing losses was adopted based on guidance
from the Standard ARR2016. This resulted in the majority of modelled catchments
using an 80mm initial loss and less than 4mm continuing loss. Data including the
high initial losses, low continuing losses and generally small differences in rainfall for
long duration events are vital in determining both peak flows and the critical duration
for most catchments. Further investigation including additional rainfall/streamflow
monitoring is recommended prior to finalisation of detailed design of the railway.

Hydraulics

16
 5. None of the nine 2D flood models developed to size culverts and bridges have been
calibrated to recorded flood levels. More data is required as indicated above.
6. Additional survey data is required to further develop the hydraulic flood models,
particularly where the study used low accuracy SRTM data to extend the flood
models. The following models should be extended or supplemented with improved
survey data in subsequent stages of assessment:
o Buckley and Johnson Creeks – flood extent goes beyond available data.
o Kiama and Happy Creeks - flood extent goes beyond available data.
o Ranken River – extend upstream to Soudan Homestead to assess afflux.
o Georgina River - extend upstream to include Camooweal to assess afflux.
o James River extend upstream to include Avon Downs to assess afflux.
o Wilfred Creek - extend upstream to include Barkly Highway to assess afflux.
o Nowranie Creek extend upstream to include Barkly Highway to assess afflux.
7. The resolution of all of the 2D flood models is 10m. In subsequent assessment
stages, the resolution of these models could be improved (for example, to 5m). While
this may increase simulation times, advances in flood modelling software and
hardware may negate this.
8. The 2D flood models required the development of downstream boundaries. The
assumed bed slopes for these boundaries are likely to have some minor influence on
the flood behaviour at the rail alignment. A larger extent of survey data (possibly at a
lower resolution than the supplied photogrammetry) is recommended to extend the
downstream limits of these flood models in subsequent assessment stages.
9. It is recommended further stages of investigation for this project include monitoring of
flood flows across the Barkly Highway for a specific flood event with rainfall possibly
estimated from satellite imagery.

2.4 Construction Material Supply

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics in the NT engaged Golder
Associates Pty Ltd to undertake a desktop assessment of the key geological / geotechnical
components considered important for selecting a technically and economically feasible rail
alignment. The scope of this work included:
 Identifying potential local sources of suitable materials for construction of rail ballast
formation and embankments.
 Identifying the presence of potential geo-hazards likely to be encountered along the
trial route including recommendations for solutions.
A secondary objective of the study was to provide information to contribute towards
developing a scope of works for future field investigations should it be required for a later
stage of this proposal.

Methodology
A desk top assessment was undertaken and involved:

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  Reviewing a wide range of data sets including geographical maps, ortho-imagery,
topography data and design information from previous projects in the study area.
 Detailed mapping within a 3 km area parallel to the proposed TRA using shaded relief
imagery derived from a digital terrain model (DTM) in conjunction with georeferenced
aerial imagery and existing published geological maps. The refined geological maps
are available in the addendum to the Golder Associates report.
 Identifying potential borrow areas via a detailed review of mapped geological units
and terrain analysis where specific soil and rock types and landforms were delineated
to highlight areas where suitable material types may be sourced.
 Following the initial classification of the site stratigraphy and definition of the different
terrain units, with data used to complete identification of the potential sources of
materials required, including borrow sites for constructing purposes (for example,
ballast and embankment). This process also identified potential geohazards.
The following specifications were taken into consideration when identifying potentially
suitable ballast materials:
 Alice Springs – Darwin Railway Project – Ballast Specification. ADrail 2002 (Doc No.
04-2000-0003-Rev.1.
 Australian Standard AS 2758.7:2015. Aggregate and rock for engineering purposes.
Part 7: Railway ballast.
 Australian Standard AS 1141.4-2000. Methods for sampling and testing aggregates.
Method 4: Bulk density of aggregate.

Study Findings
The major findings from the desktop assessment are summarised below. More details of the
study are available in the Golder Associates report (Error! Unknown document property
name. Tennant Creek to Mt Isa Trail Route Alignment for Railway).

Terrain Units
Six different ‘Terrain Units’ were identified for sections of the TRA based on broadly similar
geological and geomorphological conditions. The technique used to do this and the
predominant geological, topographical and drainage conditions that generally characterise
each of the terrain units are outlined in Section 4 of the main report. The six terrain units are:
 Tennant Creek Hills (Ch. 0 to Ch. 51).
 Sand Plains (Ch. 51 to Ch. 195.5 and Ch. 226.5 to Ch. 268).
 Rocky Plain (Ch. 195.5 to Ch. 226.5 and Ch. 268 to Ch. 329.5).
 Black Soil (Ch. 329.5 to Ch. 457.3).
 Camooweal Rise (Ch. 457.3 to Ch. 562).
 Mt Isa Hills (Ch. 562 to Ch. 637.7).
The terrain units provided an indication of the materials available to construct the railway as
well as possible geo-hazard that could be encountered within the TRA. The following
sections provide more specific detail on these aspects.

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Ballast Requirements
Golder Associates estimated approximately 1.28 million tonnes of rail ballast would be
required for railway construction.
The following key potential ballast quarry targets were identified located within 40km either
side of the proposed rail corridor:
 Felsic Porphyry (map unit: EP_Ppy) – Quartz and/ or feldspar phenocrysts in a felsic
aphanitic groundmass; massive to foliated.
 Wonarah Beds (map unit: MC_Lst) - Silicified limestone and dolomite, siltstone, chert
silicified shale, leached carbonate rocks; fossiliferous.
 Shady Bore Quartzite (map unit: MP_Qtz1) - Flaggy to massive medium
orthoquartzite: interbeds of fine sandstone, siltstone and dolomite.
 Camooweal Dolomite (map unit: C_Dol) - White crystalline dolomite with chert
nodules and bands. Some dolarenite and marly interbeds. Minor quartz sandstone
lenses.
 Cromwell Metabasalt Member (map unit: MP_MetaB1) - Metabasalt, amygdaloidal
metabasalt, flow-top breccia, tuff.
 Dolerite (map unit: Dlr) - Coarse to medium pyroxene dolerite.
 Kitty Plain Microgranite (map unit: MP_Gr) - Slightly porphyritic, fine to medium-
grained alkali granite to granodiorite; locally abundant metasedimentary and mafic
xenoliths, as well as mafic pillows/enclaves.
 Leander Quartzite (map unit: MP_Qtz) – Orthoquartzite.

Borrow Sites - ballast

A total of 17 potential quarry sites were identified as part of the feasibility study along the
proposed route. Consideration was given to:
 Inferred material quality.
 Distribution along the TRA.
 Potential equipment accessibility.
 Potential for future expansion.
The potential quarry sites are generally positioned every 100km along the rail, with clustering
of quarry options around the Tennant Creek and Mt Isa areas where geology is more
conducive. These considerations are summarised in the Golder Associates report and rated
according to inferred potential of generating quality ballast material, proximity to rail and a
requirement for additional access tracks.

Borrow Areas – select and general fill

The desktop analysis assessed the availability of general fill, select fill and sub-ballast
capping (SBC) materials along the proposed rail alignment. Fill material is required for
construction of the rail formation (embankment). The rail formation can be divided into:
 ‘subgrade’ (natural ground) or placed soil and rock fill, formed using general fill
material to shape the lower parts of the railway embankment;

19
  ‘transition fill’ formed using general and select fill material placed towards the top of
an embankment; and
 ‘sub-ballast capping’, which is the uppermost layer in the embankment on which the
ballast sits.
Both the subgrade and the transition layers provide a stable foundation for the SBC and
ballast.
Where possible, it is preferred to support the rail bed on existing ground, particularly in areas
where fill sources are limited. The suitability of existing ground to support the rail bed
depends on in situ strength, which may require additional treatment such as cement/lime
stabilisation or geo-textiles.
The transition fill material forms a higher quality layer above the general fill and provides a
stable, platform for the SBC. Ideally, transition layer is free of large voids, have a controlled
particle size distribution, (to avoid piping of the sub-ballast capping) and be of a reasonable
stiffness to prevent deformation under load.
The SBC layer is a high quality, high stiffness layer, generally comprising a well-graded
sand/gravel material with low fines content to reduce the potential build-up of pore water
pressures. In areas where poor quality SBC is available, high ballast maintenance should be
expected as fouling of the ballast with SBC may occur relatively quickly.
Site assessment was also based on in-situ within 5 km of the rail. Generally, borrow sites
have been spaced 10 km apart along the alignment. Where there was variability in ground
conditions (particularly within the Black soils terrain unit), the spacing increased to 30 km.

Sub-ballast capping
For the SBC the assessment was based on a 300mm layer comprising granular materials
with high strength clasts. Where available, preferred materials are to be sourced from within
5km from the rail alignment. In total 31 borrow areas have been identified with varying
potential for sourcing SBC - potential sources were identified within each of the terrain units
described previously.

Embankment and fill material

Fifty three 53 potential sources of general and select fill materials were identified, largely
available within borrow sites located in the terrain units mentioned previously (details are
available in Appendix D of the Golder Associates Report).
The same methodology for sourcing SBC materials was used for the general and select fill
sources. Locations were selected to predominantly target mid- to toe-slopes of colluvial
deposits located adjacent to bedrock outcrop topped hillsides. Other potential sources
included areas of low topography with outcropping bedrock, with the aim of targeting
weathered rock products.
Areas for general fill were also identified where limited fill source options are available and
bedrock weathering properties may produce unfavourable soil products for select fills. These
are in areas of sparse rock outcrop, adjacent to sandstone bedrock areas (likely producing
high sand-content fill), siltstone (likely forming platey gravel clasts that will be difficult to
compact) and granitic outcrops (likely to contain erodible clays and sands).

20
Based on the limited topographic variation of the TRA, general fill sourced from cuttings will
be limited. At cutting locations, opportunity for widening and/or reducing cutting batter angles
should be adopted to maximise materials generated from cuttings.
Sources of ballast and general fill materials may be limited within the Black soil terrain unit
and other localised areas along the route.

Potential Geo-hazards
Golder Associates undertook an assessment of potential geo-hazards likely to be
encountered at various locations along the route. These potential hazards will require
additional investigation at the next stage of planning to fully address engineering measures
and associated costs that may be required to construct a rail line. The four main hazards
identified are briefly discussed below:

1. Black Soils
The presence of highly reactive clay soils presents geotechnical engineering
challenges. The desk top assessment included a review of Australian Soil Resource
Information System (ASRIS) to define the approximate limits of areas along the
alignment where there is a potential for encountering reactive clays.
The desktop map review identified the ‘Black Soils’ terrain unit covers 128 km of the
alignment (1km encountered in the Camooweal Rise terrain unit within topographic
lows), of which approximately 100km is mapped as black soil.

2. Flood Hazard areas

The TRA crosses multiple ephemeral drainage lines, broad floodplain areas and the
black soils plain, which become active during the rainy season. The main risk is to
rail embankments which have the potential to erode, resulting in deep scouring of
embankments and risk of embankment failure.
Review of available data indicates approximately 180km (28% of TRA length) of the
TRA falls within geological units which include alluvial deposits, alluvial wash zones,
floodplains and the black soil deposits, and are susceptible to inundation and
flooding.

3. Watercourse crossings
Watercourses (drainages, creeks, rivers) of varying widths and depths intersect the
entire length of the TRA. Major river and creek crossings (crossings and river
systems >15 m wide) are concentrated within the ‘Black Soils’ ‘Camooweal Rise’
and ‘Mt Isa Hills’ terrain units.

21
4. Sinkholes
A large portion of the alignment intersects bedrock formations containing limestone
and dolomite lithologies. The geo-hazard associated with these rock types is the
development of karstic landforms comprising buried cavities and sinkholes. These
features are often prevalent in carbonate rich rocks as voids form through the
dissolution of the rock material by slightly acidic groundwater, resulting in cavity
formations. These cavities expand over time and may form sinkholes and or
shallow, funnel shaped depressions (doline), depending on the nature of the
overlying materials.
The desk top study identified an extensive cave network located within an
approximate 60km x 30km area around the town of Camooweal (Ch. 457) and
between Ch. 453 and Ch. 478.

Recommendations
The assessment identified a number of geo-technical challenges associated with the TRA
broadly around two areas:
 Sourcing of construction materials from within the study area.
 Potential geo-hazards (black soils, danger to embankments from flooding, crossing of
the many water courses and sinkholes).
None of the challenges or geo-hazards identified are considered insurmountable. Further
assessment is required to further de-risk the proposal in the next stage. As no field
investigations were undertaken for this assessment, recommendations for future targeted
work as follows:

1. Geological Walkover and Geological Mapping

Undertake a ground reconnaissance survey along the rail alignment to:
 Visually assess the suitability of potential ballast quarry and embankment borrow
areas identified during desk top study based on site surface observation.
 Based on visual observations, select borrow and quarry areas for further investigation
through geophysics, test pitting or drilling.
 Assess right to use issues and logistical requirements for accessing areas of the
alignment.
 Undertake geological/geotechnical mapping to provide additional information
pertaining to the extent and boundaries of critical geological units e.g. black soils,
floodplain and alluvial wash zones and to assess karst potential in areas identified in
the report.

2. Targeted Geotechnical Investigations

Undertake targeted geotechnical and geophysical investigations to areas identified during
this desk top study and a future reconnaissance within the investigation stages.

22
3. Detailed Geotechnical Investigations
Following the targeted investigations, a comprehensive geotechnical investigation should be
undertaken and include:
 test pitting along the rail centreline to characterise each geological unit and
determine likely foundation conditions; and
 test pitting within proposed borrow areas and a geotechnical drilling
programme to investigate bridge locations, deep cuttings and locations of
proposed quarry sites.

4. Geophysical Survey Methods

Targeted and alternative non-invasive investigation methods could reduce the cost of
conventional intrusive approaches such as test pitting and drilling. Several methods could be
undertaken during a targeted geotechnical investigation stage to assess site conditions prior
to proceeding with more costly invasive investigations. The non-invasive methods are
particularly useful in situations where independent landholders are reluctant to allow
conventional investigation equipment on to their property. Options available include:
 Reconnaissance electromagnetic survey to assess extent of shallow rock in black soil
areas during walk over survey.
 Seismic refraction survey to assess weathering profile, strength of rock mass and
excavatability within shallow cuttings.
 Karst investigations to identify sub-surface voids within the Camooweal and Rocky
Plains terrain units, which can be divided into the following levels of investigation
detail.
 Reconnaissance Level Microgravity Survey - to produce a map of subsurface
anomalies highlighting gravity lows associated with sinkholes and other karstic
features.
 Intermediate Level – 2D and 3D ERI Surveys to identify karstic features (refer Figure
3). 2D ERI surveys are used to develop a ground model, which delineates the extent
of the postulated karst limestone features.

23
Figure 3: Example image of 3D ERI Survey through karst features.

 Detailed Level - Cross hole seismic tomography to identify karstic features, or

detailed characterisation and quantitative definition of sinkhole and karstic features
using borehole seismic tomography, typically used at location such as bridge
abutments is the structure coincides with karstic terrain (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Example of residual Bouguer anomaly map through karstic limestone using borehole seismic
tomography.

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2.5 Geotechnical Investigations Report
The Qld Government geo-technical section undertook a preliminary geotechnical
assessment of the TRA based on the following scope of works:
 Identify any hydraulic data required to assist in the geotechnical assessment.
 Document the geotechnical challenges to be considered in construction of the
proposal using the TRA as the basis.
 Undertake a literature review and broad assessment of rail construction techniques
and / or treatments for black soil areas, and where treatments could be further
refined.
 Based on the geological context, provide advice on appropriate construction types
and treatments for the rail line, bridging and culverts.
 Recommend technical standards for construction of rail over black soil geology.
 Undertake a material survey (field observation study) to identify the extent and
location of sources for construction materials including ballast, embankment material
and capping layers.
There was some overlap between the geotechnical works completed by the Qld Government
and by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics. Some of this relates to the
research to identify the geological features required to undertake the respective scope of
works. Points of difference with the work the Qld Government undertook included field
observation surveys, assessment of suitable construction methods/techniques and more
detailed analysis conducted regarding the potential sources of construction materials.

Study Findings
The key study findings in regard to construction materials are as follows.

Potential Borrow Sites (hard rock and sand)

A desktop analysis was undertaken to compile information on all existing road and rail
construction material sources (existing quarry sites) located within 50km of the TRA. As the
analysis only identified four existing quarries, the study was extended east beyond Mt Isa
towards and past Hughenden to include additional quarries. The findings from this
assessment are:
 Apart from the four identified existing quarries there are no existing and operational
hard rock quarries in the vicinity of the proposed alignment.
 With the study area extended12 hard rock quarries with the potential for sourcing rail
ballast and bulk earth materials were identified.
 Five sand and gravel quarries capable of producing fine concrete aggregate were
identified. Three of these could also be capable of producing road base material,
coarse concrete aggregate and potentially supply embankment and general fill
materials.
 Two mine spoil sites (Robin Mine and Trekelano Mine) intermittently operate as
quarries and may meet ballast and earthworks fill material standards required.

25
Further investigation would be required to confirm the suitability of these sites to meet the
construction requirements / standards require for the rail proposal.

Potential Borrow Sites (fill)

A desktop analysis and a limited field reconnaissance survey was undertaken. A total of 108
site observation locations were recorded, noting both existing and potential new sites.
Detailed information on 44 of these potential borrow was collected.
The preliminary assessment of these sites revealed 97 borrow source sites in the vicinity of
the alignment within Queensland with the potential for producing material for bulk earthwork
material (general embankment fill, selected fill and structural fill), capping layers, concrete
aggregates and drainage blanket products within approximately 50km of the proposed rail
alignment.
In the NT section of the proposed alignment the preliminary assessment revealed30
existing/possible borrow source sites in the vicinity of the TRA with the potential for
producing material for embankment fill, general fill as well as concrete aggregate, rail ballast
and capping layers.
Details of these sites, including location, terrain unit and approximate chainage were
recorded. The field investigations revealed the potential of sites as follows:
 Forty potential sites within all the terrain units that could be used as general
embankment fill material.
 The potential to source capping material 16 locations.
 Five sites having potential for concrete aggregate.
 Selective fill material potentially sourced from 25 sites.
 Drainage blanket material, potentially sourced from two sites.
 Armoured rocks or rail ballast material possibly sourced from four sites.

Provision of Rail Ballast

The logistics of quarrying and supplying rail ballast to the TRA project were assessed and
the following matters were identified for further consideration.
 In terms of construction, the geology and geomorphology of the route is similar to
sections of the Alice Springs-Darwin Railway and lessons from that project can be
applied to this project.
 The only practical sources of quarry materials are located either at Tennant Creek, Mt
Isa or further east. Quarries which have previously produced ballast already exist in
these locations. It is extremely doubtful a new greenfield quarry along the TRA could
produce ballast at a lesser cost than that of the existing quarries. The potential
exception to this would be if a former quarry (that is with a fully developed face with
high quality rock) was reopened to produce ballast using a large mobile crushing
plant.

26
  One of the critical issues of ballast production is the proportion of ballast produced
from a quarry is typically in the 25% to 35% range, with the remaining material
generally “fines” (that is -26.5 mm material). These “fines” do represent a useful
material with a potential for use as capping material or select material. However
“fines” are less valuable a material than ballast hence uneconomical to transport over
longer distances. In addition, there is a low recovery rate for ballast as it is not
possible to crush to a ballast grade without producing large quantities of “fines”.
 The carbonate rocks which commonly occur along the route do not meet the required
specification criteria of source rock having a wet strength 150 kN. Similarly duricrust
materials are generally in deposits too thin to be economic for ballast production. The
Mesozoic sediments also do not meet the source rock quality requirements. Ancient
(Precambrian to Palaeozoic age) igneous, sedimentary (other than carbonates) or
metamorphic rock types could include suitable source rock.
 A critical concern is the quantity of stripping of weathered rock required to expose the
required quality source rock.
 To develop a new greenfield quarry site typically takes over seven years to address
permit issues. While this time frame may be shortened in the case of the TRA,
particularly if the project has significant political support, permitting would still take a
significant timeframe which may make greenfield sources unacceptable in terms of
timing and risk.
 Flood Rock - sources of “flood rock” will be required to protect embankments near
and adjacent to bridges and culverts to protect the construction from erosion. Such
materials would be available from existing quarry sources and / or the quarry
locations identified for ballast sources.

Geotechnical Challenges
Potential geohazards that propose a challenge to the construction of the rail link include
those identified by Golders Associates and some additional hazards as follows:
1. Black soils – the Qld Government investigation discovered a lack of site specific data
on the thickness or engineering properties of black soils found along the TRA. The
main challenges of rail line construction concern formation and foundation
preparation as well as impacts from water flows and or ponded water. Treatments as
outlined in the Western Queensland Black Soils Best Practice Guidelines are used.
Floodwater – watercourses (drainages, creeks, rivers) of varying widths and depths
intersect the entire length of the TRA. Major issues include the erosion of
embankments or foundation soils by flowing water and / or the failure / movement of
embankments / foundation soils by ponded water. This is particularly relevant to the
black soil areas. Techniques to manage this issue are provided in the accompanying
sections.
2. Karstic features (sinkholes and caves) – these features were identified in a number of
areas as a risk to the project and will require further geotechnical investigations.
Karstic features are considered the worst of the geotechnical hazards.
3. Erosive soils – results from soil testing undertaken for the Jemena Northern Gas
Pipeline indicate there are highly dispersive soils between Ch 0 to Ch 70.

27
 4. Abandoned mines and mine waste – there are a number of abandoned mines around
Mt Isa on either side of the Barkly Highway. Issues including contaminated land will
require further investigation once the alignment is refined.
5. Cut slope stability – mainly an issue with deep cuts. This issue will need to be
assessed if / where there are excavations into rock.
6. Seismicity – seismic activity has been reported in the study areas, with shallow
earthquakes in the Tennant Creek area up to 6.9 on Richter scale in 1988. Future
geotechnical investigation, including appropriate seismic risk design for structures
and a further check on soils prone to liquefaction are recommended.

Technical Standard for rail construction over black soils

The Qld Government’s Geotechnical Section provided recommendations to use technical
standards in the construction of rail line over black soils. Prior to adopting standards a range
of considerations will require deliberation, including:
 Stakeholder requirements – the owner of the project, requirements of specific State
and Local Governments, Landowners and the operations and operator.
 Standards of compliance – identify and adopt applicable standards for rail
construction earthworks and ballast supply.
 Specifications and criteria – in respect to rail performance, consideration is required
on the stiffness and longevity of the pavement layers, and the soil profile below
subgrade.

Construction techniques and treatments – black soils

A review of as-constructed plans and inspections of road bridges along the Barkly Highway
revealed two main foundation types were used in construction:
 Spread footings where suitable founding bedrock is at or near surface.
 Driven UC (H) steel piles where founding bedrock is relatively deeper, beneath more
weathered layers or a covering layer of black soils or alluvial / residual soils.
 Exceptions to this are at Spear Creek where concrete cylinders belled out to 2.2m to
support two piers, and, at Johnstone Creek where 1m diameter cast in place (CIP)
piles support three piers.
 Multi-cell major culverts are constructed with a continuous reinforced concrete slab
footing and a reinforced concrete apron.
For new rail bridges the following techniques are suggested:
 Bridge foundations for rail structures should be founded on either spread footings on
rock at or near surface. Where a deeper footing is required due to poor founding
conditions or to achieve fixity, cast in place piles (typically 0.9 m to 1.8 m diameter)
should be used. Driven piles as used for road bridges are not specified at this stage
as the fixity requirements for driven piles (steel or prestressed concrete) may not be
achievable, particularly where black soils overly fresh or slightly weathered bedrock.
 Site Investigations to confirm suitable founding conditions for bridge foundations.

28
It is expected foundations for rail culverts will be similar to the road culverts technique listed
above.

Water Supply
During construction, significant quantities of water will be required, particularly for
construction of earthworks. The Qld Government estimates the water requirement for a
typical road construction project to be at least 5 Ml to 10 Ml per km of water. This translates
into about 3GL to 6GL for the MITCR, dependent on the soil type along the alignment. The
black soil areas may require more water than areas with other soil types. Water
consumption during construction will also be highly dependent on the climate during the
construction period. Potential water sources include:
 Bores which were sunk to provide water during construction of the original Barkly
Highway route from Mt Isa to Tennant Creek at approximately 10 mile (16 km)
intervals from the Rankin River crossing westwards for 200 miles (320 km) . Of these
bores only two were incapable of supplying adequate quantities of water. These
bores may still be owned by government entities.
 Surface water - along the TRA very few permanent waterholes from which
construction water could be obtained exist.
 Ground water - most of the stock water in the area is obtained from bores. It would
be expected these will also be the source of most of the construction water. If it is
proposed to use ground water, a significant period prior to commencement of
construction will be required to obtain relevant approvals for accessing this resource.
 The Qld Government has on many occasions developed dams and or bores for the
provision of construction water in advance of construction, particularly when working
in remote areas of western and far norther Queensland. This option should be
considered. It is general practice in such cases to develop the water resources at
least two years prior to the commencement of construction to ensure that suitable
quantities of water are available. The timing to construct such infrastructure is highly
dependent of the climate. For example, during a drought, the construction of bores /
dams may need to be brought forward, or, construction delayed.

Recommendations
The key recommendations from geotechnical assessment are:
 Ballast is sourced from each end of the project from existing quarries, or alternatively
reviving disused large quarry with a workable high face in ballast-quality rock. It is
considered both impractical and uneconomic to develop a greenfield quarry
specifically for ballast production.
 Examine opportunities to source other lower value materials from quarries and
borrow pits along the TRA.
 Commence the materials prospecting early within the project timeframe as long lead
times may be required.

29
  As ground water is likely to be the source of water for construction, consideration
needs to be given to developing other suitable water sources along the proposed
route at regular intervals. In some cases this will need to be years prior to
commencement of construction.

2.6 Multimodal Freight Transport Facility (Tennant Creek)

The NT government (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics) engaged AECOM
Australia Pty Ltd to prepare a feasibility study for a multimodal freight transport facility in
Tennant Creek.
The site investigated is located at the intersection of the existing Adelaide to Darwin Railway
and the potential connection of the MITCR.
The study involved identifying the preferred location and configuration of a terminal and was
undertaken in three stages:
1. Estimate potential freight volumes in the catchment area (Market Demand
Assessment).
2. Select terminal location (through Multi Criteria Analysis).
3. Estimate terminal capital costs.

Demand forecast methodology

Potential demand forecasts for a multimodal facility in Tennant Creek were prepared
considering three sources of demand:
1. Mineral freight flows, including the transportation of input and output products to and
from mines in the region.
2. Road freight, to and from Tennant Creek, which may shift to rail if a multimodal facility
were to be available.
3. Inputs to the hydraulic fracturing wells in the region.
A risk-adjusted annual rail tonnage profile was developed for both mineral and non-mineral
freight volumes. The profile factored in the likelihood of development by an estimated annual
mine production profile and the origin and destination location of road freight flows.
In addition to the risk-adjusted tonnage profiles, three scenarios were developed to represent
potential “operating models” on the basis that one or more deposits are developed or non-
mineral freight flows are transported through the facility. The scenarios are:
 High volume – including all mineral and non-mineral freight flows
 Medium volume – including high and medium likelihood mineral and non-mineral
freight flows
 Low volume – including high likelihood mineral and non-mineral freight flows only.

Potential demand
The estimated risk-adjusted and scenario potential demand volumes (tonnes) at 5, 10 and 30
year intervals are presented in Table 1 below.

30
Table 1: Demand Scenarios.

Scenario 2022 2027 2047

Risk adjusted conceptual tonnage 811,310 839,790 541,955

High volume scenario 25,135,765 14,631,795 5,429,340

Medium volumes scenario 1,561,141 1,907,855 1,840,130

Low volume scenario 1,069,395 1,066,630 551,920

Site locations
Three sites were considered for the potential location of the terminal as discussed below:

Site 1: Warrego Road level crossing

Located close to Warrego Road, in the north-western corner of the study area on a parcel of
land owned by the Northern Territory Government (Portion 7025). It is close to the
intersection of the proposed Mt Isa to Tennant Creek rail line and the Adelaide to Darwin line.

Site 2: Existing rail siding

The second site considered is the site of the existing Tennant Creek rail siding. It is located
south of the Tennant Creek township, alongside the Stuart Highway, approximately 5km from
the Tennant Creek Airport. This location is the closest to the resident population of Tennant
Creek, but is closest to the identified petroleum reserves in the southern end of the area and
is the furthest site from the Port of Darwin.

Site 3: Barkly Highway/Stuart Highway intersection

Site 3 is along the proposed Mt Isa to Tennant Creek rail line at the intersection of the Barkly
and Stuart Highways. It is approximately 20km from the Adelaide to Darwin rail line, and is
the furthest from the residential population of Tennant Creek.
Sites 1 and 3 fall within areas of Native Title Determination areas. There are existing
Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) covering both sites although these are not specific
to rail infrastructure which may be required. Site 2 has no known active native title
applications or determinations however the Town of Tennant Creek ILUA covers the northern
half of the existing siding.
A desktop assessment of potential environmental and heritage impacts associated with the
proposed multimodal facility was undertaken. Based on the assessment there were no major
environmental constraints identified for any of the three site options.
A Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) framework was developed and assessment undertaken to
evaluate each site against relevant criteria, in order to identify a preferred site. Site 1
(Warrego Road) was identified as the preferred location for the Tennant Creek multi-modal
terminal. The location was considered to have greater proximity to demand, be more flexible
and scalable, align closer with current government plans and be suitable for stakeholders.

31
 Design
The multi-modal / multi-use terminal layout developed for Site 1 is shown in Attachment B. It
is an initial terminal design for further consideration. The site design includes for:
 1,800m trains to be pulled through the site
 Additional sidings have been included in the design (not included in the costing)
 Site allows for multiple uses including cattle loading and cattle yard facilities, minerals
handling and mineral storage in a large covered, separated shed and container
handling facilities including hardstand areas and loading equipment.

Cost Estimate
The total cost of the terminal is estimated at $259 million as shown in Table 2. This includes
infrastructure, construction and contingency. The cost of infrastructure includes a 36,000 m2
shed costing $108 million (excluding equipment, services and associated infrastructure) for
the handling of minerals including maintaining separation and walls for loading.

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Table 2: Cost Estimates.

Item Cost

Infrastructure $173,049,435

Preliminaries and site establishment $17,304,944

Contractors overheads and profits $20,765,932

Contingency $52,780,078

Total $263,900,388

2.7 Multi-user, Multi-modal Load-out Facility Feasibility Report (Mt Isa)

The MITCR proposal will involve a break-of-gauge to the narrow gauge rail system at Mt Isa.
The facility design is to cater for freight transfer by rail and road between the existing Mt Isa
to Townsville rail line and the proposed MITCR line. The brief included identifying a suitable
location for the facility.
Key study outputs included in this section include:
 Demand scenario with a time horizon of 2036.
 Concept of operations for the facility to cater for the demand scenario.
 Identification of three potential sites having regard to potential integration with other
industrial, commercial and logistics hubs in the Mt Isa area and a comparative
assessment of sites to determine a “preferred” site.
 Concept design for the preferred site, including staging options and preliminary
capital cost estimates.

Rail demand
Previous demand studies have been inconclusive as to likely demand for rail freight
generated in the Mt Isa region, or what rail freight would be attracted to the MITCR. The
predominant inbound freight to the region is currently centred on railing to Mt Isa of industrial
products (cement, distillate, mining and resource processing inputs), or road from Townville,
South East Queensland or origins further afield. Domestic consumption goods are almost
wholly transported by road, due to diverse origins, small quantities, and delivery timeliness.
Previous studies would suggest that rail land bridging to/from the major markets on the east
coast would be not viable, given the significant landside cost and time disadvantages, greatly
out-weighing the shorter shipping leg from Darwin to Asia. The most likely increase in rail
freight demand will be dependent on new mine developments in the region, driving increases
in both outbound and inbound freights.
The 2016 demand study undertaken by GHD derived a High Demand scenario as indicated
in Table 3 below, and this has been adopted for preliminary planning purposes.

Table 3: Demand scenario adopted.

33
 Task Current nominal traffics Possible additional 2036
(2015/16) demand

Containers – loaded/empty 50,000 TEU 80,000 TEU

Dry bulk freight 1,200,000 tonnes 1,500,000 tonnes

Rail Concept of Operations

Both a container terminal and bulk terminal operating modes will depend on required
through-puts, train lengths and payloads, achieving an appropriate train turn-around time
(loading and unloading rates), and desirably minimising the extent of shunting.
Changing gauge for bulk products is unlikely. Gauge transfer could occur in the container
terminal however the quantum of this is uncertain. Utilisation of containers for bulk products
(e.g. half height containers), could be a feature, and would be treated as an intermodal
freight through the container terminal, either on single product trains or multi-product trains.
Features of operation:
 The container terminal would be designed with at least 2 loading roads (both
ultimately dual gauge) and a locomotive run-around road.
 The bulk terminal would ideally include a balloon loop to minimise train turn-around
time; but this is not an essential requirement.
 Loading equipment deployed will dictate terminal configuration, and choice would be
subject to the tasks involved, expected duty cycle and demand, and preference of the
terminal operator. For the purposes of this preliminary investigation and costing,
reach stackers have been assumed for deployment in the container terminal,
permitting access to 2 adjoining tracks.
 The nominated reference intermodal train lengths and freight volumes would likely
make rail mounted gantries non-viable; however forklifts could be deployed with a
loading siding either side of a centre hardstand.
 Loading of dry bulk products is assumed as being by wheeled loaders. Use of
overhead bin loadout/s is unlikely to be viable for the expected volumes involved.

Terminal Siting Assessment

Three site options were identified and evaluated under a multi criteria assessment. The
three sites as shown in Appendix B are:
 Northern site adjacent to the Barkly Highway and north of the Airport, alongside the
proposed Transport and Logistics Centre (TLC).
 Central site adjacent to or incorporating the current Aurizon terminal, and located
adjacent to the existing Northridge industrial area.
 Southern site to the south west of the residential suburb of Happy Valley, and north of
Mica Creek
The MCA included:
 Land use / environmental Impacts.

34
  Site footprint constraints.
 Rail and road network connectivity.
 Site engineering features.
The northern site was selected as preferred site to take through to the more detailed concept
design and capital cost estimate stage. Site selection was based both on the initial
assessment, and on a selection of alternate weightings of the assessment criteria. The
northern site aligns with Mt Isa City Council’s and MITEZ’s aspirations for the proposed TLC.
The container terminal siting has been located on the western edge of this area to maximise
suitable area for the TLC.

Terminal Design and Capital Costs

The initial intermodal (container) terminal and bulk terminal’s staging (3 stages) and capital
costs estimates are as summarised in Table 4 below.
Assumptions around the configuration of stage and cost estimates include:
 A first mover TLC tenant requiring adjacent rail access would drive initial rail
construction. Capital cost estimates assume the TLC has been established with
basic services including road access to the Barkly Highway and appropriate services
(power, water supply).
 The TLC development triggers construction of the 5.75 km long narrow gauge rail link
from near Northridge Road to the southern end of the Intermodal Terminal, including
bridging Spear Creek.
 The location of the dry bulk loading terminal is proposed just to the north of the full-
length intermodal terminal, and comprises a double ended loading siding and
locomotive run-around road (future DG main line). Costings for this only include the
basic rail infrastructure and a loading siding length to accommodate a 300 metre long
loading area, and excludes any associated storage and loading facility.

Stage 1 Assumptions:
 The costing for the intermodal terminal is based on a 900 metre long hardstand to
cater for a full length NG container train. The equipment includes two loading sidings
and loco run-around road configured to suit reach stacker operation. Track work
would be built with dual gauge PSC sleepers, to facilitate future addition of 3rd rail for
connecting to the MITCR.
 Capital cost includes a 900 x 25 metre concrete hardstand for reach-stacker
operation, with adjoining 20 metre wide gravel hardstand for container storage.

Stage 2 Assumptions
 Upgrade of the intermodal terminal to cater for 1,800 metre long SG train, but with
hardstand retained at 900 metre long.

Stage 3 Assumptions
 Stage 3 Intermodal Terminal development would involve extension of the hardstand
when warranted for operational or capacity reasons.

35
The intermodal terminal capital costs below exclude any lifting equipment, locomotive
provisioning facility, or office amenities, which are subject to required terminal through-put
and peak handling rates, terminal manning levels, and terminal operator preference.

Table 4: Capital Cost Estimates.

Stage Features Capex (2017 $)

NG connecting link 5.75 km long NG track. Includes bridging $33.9 M

Spear Creek

Stage 1 intermodal 2 x 900 m loading sidings, 3.2 km of track, $34.7 M

terminal floodlighting, and road connection to Logistics
Hub

Stage 2 intermodal Assumes NATL built and terminal track work is $16.5 M
terminal extended and existing track converted to DG to
fit a full 1,800m SG train. Need to break SG
train to fit in the 900m hardstand area.

Stage 3 intermodal Extend hardstand to fit full 1,800m SG train $20 M

terminal

Bulk terminal – track Includes 6.1 km of new track, built to NG but $21.7 M
connection only with DG sleepers. This assumes the main line
track has already been constructed to the
northern extent of the intermodal terminal site.

Staging considerations
A decision to not proceed with an MITCR, nor any substantive first mover development of the
TLC requiring adjacent rail connectivity, would drive a re-consideration of the recommended
terminal locations as outlined above. Alternate, lower cost siting options could include:
 The existing Aurizon terminal extended from its current 500 metre length to around
850 metres, providing for significant growth of containerised freight, at a modest cost
compared to constructing a new terminal
 A NG dry bulk terminal located to the west of the Aurizon terminal, with reasonable
road access to the north via Northridge Road, obviating the need for an eight km
extension of the NG rail line to a northern bulk terminal site and excluding the need to
bridge Spear Creek.
These alternate siting options would rate favourably on all the MCA selection criteria, in the
absence of the MITCR and TLC catalysts.

Recommendations
 The northern option main line connection corridor and both intermodal and bulk
terminal sites should be protected in Council’s Planning Scheme.
 The planning and site allocation for the TLC should be optimised for significant rail
users gaining access to the container terminal, including any requirement for private
siding access.

36
3 Technical Assessment Project Costs
The budget allocation and expenditure for each of the 8 TAP work areas outlined in Table 5
reveal the actual expenditure is under the budgeted amount. In part this is due to the final
summary report being prepared internally. If a decision is made to publicise the TAP
outcomes sufficient funds are available to engage a resource to undertake this work.

Table 2: Final TAP expenditure.

Technical Assessment Program (TAP) Budget Actual

1 Aerial Imagery and Mapping (NT) 123,000 151,105

2 Hydraulic Assessment Report (Qld) 200,000 199,076

3 Construction materials supply in NT/ NWQ

150,000 150,000
(NT)

4 Geotechnical Investigations Report (Qld) 70,000

121,158
Geotechnical Investigations Data* 30,000

5 Environmental Scoping Report (Qld) 50,000 29,818

6 Intermodal (Tennant Creek) - transport

200,000 188,895
facilities concept and siting (NT)

7 Intermodal (Mt Isa) - multi-user, multi-modal

70,000 68,000
load out facility investigation (Qld)

8 Project Summary Report (Qld) 70,000 0

TAP Total 978,000 908,052

*The geotechnical investigations data was undertaken as part of the Geotechnical report.

4 Strategic Cost Estimate

Jacobs prepared a high level strategic cost estimate for each of the three flood immunities
(0.2%, 1% & 2% AEP) that were agreed upon. The cost estimates are shown in Table 6.
Behind these estimates are numerous assumptions and exclusions (listed in the final report).
The outcome of their assessment is summarised below and does not include the multi-modal
/ multi-use terminals at Mt Isa and Tennant Creek:
The estimated direct cost of the 1% AEP flood immunity is $ 4.1 billion including
contingencies but excluding client costs and escalation.
 Cost estimates for the other two flood immunities only vary by less than 1%.
 Costs of the major transverse drainage elements (bridges and culverts) comprise
15% of the direct job costs (i.e. excluding contractor on-costs and contingencies) and
7.5% of the total cost estimate.

37
  Costs of earthworks comprise 26% of the direct job costs (i.e. excluding contractors
on-costs and contingencies) and 12.5% of the total cost estimate.
 Based on the assessments by Jacobs a total of 3.25km of bridges and 11.9km of
culverts would be required to meet the stated afflux requirements (1% AEP).
 A deterministic allowance of 40% was applied to the contractor’s costs, including
direct costs, indirect (on and off site) costs, profit and margin, and design costs.
 The vertical alignment of the western portion could be lowered to reduce costs but
with a lower flood immunity.
The initial cost estimate of the TAP was estimated between $2.7M and $3.4M.

Table 3: Strategic Cost Estimate ($M).

Element 0.2% AEP 1% AEP 2% AEP

Contractor Direct Costs 1,959 M 1,975 M 1,977 M

Contractor Indirect Costs 956 M 964 M 965 M

and Design

Contingency 1,166 M 1,176 M 1,177 M

Estimated Total 4,081 M 4,114 M 4,118 M

5 Trial Alignment Refinements

The work undertaken to develop the trial alignment (as discussed in Section 3.1) generally
follows the Barkly Highway and was detailed in 2D. With the benefit of aerial photography
and digital terrain modelling data both Jacobs (Hydraulic Assessment) and the Qld
Government’s Geotechnical Section were required to recommend alignment refinements.
The review of the TRA was constrained by the limited amount of detailed topographical
information which generally comprised photogrammetry data in a 3km wide strip for the
entire TRA.
Jacobs’ review identified a number of alignment improvements to the TRA that provide
potential construction cost savings. These are primarily associated with reduced earthworks,
simplifying structural requirements (for example, reducing bridge length by minimising the
skew angle at waterways) and reducing the number of crossings of the Barkly Highway.
These refinements are intended to simplify the construction process and potentially allow
standard bridge designs to be utilised. Details of these refinements are outlined in the Stage
1 Jacobs Hydraulic Assessment Report.
The analysis undertaken by the Qld Government’s Geotechnical Section indicates that while
the rationale for the TRA to generally parallel the Barkly Highway is sound, the road
alignment itself may not be the most optimal between Mt Isa and Tennant Creek. The Barkly
Highway was developed as an inland defence road in World War II and the philosophy for
route selection was primarily speed of construction, avoidance of black soil areas, and the
upgrade, with minor deviations, of existing station access roads. In this context an
alternative alignment was investigated as is described later.

38
The Qld Government assessment of the TRA identified two further considerations if the TRA
is to be adopted:
 The North East Gas Interconnector (NEGI) project currently underway, involves the
construction of a buried 300 mm diameter gas pipeline from Tennant Creek to Mt Isa.
This route is essentially a straight alignment between two end points, and varies from
about 3 km (near Tennant Creek) to 80 km (near Camooweal) south of the Barkley
highway route. Details of the construction of this project should be reviewed as part
of the alignment review for this project.
 The proposed TRA would sit between the Barkly Highway and NEGI route. There is a
potential conflict between the TRA and the NEGI pipeline at about TRA Ch. 24 which
may necessitate a minor realignment to separate the two structures.
As part of the assessment alternative alignments to the TRA were proposed. The benefits
and constraints associated with these are briefly introduced here, with full details outlined in
the respective reports. Figure 5 illustrates the proposed alignments. One alignment is to the
south of the TRA while the other alignment is to the north. A brief summary of these follows:

Figure 5: Proposed alternative alignments.

Jacobs alternative southerly alignment

Jacob’s review of topographical features which lie outside the coverage of the
photogrammetry data suggests a corridor may exist further to the south. Jacob’s
assessment concluded this corridor appears to contain significantly fewer waterways and
less arduous topography which would result in fewer structures and reduced earthworks.
The route is aligned essentially west from Mt Isa and then swings to the west-south-west to
cross the Georgina River south of its confluence with the Templeton River and then swings
to the north-west to re-join the existing route about 50 km west of Soudan. Part of the
rationale for this was to avoid the heavy earthworks sections between Mt Isa and
Camooweal. The main advantage of this options are:
39
  Reduced number of waterway crossings requiring less bridges / culverts and having
less potential of cultural heritage impacts.
 Reduced length of alignment crossing poor ground conditions.
The additional length of this alternative horizontal alignment is in the order of 10% (i.e. 30km
over 300km). The reduction in the required number of structures and reduced earthworks
would more than compensate for the additional track length, however the operational aspects
would need to be understood with regard to additional trip length.
The Qld Government Geotechnical Section review of the Jacobs alternative alignment
indicates a number of matters that require further investigation:
 South west of Mt Isa the alignment traverses a highly productive mineral province and
could result in the potential sterilisation of mineral deposits.
 The proposal would involve a very significant crossing of the Georgina River with a
large bridge and a long section of culverts requiring a very long section of protected
embankments, potentially of the order of 10 km.
 The construction and operation costs from the additional alignment length.
The Qld Government’s geotechnical analysis resulted in an alternative route to the north as
shown in Figure 5. This route is proposed based on two fundamental criteria:
 To avoid major stream crossings specifically the Georgina, James and Rankin Rivers,
the alignment follows the drainage divide between the Lake Eyre streams (flowing
essentially south) and the Nicholson River basin (flowing north to the Gulf of
Carpentaria).
 Where practical, minimising the severances of properties by following property
boundaries. In this regard a major east west cadastral alignment exists along the
boundary of East Rankin / Alexandria, West Rankin / Alexandria, Dalmore Downs /
Alroy Downs, the southern boundary of Rockhampton Downs.
Both proposed alternative alignments require more detailed assessments of their potential to
understand if there are opportunities and if they outweigh the benefit of moving the TRA from
the proposed ‘infrastructure corridor’ between Tennant Creek and Mt Isa.

6 Technical Assessment Program Conclusion

The TAP work undertaken consisted of targeted studies to provide a high level assessment
of the key technical challenges and risks associated with constructing a rail proposal of this
size between Tennant Creek and Mt Isa.
The findings from the TAP work provide a good basis for understanding these challenges
and risks as well as identifying additional work to further de-risk the project in subsequent
stages. The work undertaken to date indicates there are no major complexities associated
with the trial alignment. The challenges and risks identified are manageable and there are
opportunities to refine the alignment.

40
A limitation of the TAP was that the program of works were predominately undertaken
concurrently and hence there was little scope for each technical area to benefit from another
technical area’s findings. As this initiative progresses, the next stage will be to holistically
evaluate the findings of the environmental, cultural heritage, geotechnical and hydraulic /
hydrology assessments and ascertain how these collectively impact on the alignment and
subsequent refinements.
Each individual report identified further work to be undertaken and the long lead times to
consider as part of any next steps. Many of the identified challenges and risks require further
understanding and will require good project management and appropriate processes to
minimise them.
The MITCR proposal has been assessed as having a potentially high environmental risk and
having a high cultural heritage risk. Although they are not considered insurmountable,
further work is required to understand, manage and mitigate risk. The Jemena Pipeline
project which traverses a similar study area will provide a wealth of project learnings to assist
this task.
Flood and hydraulic models were prepared to assist in determining vertical and horizontal
alignments from which infrastructure requirements and strategic cost estimate for the TRA
could be determined based on an agreed 1% AEP flood level. It was identified early in the
study that there was limited hydrological data available and hence a limited understanding of
the water behaviour in the key catchments. The limited data also impacted on the calibration
of the hydraulic models developed to help determine infrastructure requirements. As a
result, there could be a high level of viability with the vertical and horizontal alignment.
The collection of hydrological data in advance of the next stage of the project (or as part) will
allow a better understanding of the water behaviour in the study area catchment. This in turn
would provide more confidence in determining the alignment and ultimately help in reducing
infrastructure and ongoing maintenance costs. The opportunities to collect further data
should be investigated with both the Qld and NT Governments.
At this pre-feasibility stage the work by Jacobs indicates there are opportunities to refine the
trial alignment and reduce construction costs (for example, shorter bridge lengths and
reduced earthworks).
The main challenge for sourcing construction materials are the potential borrow site locations
and the associated supply chain logistics. The Qld Government’s in-house assessment
concluded that is it both impractical and uneconomical to develop greenfield quarries for
ballast materials and existing or closed quarry sites will need to be investigated for their
potential ability. Long lead times for approvals are likely and will need to be factored in early.
Water for construction is another major project risk that requires adequate consideration.
This also is likely to involve long lead times for approvals as well as being subject to climatic
variability.
There are a number of geotechnical hazards with the TRA which will require close
management. Sink holes are considered the biggest risk and methods to reduce this risk
were identified. Construction techniques for the black soils found in the study area (around
15% of the alignment) have been recommended to help mitigate this risk.

41
Preferred sites for multi modal / multi use terminals in Tennant Creek and Mt Isa have
identified. The respective reports for each site include demand scenarios and staged
operational concepts. Both concepts have costs estimates which allow for 1,800 metre
trains. The Tennant Creek terminal costs also include a purpose built 36,000 m2 shed.
In 2015, the indicative capital cost for the 646 km MITCR proposal was originally estimated
at between $2.7B and $3.4B. This did not include Native Title considerations or multi-modal
/ multi-use facilities and was based on a horizontal alignment only. With the benefit of 3D
data undertaken as part of the TAP work, a strategic cost estimate based on a 1% AEP flood
level was provided. This 2017 estimate is approximately $4.1B and like the original cost
estimate does not include multi-modal / multi-use facilities. The estimates included a large
contingency (35%) and a large allowance within direct costs (40%) which with further work to
de-risk the initiative could reduce this cost.
Two alternative alignments were proposed for consideration by the Qld Government. Both of
these alignments require further investigation to establish if either has more benefit than the
TRA with construction and access close to the Barkly Highway. Further work is required to
determine if there is sufficient merit in either the southern or northern alternative routes.
The North East Gas Interconnector project learnings will be a valuable source of information
for the next stage of this project. The pipeline is expected to be completed in late 2018 and
runs in an approximate straight line between Tennant Creek and Mt Isa. For the entire
length the TRA is located between the pipeline and the Barkly Highway. In particular the
timing of the environmental and cultural heritage planning and approvals processes required
as well as the stakeholder approval / engagement processes required will be invaluable to
informing this project.

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Appendix A – Trial Route Alignment
.
Appendix B – Site Options