Surat Basin Rail (Infrastructure Development and Management) Act 2012
In ForceQLD
Jurisdiction
Queensland
Act Number
32 of 2012
Collection
act
Plain English Summary
6/10 complexity
This Act sets out how the Surat Basin railway corridor will be built, managed and protected. It gives the Coordinator‑General and authorised persons powers to enter land for construction or investigation, allows the Minister to declare certain railway leases exempt from specified property law rules, requires approvals for works near the railway, and creates compensation, penalty and review processes.
Who pays and who decides: the State (through the Coordinator‑General) and authorised parties make access and approval decisions; landowners may claim compensation for loss or damage; railway managers may bear costs for some road works and maintenance.
This Act creates a bespoke regulatory and operational framework for development, management and safety of a defined Surat Basin railway corridor and the railway situated, or proposed to be situated, within it. Mechanically the Act does the following.
Establishes the Act’s object: facilitation of development and operation of the railway, achieved by (a) exempting certain leases from identified provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023, and (b) providing statutory powers, obligations, offences, compensation and administrative processes necessary for construction, investigation, entry to land, operation, safety and associated interactions (s 3; s 9).
Defines the geographical and legal scope by reference to “Surat Basin rail corridor land”, which must be land (i) within a State Development Area declared under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, (ii) owned by the Coordinator‑General, and (iii) prescribed by regulation (s 7). The Act’s instruments and powers therefore operate only on that defined set of land.
Confers powers to the Minister to declare a railway lease to be an “exempt lease” and, where declared, to disapply specific provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 s 67(3)(a) and the Property Law Act 2023 s 142 and pt 9 div 5 in relation to that lease (ss 8-9). The Minister must notify the lessee and publish a gazette notice (s 8).
Provides an application, grant and conditions regime for works authorities (for entry to land adjacent to the corridor to carry out railway works) and investigation authorities (for entry to investigate potential corridor expansion or realignment), including minimum content of authorities, consultation requirements with landowners/occupiers, limits on duration (works authorities up to 3 years, investigation authorities up to 1 year), and ability to require bonds or security (ss 12-16).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Surat Basin Rail (Infrastructure Development and Management) Act 2012.
101
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
pt.1-div.1
Introduction
Introduction
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Surat Basin Rail (Infrastructure Development and Management) Act 2012 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.3
Object of Act and its achievement
sec.3 Object of Act and its achievement
The object of this Act is to facilitate the development and operation of the railway.
The object is intended to be achieved primarily by—
providing that particular provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to a railway lease declared under part 2 to be an exempt lease; and
providing a framework to—
allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and
allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and
allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and
allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
providing for the safety of the railway and persons at, on or near the railway by imposing requirements and establishing offences directed at ensuring the safety.
s 3 amd 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3
(sec.3-ssec.1) The object of this Act is to facilitate the development and operation of the railway.
(sec.3-ssec.2) The object is intended to be achieved primarily by— providing that particular provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to a railway lease declared under part 2 to be an exempt lease; and providing a framework to— allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and providing for the safety of the railway and persons at, on or near the railway by imposing requirements and establishing offences directed at ensuring the safety.
(a) providing that particular provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to a railway lease declared under part 2 to be an exempt lease; and
(b) providing a framework to— (i) allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and (ii) allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and (iii) allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and (iv) allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
(i) allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and
(ii) allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and
(iii) allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and
(iv) allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
(c) providing for the safety of the railway and persons at, on or near the railway by imposing requirements and establishing offences directed at ensuring the safety.
(i) allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and
(ii) allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and
(iii) allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and
(iv) allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
pt.1-div.2
Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.4
Definitions
sec.4 Definitions
The dictionary in the schedule defines particular words used in this Act.
sec.5
Meaning of railway
sec.5 Meaning of railway
Railway means the railway and rail transport infrastructure situated, or proposed to be situated, within the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
sec.6
Meaning of railway works
sec.6 Meaning of railway works
Railway works means works for constructing, maintaining, altering or operating the railway.
sec.7
Meaning of Surat Basin rail corridor land
sec.7 Meaning of Surat Basin rail corridor land
Surat Basin rail corridor land means land that is—
within the area declared as the Surat Basin Infrastructure Corridor State Development Area under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
owned by the Coordinator-General; and
prescribed under a regulation to be Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) within the area declared as the Surat Basin Infrastructure Corridor State Development Area under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
(b) owned by the Coordinator-General; and
(c) prescribed under a regulation to be Surat Basin rail corridor land.
pt.2
Exempt leases
Exempt leases
sec.8
Declaration of exempt lease
sec.8 Declaration of exempt lease
The Minister may, by written instrument, declare a railway lease to be an exempt lease.
As soon as practicable after making the instrument, the Minister must give a copy of it to the railway lessee.
Within 21 days after making the instrument, the Minister must publish a gazette notice setting out the declaration contained in the instrument.
Failure to comply with subsection (2) or (3) does not affect the validity of the instrument.
(sec.8-ssec.1) The Minister may, by written instrument, declare a railway lease to be an exempt lease.
(sec.8-ssec.2) As soon as practicable after making the instrument, the Minister must give a copy of it to the railway lessee.
(sec.8-ssec.3) Within 21 days after making the instrument, the Minister must publish a gazette notice setting out the declaration contained in the instrument.
(sec.8-ssec.4) Failure to comply with subsection (2) or (3) does not affect the validity of the instrument.
sec.9
Non-application of provisions of Land Title Act 1994 and Property Law Act 2023
sec.9 Non-application of provisions of Land Title Act 1994 and Property Law Act 2023
The following provisions do not apply to a lease declared to be an exempt lease under section 8 —
the Land Title Act 1994 , section 67 (3) (a) ;
the Property Law Act 2023 , section 142 and part 9 , division 5 .
s 9 amd 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3
(a) the Land Title Act 1994 , section 67 (3) (a) ;
(b) the Property Law Act 2023 , section 142 and part 9 , division 5 .
pt.3
Entering land and carrying out activities for railway works or investigations of land
Entering land and carrying out activities for railway works or investigations of land
pt.3-div.1
Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.10
Definitions for pt 3
sec.10 Definitions for pt 3
In this part—
associated person —
of the Coordinator-General, means any of the following—
a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ;
an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ;
if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
of an authorised person, means any of the following—
if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors;
the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals;
a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority;
an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ;
if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
authorised person means a person who holds a works authority or an investigation authority.
investigation authority see section 15 (1) (a) .
works authority see section 14 (1) (a) .
(a) of the Coordinator-General, means any of the following— (i) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ; (ii) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ; (iii) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
(i) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ;
(ii) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ;
(iii) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
(b) of an authorised person, means any of the following— (i) if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; (ii) the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals; (iii) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority; (iv) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ; (v) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
(i) if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors;
(ii) the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals;
(iii) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority;
(iv) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ;
(v) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
(i) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ;
(ii) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ;
(iii) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
(i) if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors;
(ii) the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals;
(iii) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority;
(iv) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ;
(v) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
pt.3-div.2
Applications for works authority or investigation authority
Applications for works authority or investigation authority
sec.11
Operation of div 2
sec.11 Operation of div 2
This division provides for the railway licensee, railway lessee or a railway manager to apply for a works authority or investigation authority.
sec.12
How to apply for works authority or investigation authority
sec.12 How to apply for works authority or investigation authority
The railway licensee, railway lessee or a railway manager may apply to the Coordinator-General for an authority—
to enter land adjacent to the Surat Basin rail corridor land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 20 , for carrying out railway works; or
to enter any land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 22 , for investigating the potential suitability of land as an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
The applicant must consult with the owner or occupier of the land about the proposed entry before applying for the authority.
The application must state—
the land proposed to be entered under the authority; and
the purpose of the authority; and
details of the nature of the activities proposed to be conducted on the land; and
the period for which the authority is sought; and
details of the applicant’s consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.
(sec.12-ssec.1) The railway licensee, railway lessee or a railway manager may apply to the Coordinator-General for an authority— to enter land adjacent to the Surat Basin rail corridor land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 20 , for carrying out railway works; or to enter any land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 22 , for investigating the potential suitability of land as an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.12-ssec.2) The applicant must consult with the owner or occupier of the land about the proposed entry before applying for the authority.
(sec.12-ssec.3) The application must state— the land proposed to be entered under the authority; and the purpose of the authority; and details of the nature of the activities proposed to be conducted on the land; and the period for which the authority is sought; and details of the applicant’s consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.
(a) to enter land adjacent to the Surat Basin rail corridor land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 20 , for carrying out railway works; or
(b) to enter any land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 22 , for investigating the potential suitability of land as an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) the land proposed to be entered under the authority; and
(b) the purpose of the authority; and
(c) details of the nature of the activities proposed to be conducted on the land; and
(d) the period for which the authority is sought; and
(e) details of the applicant’s consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.
sec.13
Additional information for application
sec.13 Additional information for application
The Coordinator-General may—
make inquiries to decide the application; and
ask the applicant to give the Coordinator-General additional information the Coordinator-General considers relevant to decide the application.
To decide the application, the Coordinator-General may consider any information the Coordinator-General considers relevant.
(sec.13-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may— make inquiries to decide the application; and ask the applicant to give the Coordinator-General additional information the Coordinator-General considers relevant to decide the application.
(sec.13-ssec.2) To decide the application, the Coordinator-General may consider any information the Coordinator-General considers relevant.
(a) make inquiries to decide the application; and
(b) ask the applicant to give the Coordinator-General additional information the Coordinator-General considers relevant to decide the application.
sec.14
Granting works authority
sec.14 Granting works authority
The Coordinator-General may, for an application under section 12 (1) (a) , decide to—
grant an authority (a works authority ), with or without conditions; or
refuse to grant the works authority.
The Coordinator-General must not grant the works authority unless satisfied the applicant has made reasonable efforts to consult with the owner or occupier of the land to be entered under the authority.
If the Coordinator-General refuses to grant the works authority, the Coordinator-General must give the applicant written reasons for the decision.
Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , a condition may require the applicant to give a bond or security deposit to the Coordinator-General.
The works authority must be only for the part of the land the Coordinator-General is satisfied is reasonably necessary for carrying out railway works.
The works authority remains in force, unless cancelled, for the term of not more than 3 years stated in the authority.
(sec.14-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may, for an application under section 12 (1) (a) , decide to— grant an authority (a works authority ), with or without conditions; or refuse to grant the works authority.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General must not grant the works authority unless satisfied the applicant has made reasonable efforts to consult with the owner or occupier of the land to be entered under the authority.
(sec.14-ssec.3) If the Coordinator-General refuses to grant the works authority, the Coordinator-General must give the applicant written reasons for the decision.
(sec.14-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , a condition may require the applicant to give a bond or security deposit to the Coordinator-General.
(sec.14-ssec.5) The works authority must be only for the part of the land the Coordinator-General is satisfied is reasonably necessary for carrying out railway works.
(sec.14-ssec.6) The works authority remains in force, unless cancelled, for the term of not more than 3 years stated in the authority.
(a) grant an authority (a works authority ), with or without conditions; or
(b) refuse to grant the works authority.
sec.15
Granting investigation authority
sec.15 Granting investigation authority
The Coordinator-General may, for an application under section 12 (1) (b) , decide to—
grant an authority (an investigation authority ), with or without conditions; or
refuse to grant the investigation authority.
The Coordinator-General must not grant the investigation authority unless satisfied the applicant has made reasonable efforts to consult with the owner or occupier of the land to be entered under the authority.
If the Coordinator-General refuses to grant the investigation authority, the Coordinator-General must give the applicant written reasons for the decision.
Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , a condition may require the applicant to give a bond or security deposit to the Coordinator-General.
The investigation authority must be only for the part of the land the Coordinator-General is satisfied is reasonably necessary for investigating the potential suitability of the land.
The investigation authority remains in force, unless cancelled, for the term of not more than 1 year stated in the authority.
(sec.15-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may, for an application under section 12 (1) (b) , decide to— grant an authority (an investigation authority ), with or without conditions; or refuse to grant the investigation authority.
(sec.15-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General must not grant the investigation authority unless satisfied the applicant has made reasonable efforts to consult with the owner or occupier of the land to be entered under the authority.
(sec.15-ssec.3) If the Coordinator-General refuses to grant the investigation authority, the Coordinator-General must give the applicant written reasons for the decision.
(sec.15-ssec.4) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , a condition may require the applicant to give a bond or security deposit to the Coordinator-General.
(sec.15-ssec.5) The investigation authority must be only for the part of the land the Coordinator-General is satisfied is reasonably necessary for investigating the potential suitability of the land.
(sec.15-ssec.6) The investigation authority remains in force, unless cancelled, for the term of not more than 1 year stated in the authority.
(a) grant an authority (an investigation authority ), with or without conditions; or
(b) refuse to grant the investigation authority.
sec.16
Requirements of works authority and investigation authority
sec.16 Requirements of works authority and investigation authority
A works authority and investigation authority must be written and state all of the following—
the name of the authorised person for the authority;
the land to which it applies;
the purpose for which it is granted;
when it expires;
for a works authority, the powers mentioned in section 20 that the authorised person may exercise under the authority;
for an investigation authority, the powers mentioned in section 22 that the authorised person may exercise under the authority;
the conditions, if any, imposed on the authority.
(a) the name of the authorised person for the authority;
(b) the land to which it applies;
(c) the purpose for which it is granted;
(d) when it expires;
(e) for a works authority, the powers mentioned in section 20 that the authorised person may exercise under the authority;
(f) for an investigation authority, the powers mentioned in section 22 that the authorised person may exercise under the authority;
(g) the conditions, if any, imposed on the authority.
sec.17
Declaration about works authority and investigation authority
sec.17 Declaration about works authority and investigation authority
It is declared that—
the grant of a works authority or investigation authority is not an indication of a commitment or approval by the State, the Coordinator-General or other person to any proposal and, in particular, does not commit the State to acquiring any land; and
a person is not an employee or agent of the State merely because the person is an authorised person.
(a) the grant of a works authority or investigation authority is not an indication of a commitment or approval by the State, the Coordinator-General or other person to any proposal and, in particular, does not commit the State to acquiring any land; and
(b) a person is not an employee or agent of the State merely because the person is an authorised person.
sec.18
Complying with conditions of works authority or investigation authority
sec.18 Complying with conditions of works authority or investigation authority
An authorised person, or an associated person of the authorised person, must comply with each condition of the authorised person’s works authority or investigation authority, unless the authorised person or associated person has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
sec.19
Cancellation of works authority or investigation authority
sec.19 Cancellation of works authority or investigation authority
The Coordinator-General may cancel an authorised person’s works authority or investigation authority if the Coordinator-General is reasonably satisfied that—
the authorised person has not complied with this Act or a condition of the authority; or
an associated person of the authorised person has not complied with this Act or a condition of the authority.
The Coordinator-General must, as soon as practicable, give the authorised person written notice of the cancellation.
The authorised person must, as soon as practicable after receiving the notice—
inform all associated persons of the authorised person about the cancellation of the authority; and
stop all activities being carried out under the authority; and
give any identification issued by the authorised person under section 28 to the Coordinator-General.
(sec.19-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may cancel an authorised person’s works authority or investigation authority if the Coordinator-General is reasonably satisfied that— the authorised person has not complied with this Act or a condition of the authority; or an associated person of the authorised person has not complied with this Act or a condition of the authority.
(sec.19-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General must, as soon as practicable, give the authorised person written notice of the cancellation.
(sec.19-ssec.3) The authorised person must, as soon as practicable after receiving the notice— inform all associated persons of the authorised person about the cancellation of the authority; and stop all activities being carried out under the authority; and give any identification issued by the authorised person under section 28 to the Coordinator-General.
(a) the authorised person has not complied with this Act or a condition of the authority; or
(b) an associated person of the authorised person has not complied with this Act or a condition of the authority.
(a) inform all associated persons of the authorised person about the cancellation of the authority; and
(b) stop all activities being carried out under the authority; and
(c) give any identification issued by the authorised person under section 28 to the Coordinator-General.
pt.3-div.3
Powers for entering land and carrying out activities for railway works or investigations
Powers for entering land and carrying out activities for railway works or investigations
sec.20
Coordinator-General or associated person may enter land and carry out railway works
sec.20 Coordinator-General or associated person may enter land and carry out railway works
The Coordinator-General, or an associated person authorised in writing by the Coordinator-General, may enter the Surat Basin rail corridor land and land adjacent to that land for carrying out railway works.
The Coordinator-General or associated person may, to the extent reasonably necessary or convenient to achieve the purpose of the entry under subsection (1) , do any of the following—
on the land, make an inspection, investigation, valuation or survey, or take levels;
dig and bore into the land to find out the nature of the soil or substrata of the land, and mark the lines of any works on the land;
attach or set up on the land trigonometrical stations, survey pegs, marks or poles and inspect, alter, remove, reinstate and repair the land;
occupy the land;
on the occupied land—
construct or place plant, machinery, equipment or goods; or
erect workshops, sheds and other buildings, including buildings for providing housing and other amenities for officers or employees and their dependants; or
make roads, cuttings and excavations; or
manufacture and work materials of all kinds; or
deposit clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or
take clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or
demolish, destroy, and remove plant, machinery, equipment, goods, workshops, sheds, buildings or roads.
The power to enter land under this section includes power—
to enter and re-enter the land; and
to remain on the land for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry; and
to take assistants, vehicles, materials, equipment and things necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry.
(sec.20-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General, or an associated person authorised in writing by the Coordinator-General, may enter the Surat Basin rail corridor land and land adjacent to that land for carrying out railway works.
(sec.20-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General or associated person may, to the extent reasonably necessary or convenient to achieve the purpose of the entry under subsection (1) , do any of the following— on the land, make an inspection, investigation, valuation or survey, or take levels; dig and bore into the land to find out the nature of the soil or substrata of the land, and mark the lines of any works on the land; attach or set up on the land trigonometrical stations, survey pegs, marks or poles and inspect, alter, remove, reinstate and repair the land; occupy the land; on the occupied land— construct or place plant, machinery, equipment or goods; or erect workshops, sheds and other buildings, including buildings for providing housing and other amenities for officers or employees and their dependants; or make roads, cuttings and excavations; or manufacture and work materials of all kinds; or deposit clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or take clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or demolish, destroy, and remove plant, machinery, equipment, goods, workshops, sheds, buildings or roads.
(sec.20-ssec.3) The power to enter land under this section includes power— to enter and re-enter the land; and to remain on the land for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry; and to take assistants, vehicles, materials, equipment and things necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry.
(a) on the land, make an inspection, investigation, valuation or survey, or take levels;
(b) dig and bore into the land to find out the nature of the soil or substrata of the land, and mark the lines of any works on the land;
(c) attach or set up on the land trigonometrical stations, survey pegs, marks or poles and inspect, alter, remove, reinstate and repair the land;
(d) occupy the land;
(e) on the occupied land— (i) construct or place plant, machinery, equipment or goods; or (ii) erect workshops, sheds and other buildings, including buildings for providing housing and other amenities for officers or employees and their dependants; or (iii) make roads, cuttings and excavations; or (iv) manufacture and work materials of all kinds; or (v) deposit clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or (vi) take clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or (vii) demolish, destroy, and remove plant, machinery, equipment, goods, workshops, sheds, buildings or roads.
(i) construct or place plant, machinery, equipment or goods; or
(ii) erect workshops, sheds and other buildings, including buildings for providing housing and other amenities for officers or employees and their dependants; or
(iii) make roads, cuttings and excavations; or
(iv) manufacture and work materials of all kinds; or
(v) deposit clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or
(vi) take clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or
(vii) demolish, destroy, and remove plant, machinery, equipment, goods, workshops, sheds, buildings or roads.
(i) construct or place plant, machinery, equipment or goods; or
(ii) erect workshops, sheds and other buildings, including buildings for providing housing and other amenities for officers or employees and their dependants; or
(iii) make roads, cuttings and excavations; or
(iv) manufacture and work materials of all kinds; or
(v) deposit clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or
(vi) take clay, earth, gravel, sand, stone, timber, wood, and other material; or
(vii) demolish, destroy, and remove plant, machinery, equipment, goods, workshops, sheds, buildings or roads.
(a) to enter and re-enter the land; and
(b) to remain on the land for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry; and
(c) to take assistants, vehicles, materials, equipment and things necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry.
sec.21
Authorised person or associated person may enter land and carry out railway works
sec.21 Authorised person or associated person may enter land and carry out railway works
An authorised person under a works authority, or an associated person of the authorised person, may enter the land to which the authority applies and, for carrying out railway works, exercise the powers stated in the authority.
sec.22
Coordinator-General or associated person may enter land and investigate the land
sec.22 Coordinator-General or associated person may enter land and investigate the land
The Coordinator-General, or an associated person authorised in writing by the Coordinator-General, may enter any land to investigate the land’s potential suitability for an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
The Coordinator-General or associated person may, to the extent reasonably necessary or convenient to achieve the purpose of the entry under subsection (1) , do any of the following—
do anything on the land;
bring anything onto the land;
temporarily leave machinery, equipment or other items on the land.
The power to enter land under this section includes power—
to enter and re-enter the land; and
to remain on the land for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry; and
to take assistants, vehicles, materials, equipment and things necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry.
(sec.22-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General, or an associated person authorised in writing by the Coordinator-General, may enter any land to investigate the land’s potential suitability for an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.22-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General or associated person may, to the extent reasonably necessary or convenient to achieve the purpose of the entry under subsection (1) , do any of the following— do anything on the land; bring anything onto the land; temporarily leave machinery, equipment or other items on the land.
(sec.22-ssec.3) The power to enter land under this section includes power— to enter and re-enter the land; and to remain on the land for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry; and to take assistants, vehicles, materials, equipment and things necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry.
(a) do anything on the land;
(b) bring anything onto the land;
(c) temporarily leave machinery, equipment or other items on the land.
(a) to enter and re-enter the land; and
(b) to remain on the land for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry; and
(c) to take assistants, vehicles, materials, equipment and things necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry.
sec.23
Authorised person or associated person may enter land and investigate the land
sec.23 Authorised person or associated person may enter land and investigate the land
An authorised person under an investigation authority, or an associated person of the authorised person, may enter the land to which the authority applies and, for investigating the land, exercise the powers stated in the authority.
pt.3-div.4
Requirements for entering land
Requirements for entering land
sec.24
Entry to land by notice or agreement
sec.24 Entry to land by notice or agreement
The Coordinator-General must, before the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General enters someone else’s land—
give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
An authorised person must, before the authorised person or an associated person of the authorised person enters someone else’s land—
give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
The notice must state all of the following—
the use intended to be made of the land;
a general outline of the activities intended to be carried out on the land;
the approximate period during which the activities are expected to be carried out;
the notice is not an indication of a commitment or approval by the State, the Coordinator-General or other person to any proposal and, in particular, does not commit the State to acquiring any land;
the owner or occupier may claim compensation under section 27 by giving a notice;
the person who the owner or occupier must give a notice to under section 27 .
Also, if the person entering the land is the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General, the notice must—
be attached to—
for an entry under section 20 , a copy of section 20 ; or
for an entry under section 22 , a copy of section 22 ; and
for an entry by an associated person—state that the person is an associated person of the Coordinator-General.
In addition, if the person entering the land is an authorised person or an associated person of the authorised person, the notice must—
be attached to a copy of the works authority or investigation authority; and
state the following—
that the Coordinator-General has given the authorised person a works authority or investigation authority for an area that is part of or includes the land;
for an entry by an associated person—that the person is an associated person of the authorised person.
The person entering the land need not comply with this section for carrying out—
urgent remedial action on the railway; or
maintenance on a road.
However, if urgent remedial action is required, the person entering the land must give the land’s owner or occupier as much oral notice as is practicable.
(sec.24-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General must, before the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General enters someone else’s land— give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
(sec.24-ssec.2) An authorised person must, before the authorised person or an associated person of the authorised person enters someone else’s land— give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
(sec.24-ssec.3) The notice must state all of the following— the use intended to be made of the land; a general outline of the activities intended to be carried out on the land; the approximate period during which the activities are expected to be carried out; the notice is not an indication of a commitment or approval by the State, the Coordinator-General or other person to any proposal and, in particular, does not commit the State to acquiring any land; the owner or occupier may claim compensation under section 27 by giving a notice; the person who the owner or occupier must give a notice to under section 27 .
(sec.24-ssec.4) Also, if the person entering the land is the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General, the notice must— be attached to— for an entry under section 20 , a copy of section 20 ; or for an entry under section 22 , a copy of section 22 ; and for an entry by an associated person—state that the person is an associated person of the Coordinator-General.
(sec.24-ssec.5) In addition, if the person entering the land is an authorised person or an associated person of the authorised person, the notice must— be attached to a copy of the works authority or investigation authority; and state the following— that the Coordinator-General has given the authorised person a works authority or investigation authority for an area that is part of or includes the land; for an entry by an associated person—that the person is an associated person of the authorised person.
(sec.24-ssec.6) The person entering the land need not comply with this section for carrying out— urgent remedial action on the railway; or maintenance on a road.
(sec.24-ssec.7) However, if urgent remedial action is required, the person entering the land must give the land’s owner or occupier as much oral notice as is practicable.
(a) give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
(b) obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
(a) give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
(b) obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
(a) the use intended to be made of the land;
(b) a general outline of the activities intended to be carried out on the land;
(c) the approximate period during which the activities are expected to be carried out;
(d) the notice is not an indication of a commitment or approval by the State, the Coordinator-General or other person to any proposal and, in particular, does not commit the State to acquiring any land;
(e) the owner or occupier may claim compensation under section 27 by giving a notice;
(f) the person who the owner or occupier must give a notice to under section 27 .
(a) be attached to— (i) for an entry under section 20 , a copy of section 20 ; or (ii) for an entry under section 22 , a copy of section 22 ; and
(i) for an entry under section 20 , a copy of section 20 ; or
(ii) for an entry under section 22 , a copy of section 22 ; and
(b) for an entry by an associated person—state that the person is an associated person of the Coordinator-General.
(i) for an entry under section 20 , a copy of section 20 ; or
(ii) for an entry under section 22 , a copy of section 22 ; and
(a) be attached to a copy of the works authority or investigation authority; and
(b) state the following— (i) that the Coordinator-General has given the authorised person a works authority or investigation authority for an area that is part of or includes the land; (ii) for an entry by an associated person—that the person is an associated person of the authorised person.
(i) that the Coordinator-General has given the authorised person a works authority or investigation authority for an area that is part of or includes the land;
(ii) for an entry by an associated person—that the person is an associated person of the authorised person.
(i) that the Coordinator-General has given the authorised person a works authority or investigation authority for an area that is part of or includes the land;
(ii) for an entry by an associated person—that the person is an associated person of the authorised person.
(a) urgent remedial action on the railway; or
(b) maintenance on a road.
sec.25
Care to be taken in entering land
sec.25 Care to be taken in entering land
This section applies if the Coordinator-General, an authorised person or associated person enters land to—
carry out railway works; or
investigate the potential suitability of the land for an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
The Coordinator-General, authorised person or associated person—
must take as much care as is practicable to minimise damage to the land or inconvenience to the land’s owner or occupier; and
may do anything necessary or desirable to minimise the damage or inconvenience.
(sec.25-ssec.1) This section applies if the Coordinator-General, an authorised person or associated person enters land to— carry out railway works; or investigate the potential suitability of the land for an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.25-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General, authorised person or associated person— must take as much care as is practicable to minimise damage to the land or inconvenience to the land’s owner or occupier; and may do anything necessary or desirable to minimise the damage or inconvenience.
(a) carry out railway works; or
(b) investigate the potential suitability of the land for an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) must take as much care as is practicable to minimise damage to the land or inconvenience to the land’s owner or occupier; and
(b) may do anything necessary or desirable to minimise the damage or inconvenience.
sec.26
Liability to pay compensation
sec.26 Liability to pay compensation
This section applies if the Coordinator-General, an authorised person or associated person—
enters land and carries out railway works on the land; or
enters land and carries out an investigation on the land.
The Coordinator-General is liable to compensate the land owner or occupier for any loss or damage suffered by the owner or occupier arising from the entry onto the land, and activities mentioned in subsection (1) , of the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General.
The authorised person is liable to compensate the land owner or occupier for any loss or damage suffered by the owner or occupier arising from the entry onto the land, and activities mentioned in subsection (1) , of the authorised person or an associated person of the authorised person.
(sec.26-ssec.1) This section applies if the Coordinator-General, an authorised person or associated person— enters land and carries out railway works on the land; or enters land and carries out an investigation on the land.
(sec.26-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General is liable to compensate the land owner or occupier for any loss or damage suffered by the owner or occupier arising from the entry onto the land, and activities mentioned in subsection (1) , of the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General.
(sec.26-ssec.3) The authorised person is liable to compensate the land owner or occupier for any loss or damage suffered by the owner or occupier arising from the entry onto the land, and activities mentioned in subsection (1) , of the authorised person or an associated person of the authorised person.
(a) enters land and carries out railway works on the land; or
(b) enters land and carries out an investigation on the land.
sec.27
Claiming compensation
sec.27 Claiming compensation
An owner or occupier of land entered under this part may, by written notice—
claim compensation for loss or damage caused by—
the entry and railway works carried out on the land; or
the entry and investigation carried out on the land; or
claim compensation for the taking or use of materials; or
require works in restitution for the damage; or
require works in restitution for the damage and then claim compensation for any loss or damage not restituted.
The owner or occupier must give the notice—
for an entry by the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General—to the Coordinator-General; or
for an entry by an authorised person or associated person of the authorised person under a works authority—to the Coordinator-General; or
for an entry by an authorised person or associated person of the authorised person under an investigation authority—to the authorised person.
The notice must be given—
within 1 year after the railway works or investigation of the land is completed; or
at a later time allowed by the Coordinator-General.
The claim for compensation may be made—
whether or not the act or omission giving rise to the claim was authorised under division 3 or a works authority or investigation authority; and
whether or not the person who made the entry, carried out the railway works or carried out the investigation took steps to prevent the loss or damage; and
even though the loss or damage was caused, or contributed to, by an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person.
The amount of compensation for loss or damage caused by an entry to carry out railway works is—
the amount agreed between the Coordinator-General and the person; or
if the person and Coordinator-General can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by the Land Court.
The amount of compensation for loss or damage caused by an entry to investigate land is—
the amount agreed between the parties; or
if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by the Land Court.
(sec.27-ssec.1) An owner or occupier of land entered under this part may, by written notice— claim compensation for loss or damage caused by— the entry and railway works carried out on the land; or the entry and investigation carried out on the land; or claim compensation for the taking or use of materials; or require works in restitution for the damage; or require works in restitution for the damage and then claim compensation for any loss or damage not restituted.
(sec.27-ssec.2) The owner or occupier must give the notice— for an entry by the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General—to the Coordinator-General; or for an entry by an authorised person or associated person of the authorised person under a works authority—to the Coordinator-General; or for an entry by an authorised person or associated person of the authorised person under an investigation authority—to the authorised person.
(sec.27-ssec.3) The notice must be given— within 1 year after the railway works or investigation of the land is completed; or at a later time allowed by the Coordinator-General.
(sec.27-ssec.4) The claim for compensation may be made— whether or not the act or omission giving rise to the claim was authorised under division 3 or a works authority or investigation authority; and whether or not the person who made the entry, carried out the railway works or carried out the investigation took steps to prevent the loss or damage; and even though the loss or damage was caused, or contributed to, by an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person.
(sec.27-ssec.5) The amount of compensation for loss or damage caused by an entry to carry out railway works is— the amount agreed between the Coordinator-General and the person; or if the person and Coordinator-General can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by the Land Court.
(sec.27-ssec.6) The amount of compensation for loss or damage caused by an entry to investigate land is— the amount agreed between the parties; or if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by the Land Court.
(a) claim compensation for loss or damage caused by— (i) the entry and railway works carried out on the land; or (ii) the entry and investigation carried out on the land; or
(i) the entry and railway works carried out on the land; or
(ii) the entry and investigation carried out on the land; or
(b) claim compensation for the taking or use of materials; or
(c) require works in restitution for the damage; or
(d) require works in restitution for the damage and then claim compensation for any loss or damage not restituted.
(i) the entry and railway works carried out on the land; or
(ii) the entry and investigation carried out on the land; or
(a) for an entry by the Coordinator-General or an associated person of the Coordinator-General—to the Coordinator-General; or
(b) for an entry by an authorised person or associated person of the authorised person under a works authority—to the Coordinator-General; or
(c) for an entry by an authorised person or associated person of the authorised person under an investigation authority—to the authorised person.
(a) within 1 year after the railway works or investigation of the land is completed; or
(b) at a later time allowed by the Coordinator-General.
(a) whether or not the act or omission giving rise to the claim was authorised under division 3 or a works authority or investigation authority; and
(b) whether or not the person who made the entry, carried out the railway works or carried out the investigation took steps to prevent the loss or damage; and
(c) even though the loss or damage was caused, or contributed to, by an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person.
(a) the amount agreed between the Coordinator-General and the person; or
(b) if the person and Coordinator-General can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by the Land Court.
(a) the amount agreed between the parties; or
(b) if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by the Land Court.
pt.3-div.5
Miscellaneous provisions
Miscellaneous provisions
sec.28
Coordinator-General or authorised person to issue associated person with identification
sec.28 Coordinator-General or authorised person to issue associated person with identification
The Coordinator-General must issue an associated person of the Coordinator-General with identification before the associated person enters someone else’s land and carries out activities under division 3 .
An authorised person must issue an associated person of the authorised person with identification before the associated person enters someone else’s land and carries out activities under a works authority or investigation authority.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
The identification for an associated person of the Coordinator-General must—
state the name of the person to whom the identification is issued; and
state that, for this Act, the person is an associated person of the Coordinator-General; and
state the capacity in which the associated person is an associated person; and
be signed by or for the Coordinator-General; and
be signed by the associated person; and
state an expiry date.
The identification for an associated person of an authorised person must—
state the names of the authorised person and the person to whom the identification is issued; and
state that, for this Act, the person is an associated person of the holder of a works authority or investigation authority; and
state the capacity in which the associated person is an associated person; and
be signed by or for the authorised person; and
be signed by the associated person; and
state an expiry date.
(sec.28-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General must issue an associated person of the Coordinator-General with identification before the associated person enters someone else’s land and carries out activities under division 3 .
(sec.28-ssec.2) An authorised person must issue an associated person of the authorised person with identification before the associated person enters someone else’s land and carries out activities under a works authority or investigation authority. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.28-ssec.3) The identification for an associated person of the Coordinator-General must— state the name of the person to whom the identification is issued; and state that, for this Act, the person is an associated person of the Coordinator-General; and state the capacity in which the associated person is an associated person; and be signed by or for the Coordinator-General; and be signed by the associated person; and state an expiry date.
(sec.28-ssec.4) The identification for an associated person of an authorised person must— state the names of the authorised person and the person to whom the identification is issued; and state that, for this Act, the person is an associated person of the holder of a works authority or investigation authority; and state the capacity in which the associated person is an associated person; and be signed by or for the authorised person; and be signed by the associated person; and state an expiry date.
(a) state the name of the person to whom the identification is issued; and
(b) state that, for this Act, the person is an associated person of the Coordinator-General; and
(c) state the capacity in which the associated person is an associated person; and
(d) be signed by or for the Coordinator-General; and
(e) be signed by the associated person; and
(f) state an expiry date.
(a) state the names of the authorised person and the person to whom the identification is issued; and
(b) state that, for this Act, the person is an associated person of the holder of a works authority or investigation authority; and
(c) state the capacity in which the associated person is an associated person; and
(d) be signed by or for the authorised person; and
(e) be signed by the associated person; and
(f) state an expiry date.
sec.29
Owner or occupier may inspect authority or identification
sec.29 Owner or occupier may inspect authority or identification
This section applies if a person who claims to be or appears to be the owner or occupier of land asks an individual who has entered, is entering or is about to enter land under this part—
for identification; or
about the person’s authority to enter the land.
If the request is made of an authorised person, the authorised person must immediately state the authorised person’s name and show the other person a copy of the authorised person’s works authority or investigation authority.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
If the request is made of an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person, the associated person must immediately state his or her name and show the other person the associated person’s identification.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.29-ssec.1) This section applies if a person who claims to be or appears to be the owner or occupier of land asks an individual who has entered, is entering or is about to enter land under this part— for identification; or about the person’s authority to enter the land.
(sec.29-ssec.2) If the request is made of an authorised person, the authorised person must immediately state the authorised person’s name and show the other person a copy of the authorised person’s works authority or investigation authority. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.29-ssec.3) If the request is made of an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person, the associated person must immediately state his or her name and show the other person the associated person’s identification. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(a) for identification; or
(b) about the person’s authority to enter the land.
sec.30
Return of identification
sec.30 Return of identification
This section applies to a person who stops being an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person.
The person must return the identification issued under section 28 to the Coordinator-General or authorised person within 21 days after the person stops being an associated person, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.30-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who stops being an associated person of the Coordinator-General or an authorised person.
(sec.30-ssec.2) The person must return the identification issued under section 28 to the Coordinator-General or authorised person within 21 days after the person stops being an associated person, unless the person has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
pt.4
Roads, crossings and watercourses
Roads, crossings and watercourses
pt.4-div.1
General provisions about roads and crossings
General provisions about roads and crossings
sec.31
Altering road levels
sec.31 Altering road levels
In constructing or managing the railway, a railway manager may alter the level of a road or require the authority responsible for the road to alter its level.
Unless the railway manager and the authority responsible for the road agree, the railway manager must pay all reasonable expenses incurred by the authority in altering the road level.
A person whose land is directly affected by the alteration may claim compensation from the railway manager.
The amount of compensation is—
the amount agreed between the parties; or
if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by a court with jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount of compensation.
(sec.31-ssec.1) In constructing or managing the railway, a railway manager may alter the level of a road or require the authority responsible for the road to alter its level.
(sec.31-ssec.2) Unless the railway manager and the authority responsible for the road agree, the railway manager must pay all reasonable expenses incurred by the authority in altering the road level.
(sec.31-ssec.3) A person whose land is directly affected by the alteration may claim compensation from the railway manager.
(sec.31-ssec.4) The amount of compensation is— the amount agreed between the parties; or if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by a court with jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount of compensation.
(a) the amount agreed between the parties; or
(b) if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by a court with jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount of compensation.
sec.32
Maintaining roads crossing railways
sec.32 Maintaining roads crossing railways
A railway manager must maintain—
a part of the railway on a road; and
the surface of the road, in a character in keeping with the road—
between the rails; and
outside the outermost rails to a distance of 2m.
If a part of the railway is built by way of a bridge or other structure over or under a road, the authority that maintained the road before the railway was built must continue to maintain the road over or under the bridge or structure.
If there is no railway manager, the railway licensee or railway lessee must comply with subsection (1) .
If there is no railway manager, railway licensee and railway lessee, the authority that maintained the road before the railway was built must comply with subsection (1) (b) .
(sec.32-ssec.1) A railway manager must maintain— a part of the railway on a road; and the surface of the road, in a character in keeping with the road— between the rails; and outside the outermost rails to a distance of 2m.
(sec.32-ssec.2) If a part of the railway is built by way of a bridge or other structure over or under a road, the authority that maintained the road before the railway was built must continue to maintain the road over or under the bridge or structure.
(sec.32-ssec.3) If there is no railway manager, the railway licensee or railway lessee must comply with subsection (1) .
(sec.32-ssec.4) If there is no railway manager, railway licensee and railway lessee, the authority that maintained the road before the railway was built must comply with subsection (1) (b) .
(a) a part of the railway on a road; and
(b) the surface of the road, in a character in keeping with the road— (i) between the rails; and (ii) outside the outermost rails to a distance of 2m.
(i) between the rails; and
(ii) outside the outermost rails to a distance of 2m.
(i) between the rails; and
(ii) outside the outermost rails to a distance of 2m.
sec.33
Extending roads through or over Surat Basin rail corridor land
sec.33 Extending roads through or over Surat Basin rail corridor land
A local government must apply to the Coordinator-General to obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval to construct, maintain and operate a road on the Surat Basin rail corridor land by way of—
a bridge or other structure over a part of the railway; or
a bridge or other structure that allows the road to pass under a part of the railway; or
a crossing at the same level as a part of the railway.
a level crossing
The Coordinator-General must consider the application and may decide to—
grant the approval, with or without conditions; or
refuse to grant the approval.
Without limiting subsection (2) , a condition of the approval may provide for the future expansion or realignment of the railway on the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
A condition may provide that the length of a bridge over the railway be long enough to allow for an additional track to be laid in the future.
Before deciding the application, the Coordinator-General must consult with a railway manager and the railway licensee or railway lessee.
The Coordinator-General must give the local government written notice of the Coordinator-General’s decision on the application.
If the approval is granted—
the Coordinator-General must immediately give a copy of the approval to the registrar of titles; and
the registrar of titles must record the approval in the freehold land register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land; and
a railway manager, the railway licensee and railway lessee may continue to use the land under the approval other than any land excluded by a condition of the approval; and
the Coordinator-General, a railway manager, the railway licensee and railway lessee and their agents or employees do not have any duty or liability for the road or its use or operation.
Once the road is used, it is taken to be—
a road under the local government’s control; and
a road under any Act about the use of vehicles on a road.
Unless the Coordinator-General and the local government otherwise agree—
the local government is responsible for maintaining the road and the bridge, structure or crossing; and
if the road stops being used—the local government is responsible for the cost of taking the bridge, structure or crossing away and restoring the part of the railway on the land.
(sec.33-ssec.1) A local government must apply to the Coordinator-General to obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval to construct, maintain and operate a road on the Surat Basin rail corridor land by way of— a bridge or other structure over a part of the railway; or a bridge or other structure that allows the road to pass under a part of the railway; or a crossing at the same level as a part of the railway. a level crossing
(sec.33-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General must consider the application and may decide to— grant the approval, with or without conditions; or refuse to grant the approval.
(sec.33-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (2) , a condition of the approval may provide for the future expansion or realignment of the railway on the Surat Basin rail corridor land. A condition may provide that the length of a bridge over the railway be long enough to allow for an additional track to be laid in the future.
(sec.33-ssec.4) Before deciding the application, the Coordinator-General must consult with a railway manager and the railway licensee or railway lessee.
(sec.33-ssec.5) The Coordinator-General must give the local government written notice of the Coordinator-General’s decision on the application.
(sec.33-ssec.6) If the approval is granted— the Coordinator-General must immediately give a copy of the approval to the registrar of titles; and the registrar of titles must record the approval in the freehold land register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land; and a railway manager, the railway licensee and railway lessee may continue to use the land under the approval other than any land excluded by a condition of the approval; and the Coordinator-General, a railway manager, the railway licensee and railway lessee and their agents or employees do not have any duty or liability for the road or its use or operation.
(sec.33-ssec.7) Once the road is used, it is taken to be— a road under the local government’s control; and a road under any Act about the use of vehicles on a road.
(sec.33-ssec.8) Unless the Coordinator-General and the local government otherwise agree— the local government is responsible for maintaining the road and the bridge, structure or crossing; and if the road stops being used—the local government is responsible for the cost of taking the bridge, structure or crossing away and restoring the part of the railway on the land.
(a) a bridge or other structure over a part of the railway; or
(b) a bridge or other structure that allows the road to pass under a part of the railway; or
(c) a crossing at the same level as a part of the railway. Example for paragraph (c) — a level crossing
(a) grant the approval, with or without conditions; or
(b) refuse to grant the approval.
(a) the Coordinator-General must immediately give a copy of the approval to the registrar of titles; and
(b) the registrar of titles must record the approval in the freehold land register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land; and
(c) a railway manager, the railway licensee and railway lessee may continue to use the land under the approval other than any land excluded by a condition of the approval; and
(d) the Coordinator-General, a railway manager, the railway licensee and railway lessee and their agents or employees do not have any duty or liability for the road or its use or operation.
(a) a road under the local government’s control; and
(b) a road under any Act about the use of vehicles on a road.
(a) the local government is responsible for maintaining the road and the bridge, structure or crossing; and
(b) if the road stops being used—the local government is responsible for the cost of taking the bridge, structure or crossing away and restoring the part of the railway on the land.
sec.34
Impact of change of management of local government road on the railway
sec.34 Impact of change of management of local government road on the railway
A local government must apply to the Coordinator-General to obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval to make a change to the management of a local government road that, if made—
would require works to be carried out on the railway; or
would have a significant adverse impact on the safety and operational integrity of the railway.
The Coordinator-General—
must consider the application within—
30 days after receiving it; or
the longer period notified to the local government by the Coordinator-General, in writing, before the end of the 30 days; and
may decide to—
approve the proposed change, with or without conditions; or
refuse to approve the proposed change.
The Coordinator-General must give the local government written notice of the Coordinator-General’s decision on the application.
The Coordinator-General is taken to have approved the proposed change if the Coordinator-General does not within 30 days of receiving the application—
decide the application; or
give the local government a notice under subsection (3) .
This section does not apply if the Coordinator-General has considered the change to the management of the local government road as part of the Coordinator-General’s consideration of an application for a development approval.
In this section—
development approval means a development approval under the Planning Act 2016 .
s 34 amd 2016 No. 27 s 554
(sec.34-ssec.1) A local government must apply to the Coordinator-General to obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval to make a change to the management of a local government road that, if made— would require works to be carried out on the railway; or would have a significant adverse impact on the safety and operational integrity of the railway.
(sec.34-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General— must consider the application within— 30 days after receiving it; or the longer period notified to the local government by the Coordinator-General, in writing, before the end of the 30 days; and may decide to— approve the proposed change, with or without conditions; or refuse to approve the proposed change.
(sec.34-ssec.3) The Coordinator-General must give the local government written notice of the Coordinator-General’s decision on the application.
(sec.34-ssec.4) The Coordinator-General is taken to have approved the proposed change if the Coordinator-General does not within 30 days of receiving the application— decide the application; or give the local government a notice under subsection (3) .
(sec.34-ssec.5) This section does not apply if the Coordinator-General has considered the change to the management of the local government road as part of the Coordinator-General’s consideration of an application for a development approval.
(sec.34-ssec.6) In this section— development approval means a development approval under the Planning Act 2016 .
(a) would require works to be carried out on the railway; or
(b) would have a significant adverse impact on the safety and operational integrity of the railway.
(a) must consider the application within— (i) 30 days after receiving it; or (ii) the longer period notified to the local government by the Coordinator-General, in writing, before the end of the 30 days; and
(i) 30 days after receiving it; or
(ii) the longer period notified to the local government by the Coordinator-General, in writing, before the end of the 30 days; and
(b) may decide to— (i) approve the proposed change, with or without conditions; or (ii) refuse to approve the proposed change.
(i) approve the proposed change, with or without conditions; or
(ii) refuse to approve the proposed change.
(i) 30 days after receiving it; or
(ii) the longer period notified to the local government by the Coordinator-General, in writing, before the end of the 30 days; and
(i) approve the proposed change, with or without conditions; or
(ii) refuse to approve the proposed change.
(a) decide the application; or
(b) give the local government a notice under subsection (3) .
sec.35
Closing railway crossings
sec.35 Closing railway crossings
A railway manager may temporarily close or regulate a railway crossing if satisfied it is necessary because of an immediate threat to—
the safety of the railway; or
the public using it or who may use it.
If the manager decides to close or regulate a crossing, the manager must, as soon as practicable after its closure or regulation—
notify the authority responsible for the crossing of its closure or regulation, unless the authority has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and
if there is a relevant person for the crossing—
notify the relevant person of its closure or regulation, unless the relevant person has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and
notify the relevant person that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision; and
give the relevant person written reasons for the decision.
A relevant person for the crossing may, by written notice given to the railway manager, claim compensation for loss or damage directly suffered by the relevant person and arising from the closure or regulation of the crossing.
The notice under subsection (3) must be given—
within 1 year after the closure or regulation ends; or
at a later time allowed by the Coordinator-General.
The amount of compensation for the loss or damage is—
the amount agreed between the parties; or
if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by a court with jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount of compensation claimed.
In this section—
relevant person , for a railway crossing, means—
a grantee of an easement for the railway crossing; or
a grantee of a licence to use the railway crossing.
(sec.35-ssec.1) A railway manager may temporarily close or regulate a railway crossing if satisfied it is necessary because of an immediate threat to— the safety of the railway; or the public using it or who may use it.
(sec.35-ssec.2) If the manager decides to close or regulate a crossing, the manager must, as soon as practicable after its closure or regulation— notify the authority responsible for the crossing of its closure or regulation, unless the authority has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and if there is a relevant person for the crossing— notify the relevant person of its closure or regulation, unless the relevant person has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and notify the relevant person that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision; and give the relevant person written reasons for the decision.
(sec.35-ssec.3) A relevant person for the crossing may, by written notice given to the railway manager, claim compensation for loss or damage directly suffered by the relevant person and arising from the closure or regulation of the crossing.
(sec.35-ssec.4) The notice under subsection (3) must be given— within 1 year after the closure or regulation ends; or at a later time allowed by the Coordinator-General.
(sec.35-ssec.5) The amount of compensation for the loss or damage is— the amount agreed between the parties; or if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by a court with jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount of compensation claimed.
(sec.35-ssec.6) In this section— relevant person , for a railway crossing, means— a grantee of an easement for the railway crossing; or a grantee of a licence to use the railway crossing.
(a) the safety of the railway; or
(b) the public using it or who may use it.
(a) notify the authority responsible for the crossing of its closure or regulation, unless the authority has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and
(b) if there is a relevant person for the crossing— (i) notify the relevant person of its closure or regulation, unless the relevant person has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and (ii) notify the relevant person that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision; and (iii) give the relevant person written reasons for the decision.
(i) notify the relevant person of its closure or regulation, unless the relevant person has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and
(ii) notify the relevant person that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision; and
(iii) give the relevant person written reasons for the decision.
(i) notify the relevant person of its closure or regulation, unless the relevant person has agreed that notification is unnecessary; and
(ii) notify the relevant person that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision; and
(iii) give the relevant person written reasons for the decision.
(a) within 1 year after the closure or regulation ends; or
(b) at a later time allowed by the Coordinator-General.
(a) the amount agreed between the parties; or
(b) if the parties can not agree within a reasonable time—the amount decided by a court with jurisdiction for the recovery of the amount of compensation claimed.
(a) a grantee of an easement for the railway crossing; or
(b) a grantee of a licence to use the railway crossing.
pt.4-div.2
Public use of Surat Basin rail corridor land
Public use of Surat Basin rail corridor land
sec.36
No presumption of dedication of roads
sec.36 No presumption of dedication of roads
If the public uses part of the Surat Basin rail corridor land as a road or otherwise for access purposes, the land is not taken to have been dedicated for use as a road even though the use is authorised or allowed by the Coordinator-General, the railway licensee, the railway lessee or a railway manager.
sec.37
Level crossings
sec.37 Level crossings
Pedestrians and drivers of vehicles must give way to—
a railway operator’s rolling stock on railway tracks at a level crossing; and
a railway manager’s rail vehicle on railway tracks at a level crossing.
If an accident happens at a level crossing because a person does not comply with subsection (1) —
the railway operator and railway manager are not liable for any injury or damage caused in the accident; and
the person must pay the railway operator or railway manager the cost of any damage caused to property of the operator or manager.
However, subsection (2) does not apply if the railway operator or railway manager, or an agent or employee of the operator or manager, were negligent in relation to the accident.
(sec.37-ssec.1) Pedestrians and drivers of vehicles must give way to— a railway operator’s rolling stock on railway tracks at a level crossing; and a railway manager’s rail vehicle on railway tracks at a level crossing.
(sec.37-ssec.2) If an accident happens at a level crossing because a person does not comply with subsection (1) — the railway operator and railway manager are not liable for any injury or damage caused in the accident; and the person must pay the railway operator or railway manager the cost of any damage caused to property of the operator or manager.
(sec.37-ssec.3) However, subsection (2) does not apply if the railway operator or railway manager, or an agent or employee of the operator or manager, were negligent in relation to the accident.
(a) a railway operator’s rolling stock on railway tracks at a level crossing; and
(b) a railway manager’s rail vehicle on railway tracks at a level crossing.
(a) the railway operator and railway manager are not liable for any injury or damage caused in the accident; and
(b) the person must pay the railway operator or railway manager the cost of any damage caused to property of the operator or manager.
pt.4-div.3
Watercourses
Watercourses
sec.38
Approvals to divert or construct watercourses
sec.38 Approvals to divert or construct watercourses
To carry out railway works, a railway manager may, with the Coordinator-General’s written approval—
divert a watercourse; or
construct a watercourse, whether temporary or permanent.
In deciding whether to approve the diversion or construction of a watercourse, the Coordinator-General must consider—
for the diversion of a watercourse—
the effect the works for the diversion would have on the watercourse’s physical integrity and flow characteristics; and
the impact of the diversion on land adjacent to the watercourse; and
for the construction of a watercourse—the impact of the construction on land adjacent to the watercourse.
Subsection (2) does not limit the matters the Coordinator-General may consider.
The approval may be given with or without conditions.
(sec.38-ssec.1) To carry out railway works, a railway manager may, with the Coordinator-General’s written approval— divert a watercourse; or construct a watercourse, whether temporary or permanent.
(sec.38-ssec.2) In deciding whether to approve the diversion or construction of a watercourse, the Coordinator-General must consider— for the diversion of a watercourse— the effect the works for the diversion would have on the watercourse’s physical integrity and flow characteristics; and the impact of the diversion on land adjacent to the watercourse; and for the construction of a watercourse—the impact of the construction on land adjacent to the watercourse.
(sec.38-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters the Coordinator-General may consider.
(sec.38-ssec.4) The approval may be given with or without conditions.
(a) divert a watercourse; or
(b) construct a watercourse, whether temporary or permanent.
(a) for the diversion of a watercourse— (i) the effect the works for the diversion would have on the watercourse’s physical integrity and flow characteristics; and (ii) the impact of the diversion on land adjacent to the watercourse; and
(i) the effect the works for the diversion would have on the watercourse’s physical integrity and flow characteristics; and
(ii) the impact of the diversion on land adjacent to the watercourse; and
(b) for the construction of a watercourse—the impact of the construction on land adjacent to the watercourse.
(i) the effect the works for the diversion would have on the watercourse’s physical integrity and flow characteristics; and
(ii) the impact of the diversion on land adjacent to the watercourse; and
sec.39
Cancellation of approval
sec.39 Cancellation of approval
The Coordinator-General may cancel a person’s approval under section 38 if the Coordinator-General is reasonably satisfied that the person has not complied with a condition of the approval.
The Coordinator-General must, as soon as practicable, give the person written notice of the cancellation.
The person must, as soon as practicable after receiving notice of the cancellation, stop all activities being carried out under the approval.
(sec.39-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may cancel a person’s approval under section 38 if the Coordinator-General is reasonably satisfied that the person has not complied with a condition of the approval.
(sec.39-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General must, as soon as practicable, give the person written notice of the cancellation.
(sec.39-ssec.3) The person must, as soon as practicable after receiving notice of the cancellation, stop all activities being carried out under the approval.
sec.40
Coordinator-General may enter land and carry out activities for watercourses
sec.40 Coordinator-General may enter land and carry out activities for watercourses
If the Coordinator-General considers that water from a watercourse has collected and obstructs, or is likely to collect and obstruct, traffic on the railway, the Coordinator-General, or a person authorised under this section by the Coordinator-General, may—
enter the land on which the watercourse is situated; and
take the action that the Coordinator-General considers necessary or desirable to reduce or prevent the collection of water.
Before acting under subsection (1) , the Coordinator-General may, by written notice, require the owner of the land on which the watercourse is situated to take the action that the Coordinator-General considers necessary or desirable to reduce or prevent the collection of water.
The owner must comply with the notice, unless the owner has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
If the owner does not comply with the notice, the Coordinator-General may exercise the powers mentioned in subsection (1) .
The owner is liable to pay the Coordinator-General the costs incurred because of the exercise of the powers.
This section applies—
even if the water collected, or was likely to collect, as a result of action authorised under an Act; or
whether the water collects, or was likely to collect, permanently, temporarily or intermittently.
(sec.40-ssec.1) If the Coordinator-General considers that water from a watercourse has collected and obstructs, or is likely to collect and obstruct, traffic on the railway, the Coordinator-General, or a person authorised under this section by the Coordinator-General, may— enter the land on which the watercourse is situated; and take the action that the Coordinator-General considers necessary or desirable to reduce or prevent the collection of water.
(sec.40-ssec.2) Before acting under subsection (1) , the Coordinator-General may, by written notice, require the owner of the land on which the watercourse is situated to take the action that the Coordinator-General considers necessary or desirable to reduce or prevent the collection of water.
(sec.40-ssec.3) The owner must comply with the notice, unless the owner has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.40-ssec.4) If the owner does not comply with the notice, the Coordinator-General may exercise the powers mentioned in subsection (1) .
(sec.40-ssec.5) The owner is liable to pay the Coordinator-General the costs incurred because of the exercise of the powers.
(sec.40-ssec.6) This section applies— even if the water collected, or was likely to collect, as a result of action authorised under an Act; or whether the water collects, or was likely to collect, permanently, temporarily or intermittently.
(a) enter the land on which the watercourse is situated; and
(b) take the action that the Coordinator-General considers necessary or desirable to reduce or prevent the collection of water.
(a) even if the water collected, or was likely to collect, as a result of action authorised under an Act; or
(b) whether the water collects, or was likely to collect, permanently, temporarily or intermittently.
sec.41
Notice for entry to land under s 40
sec.41 Notice for entry to land under s 40
Before the Coordinator-General or a person authorised under section 40 enters someone else’s land, the Coordinator-General or the person must—
give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
The Coordinator-General or person need not comply with subsection (1) for—
urgent remedial action on the railway; or
maintenance on a road.
However, if urgent remedial action is required, the Coordinator-General or person must give the land’s owner or occupier as much oral notice as is practicable.
(sec.41-ssec.1) Before the Coordinator-General or a person authorised under section 40 enters someone else’s land, the Coordinator-General or the person must— give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
(sec.41-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General or person need not comply with subsection (1) for— urgent remedial action on the railway; or maintenance on a road.
(sec.41-ssec.3) However, if urgent remedial action is required, the Coordinator-General or person must give the land’s owner or occupier as much oral notice as is practicable.
(a) give at least 7 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
(b) obtain the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry.
(a) urgent remedial action on the railway; or
(b) maintenance on a road.
pt.5
Declaration of common areas and carrying out works near the railway
Declaration of common areas and carrying out works near the railway
pt.5-div.1
Minister may declare common areas
Minister may declare common areas
sec.42
Common areas for particular roads
sec.42 Common areas for particular roads
This section applies if the route of the Surat Basin rail corridor land—
is interrupted by a relevant road; and
continues on the other side of the relevant road.
The Minister may, by gazette notice, declare the part of the relevant road where it interrupts the route to be a common area ( common area ) for the relevant road and the route of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
If the Minister declares a common area—
a railway manager may construct, maintain and operate the railway on the common area in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road; and
a level crossing
a bridge or other structure over the road
a bridge or other structure that allows the railway to pass under the road
the railway licensee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds a railway licence in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road and the railway licence; and
the railway lessee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway lease in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road and the railway lease; and
the relevant person for the relevant road may construct, maintain and operate the relevant road on the common area in a way consistent with its use for the railway; and
the relevant person for the relevant road and the relevant person’s agents or employees do not have any liability for the railway or its use or operation on the common area.
After a common area is declared—
the Coordinator-General must give a copy of the gazette notice to the registrar of titles promptly after the gazette notice is published; and
the registrar of titles must record the declaration in the appropriate register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
If the railway on a common area is not used, or stops being used, the railway lessee or railway licensee is liable for the cost of removing the rail transport infrastructure from the common area and restoring the road, unless the Coordinator-General and the railway lessee or railway licensee otherwise agree.
The Coordinator-General must consult with the relevant person for the relevant road before entering into an agreement mentioned in subsection (5) .
In this section—
relevant person see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , section 249 .
relevant road means—
a stock route; or
a relevant road under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , section 249 .
(sec.42-ssec.1) This section applies if the route of the Surat Basin rail corridor land— is interrupted by a relevant road; and continues on the other side of the relevant road.
(sec.42-ssec.2) The Minister may, by gazette notice, declare the part of the relevant road where it interrupts the route to be a common area ( common area ) for the relevant road and the route of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.42-ssec.3) If the Minister declares a common area— a railway manager may construct, maintain and operate the railway on the common area in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road; and a level crossing a bridge or other structure over the road a bridge or other structure that allows the railway to pass under the road the railway licensee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds a railway licence in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road and the railway licence; and the railway lessee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway lease in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road and the railway lease; and the relevant person for the relevant road may construct, maintain and operate the relevant road on the common area in a way consistent with its use for the railway; and the relevant person for the relevant road and the relevant person’s agents or employees do not have any liability for the railway or its use or operation on the common area.
(sec.42-ssec.4) After a common area is declared— the Coordinator-General must give a copy of the gazette notice to the registrar of titles promptly after the gazette notice is published; and the registrar of titles must record the declaration in the appropriate register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.42-ssec.5) If the railway on a common area is not used, or stops being used, the railway lessee or railway licensee is liable for the cost of removing the rail transport infrastructure from the common area and restoring the road, unless the Coordinator-General and the railway lessee or railway licensee otherwise agree.
(sec.42-ssec.6) The Coordinator-General must consult with the relevant person for the relevant road before entering into an agreement mentioned in subsection (5) .
(sec.42-ssec.7) In this section— relevant person see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , section 249 . relevant road means— a stock route; or a relevant road under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , section 249 .
(a) is interrupted by a relevant road; and
(b) continues on the other side of the relevant road.
(a) a railway manager may construct, maintain and operate the railway on the common area in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road; and Examples for use as a relevant road— • a level crossing • a bridge or other structure over the road • a bridge or other structure that allows the railway to pass under the road
• a level crossing
• a bridge or other structure over the road
• a bridge or other structure that allows the railway to pass under the road
(b) the railway licensee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds a railway licence in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road and the railway licence; and
(c) the railway lessee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway lease in a way consistent with its use as a relevant road and the railway lease; and
(d) the relevant person for the relevant road may construct, maintain and operate the relevant road on the common area in a way consistent with its use for the railway; and
(e) the relevant person for the relevant road and the relevant person’s agents or employees do not have any liability for the railway or its use or operation on the common area.
• a level crossing
• a bridge or other structure over the road
• a bridge or other structure that allows the railway to pass under the road
(a) the Coordinator-General must give a copy of the gazette notice to the registrar of titles promptly after the gazette notice is published; and
(b) the registrar of titles must record the declaration in the appropriate register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) a stock route; or
(b) a relevant road under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , section 249 .
sec.43
Common areas for non-tidal boundary watercourses
sec.43 Common areas for non-tidal boundary watercourses
This section applies if the route of the Surat Basin rail corridor land—
is interrupted by a non-tidal boundary watercourse; and
continues on the other side of the non-tidal boundary watercourse.
The Minister may, by gazette notice, declare the part of the non-tidal boundary watercourse where it interrupts the Surat Basin rail corridor land to be a common area ( common area ) for the non-tidal boundary watercourse and the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
If the Minister declares a common area—
the Coordinator-General, a railway manager, or a person authorised by the Coordinator-General under this section, may in the common area—
survey and resurvey a watercourse crossing; and
construct, augment, improve, maintain, operate and replace a watercourse crossing; and
name and number a watercourse crossing; and
the railway licensee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway licence in a way consistent with the railway licence; and
the railway lessee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway lease in a way consistent with the railway lease.
After a common area is declared—
the Coordinator-General must give a copy of the gazette notice to the registrar of titles promptly after the gazette notice is published; and
the registrar of titles must record the declaration in the appropriate register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
If the railway on a common area is not used, or stops being used, the railway lessee or railway licensee is liable for the cost of removing rail transport infrastructure from the common area and restoring the non-tidal boundary watercourse, unless the Coordinator-General and the railway lessee or railway licensee otherwise agree.
A declaration under this section does not remove or diminish any existing right the State or a person may have in relation to a non-tidal boundary watercourse in the common area including the rights of an owner or occupier of land adjoining the Surat Basin rail corridor land mentioned in the Land Act 1994 , section 13A .
In this section—
non-tidal boundary watercourse means land that is the property of the State under the Land Act 1994 , section 13A (1) or (2) .
watercourse crossing means rail transport infrastructure that is, or is proposed to be, situated over, under, on or in a non-tidal boundary watercourse.
(sec.43-ssec.1) This section applies if the route of the Surat Basin rail corridor land— is interrupted by a non-tidal boundary watercourse; and continues on the other side of the non-tidal boundary watercourse.
(sec.43-ssec.2) The Minister may, by gazette notice, declare the part of the non-tidal boundary watercourse where it interrupts the Surat Basin rail corridor land to be a common area ( common area ) for the non-tidal boundary watercourse and the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.43-ssec.3) If the Minister declares a common area— the Coordinator-General, a railway manager, or a person authorised by the Coordinator-General under this section, may in the common area— survey and resurvey a watercourse crossing; and construct, augment, improve, maintain, operate and replace a watercourse crossing; and name and number a watercourse crossing; and the railway licensee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway licence in a way consistent with the railway licence; and the railway lessee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway lease in a way consistent with the railway lease.
(sec.43-ssec.4) After a common area is declared— the Coordinator-General must give a copy of the gazette notice to the registrar of titles promptly after the gazette notice is published; and the registrar of titles must record the declaration in the appropriate register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.43-ssec.5) If the railway on a common area is not used, or stops being used, the railway lessee or railway licensee is liable for the cost of removing rail transport infrastructure from the common area and restoring the non-tidal boundary watercourse, unless the Coordinator-General and the railway lessee or railway licensee otherwise agree.
(sec.43-ssec.6) A declaration under this section does not remove or diminish any existing right the State or a person may have in relation to a non-tidal boundary watercourse in the common area including the rights of an owner or occupier of land adjoining the Surat Basin rail corridor land mentioned in the Land Act 1994 , section 13A .
(sec.43-ssec.7) In this section— non-tidal boundary watercourse means land that is the property of the State under the Land Act 1994 , section 13A (1) or (2) . watercourse crossing means rail transport infrastructure that is, or is proposed to be, situated over, under, on or in a non-tidal boundary watercourse.
(a) is interrupted by a non-tidal boundary watercourse; and
(b) continues on the other side of the non-tidal boundary watercourse.
(a) the Coordinator-General, a railway manager, or a person authorised by the Coordinator-General under this section, may in the common area— (i) survey and resurvey a watercourse crossing; and (ii) construct, augment, improve, maintain, operate and replace a watercourse crossing; and (iii) name and number a watercourse crossing; and
(i) survey and resurvey a watercourse crossing; and
(ii) construct, augment, improve, maintain, operate and replace a watercourse crossing; and
(iii) name and number a watercourse crossing; and
(b) the railway licensee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway licence in a way consistent with the railway licence; and
(c) the railway lessee may use and occupy the common area for the period that it holds the railway lease in a way consistent with the railway lease.
(i) survey and resurvey a watercourse crossing; and
(ii) construct, augment, improve, maintain, operate and replace a watercourse crossing; and
(iii) name and number a watercourse crossing; and
(a) the Coordinator-General must give a copy of the gazette notice to the registrar of titles promptly after the gazette notice is published; and
(b) the registrar of titles must record the declaration in the appropriate register for the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
pt.5-div.2
Works near the railway
Works near the railway
sec.44
Approval to carry out works near the railway
sec.44 Approval to carry out works near the railway
A person must not, without the Coordinator-General’s written approval, carry out works near the railway if the works threaten, or are likely to threaten, the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
The Coordinator-General may give the person a written approval if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes the works do not threaten, or are not likely to threaten, the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
However, before giving an approval under this section the Coordinator-General must consult with a railway manager and the railway licensee or railway lessee.
It is declared that the Coordinator-General’s approval under this section does not affect any requirement under another Act that the person must comply with to carry out the works.
This section binds all persons, including the State.
(sec.44-ssec.1) A person must not, without the Coordinator-General’s written approval, carry out works near the railway if the works threaten, or are likely to threaten, the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
(sec.44-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General may give the person a written approval if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes the works do not threaten, or are not likely to threaten, the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
(sec.44-ssec.3) However, before giving an approval under this section the Coordinator-General must consult with a railway manager and the railway licensee or railway lessee.
(sec.44-ssec.4) It is declared that the Coordinator-General’s approval under this section does not affect any requirement under another Act that the person must comply with to carry out the works.
(sec.44-ssec.5) This section binds all persons, including the State.
sec.45
Power to require works to stop
sec.45 Power to require works to stop
Subsection (2) applies if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes a person is carrying out, or proposes to carry out, works near the railway that threaten, or are likely to threaten, the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
The Coordinator-General may give the person a written direction to stop, alter or not start the works.
The person must comply with the direction, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If works are carried out without an approval under section 44 or contrary to a direction under subsection (2) , the Coordinator-General may, by written notice, require the owner of the land where the works are situated to alter, demolish or take away the works within a stated reasonable period.
The person must comply with the requirement, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
If the person does not comply with the requirement, the Coordinator-General may—
alter, demolish or take away the works; or
alter, demolish or take away the works and recover the cost of doing so from the land’s owner as a debt payable by the owner.
Before giving a direction under subsection (2) or a notice under subsection (4) , the Coordinator-General must consult with a railway manager and the railway licensee or railway lessee.
For this section, a person authorised by the Coordinator-General may enter land and inspect works—
after giving 3 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
with the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry; or
without notice or approval, if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes there is an immediate and significant threat to the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
If a person enters land under subsection (8) (c) , the Coordinator-General must give the land’s owner or occupier as much oral notice as is practicable.
This section binds all persons, including the State.
(sec.45-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes a person is carrying out, or proposes to carry out, works near the railway that threaten, or are likely to threaten, the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
(sec.45-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General may give the person a written direction to stop, alter or not start the works.
(sec.45-ssec.3) The person must comply with the direction, unless the person has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.45-ssec.4) If works are carried out without an approval under section 44 or contrary to a direction under subsection (2) , the Coordinator-General may, by written notice, require the owner of the land where the works are situated to alter, demolish or take away the works within a stated reasonable period.
(sec.45-ssec.5) The person must comply with the requirement, unless the person has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.45-ssec.6) If the person does not comply with the requirement, the Coordinator-General may— alter, demolish or take away the works; or alter, demolish or take away the works and recover the cost of doing so from the land’s owner as a debt payable by the owner.
(sec.45-ssec.7) Before giving a direction under subsection (2) or a notice under subsection (4) , the Coordinator-General must consult with a railway manager and the railway licensee or railway lessee.
(sec.45-ssec.8) For this section, a person authorised by the Coordinator-General may enter land and inspect works— after giving 3 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or with the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry; or without notice or approval, if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes there is an immediate and significant threat to the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
(sec.45-ssec.9) If a person enters land under subsection (8) (c) , the Coordinator-General must give the land’s owner or occupier as much oral notice as is practicable.
(sec.45-ssec.10) This section binds all persons, including the State.
(a) alter, demolish or take away the works; or
(b) alter, demolish or take away the works and recover the cost of doing so from the land’s owner as a debt payable by the owner.
(a) after giving 3 days written notice of the entry to the land’s owner or occupier; or
(b) with the written agreement of the land’s owner or occupier to the entry; or
(c) without notice or approval, if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes there is an immediate and significant threat to the railway’s safety or operational integrity.
sec.46
Registration of notice about nature of works
sec.46 Registration of notice about nature of works
This section applies if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes works near the railway that may be conducted on land are likely to threaten the safety or operational integrity of the railway.
The Coordinator-General may give the registrar of titles a signed notice—
identifying the land; and
identifying the nature of works that may be conducted on the land the Coordinator-General reasonably believes is likely to threaten the safety or operational integrity of the railway; and
stating that the owner of the land must obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval under section 44 before conducting works of that nature on the land.
The registrar of titles must ensure a notice appears in the appropriate register so that a search of the register will show that an owner of the land must obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval under section 44 before conducting works of the nature identified in the notice on the land.
No fee is payable for registration of the notice.
(sec.46-ssec.1) This section applies if the Coordinator-General reasonably believes works near the railway that may be conducted on land are likely to threaten the safety or operational integrity of the railway.
(sec.46-ssec.2) The Coordinator-General may give the registrar of titles a signed notice— identifying the land; and identifying the nature of works that may be conducted on the land the Coordinator-General reasonably believes is likely to threaten the safety or operational integrity of the railway; and stating that the owner of the land must obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval under section 44 before conducting works of that nature on the land.
(sec.46-ssec.3) The registrar of titles must ensure a notice appears in the appropriate register so that a search of the register will show that an owner of the land must obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval under section 44 before conducting works of the nature identified in the notice on the land.
(sec.46-ssec.4) No fee is payable for registration of the notice.
(a) identifying the land; and
(b) identifying the nature of works that may be conducted on the land the Coordinator-General reasonably believes is likely to threaten the safety or operational integrity of the railway; and
(c) stating that the owner of the land must obtain the Coordinator-General’s written approval under section 44 before conducting works of that nature on the land.
pt.6
Giving or requiring information
Giving or requiring information
sec.47
Coordinator-General may give information to corresponding authority
sec.47 Coordinator-General may give information to corresponding authority
For the transport of dangerous goods on or over the Surat Basin rail corridor land, the Coordinator-General may give to a corresponding authority—
information about action taken by the Coordinator-General under this Act; or
information obtained under this Act.
Subsection (1) does not apply if the Coordinator-General or the corresponding authority would otherwise be required to maintain confidentiality about the information under an Act.
In this section—
corresponding authority means—
a government entity of the Commonwealth or another State responsible for administering a corresponding law to the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 or the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) ; or
an entity prescribed under a regulation as a corresponding authority for this Act.
dangerous goods see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
s 47 amd 2017 No. 4 s 145 sch 1
(sec.47-ssec.1) For the transport of dangerous goods on or over the Surat Basin rail corridor land, the Coordinator-General may give to a corresponding authority— information about action taken by the Coordinator-General under this Act; or information obtained under this Act.
(sec.47-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the Coordinator-General or the corresponding authority would otherwise be required to maintain confidentiality about the information under an Act.
(sec.47-ssec.3) In this section— corresponding authority means— a government entity of the Commonwealth or another State responsible for administering a corresponding law to the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 or the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) ; or an entity prescribed under a regulation as a corresponding authority for this Act. dangerous goods see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
(a) information about action taken by the Coordinator-General under this Act; or
(b) information obtained under this Act.
(a) a government entity of the Commonwealth or another State responsible for administering a corresponding law to the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 or the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) ; or
(b) an entity prescribed under a regulation as a corresponding authority for this Act.
sec.48
Power to require information from local governments
sec.48 Power to require information from local governments
The Coordinator-General may, by written notice given to a local government, require the local government to give to the Coordinator-General, or to a person stated in the notice, information on a particular issue relevant to—
the discharge of the Coordinator-General’s functions or the exercise of powers under this Act; or
the discharge of the local government’s functions or exercise of powers under the Planning Act 2016 or the repealed Sustainable Planning Act 2009 .
The notice must state a reasonable period within which the notice is to be complied with and may state the way in which it is to be complied with.
The local government must comply with the notice.
However, the local government may appeal to the Minister against the notice and, if the local government appeals, the local government only has to comply with the notice if, and to the extent that, the Minister directs.
s 48 amd 2016 No. 27 s 555
(sec.48-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may, by written notice given to a local government, require the local government to give to the Coordinator-General, or to a person stated in the notice, information on a particular issue relevant to— the discharge of the Coordinator-General’s functions or the exercise of powers under this Act; or the discharge of the local government’s functions or exercise of powers under the Planning Act 2016 or the repealed Sustainable Planning Act 2009 .
(sec.48-ssec.2) The notice must state a reasonable period within which the notice is to be complied with and may state the way in which it is to be complied with.
(sec.48-ssec.3) The local government must comply with the notice.
(sec.48-ssec.4) However, the local government may appeal to the Minister against the notice and, if the local government appeals, the local government only has to comply with the notice if, and to the extent that, the Minister directs.
(a) the discharge of the Coordinator-General’s functions or the exercise of powers under this Act; or
(b) the discharge of the local government’s functions or exercise of powers under the Planning Act 2016 or the repealed Sustainable Planning Act 2009 .
pt.7
General offence provisions
General offence provisions
sec.49
Trespassing on railway
sec.49 Trespassing on railway
A person must not intentionally or recklessly trespass on the railway.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
sec.50
Interfering with railway
sec.50 Interfering with railway
A person in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land must not interfere with the railway unless—
the person has the written approval of a relevant person under this section; or
the interference is permitted or authorised under section 44 or under a right of access under section 33 or the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) ; or
the interference is otherwise approved, authorised or permitted under this Act or another Act.
Maximum penalty—160 penalty units.
A person in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land must not attempt to interfere with the railway unless subsection (1) (a) , (b) or (c) applies to the person.
Maximum penalty—80 penalty units.
An approval may be subject to a reasonable condition.
The person must comply with the condition.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who carries out urgent maintenance of the railway.
If a relevant person decides to refuse to give an approval or gives an approval subject to a condition, the relevant person must give the person a notice stating the reasons for the decision.
If the relevant person is a railway manager, the notice must also state that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision.
If a railway manager gives an approval under this section, the railway manager must give the Coordinator-General written notice of the approval.
The notice must include details of the works or other thing to which the approval relates.
An approval given by a railway manager under this section is of no effect to the extent the approval—
is inconsistent with an approval given by the Coordinator-General under this section or section 44 ; or
is for works for which the Coordinator-General has given a direction under section 45 (2) or a notice under section 45 (4) ; or
is for works or another thing for which the Coordinator-General has refused to give an approval under this section.
This section binds all persons, including the State.
In this section—
interfere with , the railway, means—
carry out works in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land; or
carry out works in or on a railway crossing or watercourse crossing; or
otherwise interfere with the railway or its operation.
relevant person means—
a railway manager; or
if there is no railway manager—the Coordinator-General.
watercourse crossing see section 43 (7) .
s 50 amd 2017 No. 4 s 145 sch 1
(sec.50-ssec.1) A person in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land must not interfere with the railway unless— the person has the written approval of a relevant person under this section; or the interference is permitted or authorised under section 44 or under a right of access under section 33 or the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) ; or the interference is otherwise approved, authorised or permitted under this Act or another Act. Maximum penalty—160 penalty units.
(sec.50-ssec.2) A person in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land must not attempt to interfere with the railway unless subsection (1) (a) , (b) or (c) applies to the person. Maximum penalty—80 penalty units.
(sec.50-ssec.3) An approval may be subject to a reasonable condition.
(sec.50-ssec.4) The person must comply with the condition. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.50-ssec.5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who carries out urgent maintenance of the railway.
(sec.50-ssec.6) If a relevant person decides to refuse to give an approval or gives an approval subject to a condition, the relevant person must give the person a notice stating the reasons for the decision.
(sec.50-ssec.7) If the relevant person is a railway manager, the notice must also state that the person may apply under section 60 for an internal review of the decision.
(sec.50-ssec.8) If a railway manager gives an approval under this section, the railway manager must give the Coordinator-General written notice of the approval.
(sec.50-ssec.9) The notice must include details of the works or other thing to which the approval relates.
(sec.50-ssec.10) An approval given by a railway manager under this section is of no effect to the extent the approval— is inconsistent with an approval given by the Coordinator-General under this section or section 44 ; or is for works for which the Coordinator-General has given a direction under section 45 (2) or a notice under section 45 (4) ; or is for works or another thing for which the Coordinator-General has refused to give an approval under this section.
(sec.50-ssec.11) This section binds all persons, including the State.
(sec.50-ssec.12) In this section— interfere with , the railway, means— carry out works in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land; or carry out works in or on a railway crossing or watercourse crossing; or otherwise interfere with the railway or its operation. relevant person means— a railway manager; or if there is no railway manager—the Coordinator-General. watercourse crossing see section 43 (7) .
(a) the person has the written approval of a relevant person under this section; or
(b) the interference is permitted or authorised under section 44 or under a right of access under section 33 or the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) ; or
(c) the interference is otherwise approved, authorised or permitted under this Act or another Act.
(a) is inconsistent with an approval given by the Coordinator-General under this section or section 44 ; or
(b) is for works for which the Coordinator-General has given a direction under section 45 (2) or a notice under section 45 (4) ; or
(c) is for works or another thing for which the Coordinator-General has refused to give an approval under this section.
(a) carry out works in or on the Surat Basin rail corridor land; or
(b) carry out works in or on a railway crossing or watercourse crossing; or
(c) otherwise interfere with the railway or its operation.
(a) a railway manager; or
(b) if there is no railway manager—the Coordinator-General.
sec.51
Rectifying unauthorised interference
sec.51 Rectifying unauthorised interference
If a person contravenes section 50 (1) by interfering with the railway, a railway manager may, by written notice, require the person to rectify the interference within a stated reasonable period.
The person must comply with the requirement, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
If the person does not comply with the requirement, the railway manager may rectify the interference.
The person must pay the railway manager’s costs of—
rectifying the interference; or
altering the construction, maintenance or operation of the railway because of the interference.
In this section—
rectify the interference means—
alter, dismantle or take away any works; or
fix any damage caused by the interference.
(sec.51-ssec.1) If a person contravenes section 50 (1) by interfering with the railway, a railway manager may, by written notice, require the person to rectify the interference within a stated reasonable period.
(sec.51-ssec.2) The person must comply with the requirement, unless the person has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.51-ssec.3) If the person does not comply with the requirement, the railway manager may rectify the interference.
(sec.51-ssec.4) The person must pay the railway manager’s costs of— rectifying the interference; or altering the construction, maintenance or operation of the railway because of the interference.
(sec.51-ssec.5) In this section— rectify the interference means— alter, dismantle or take away any works; or fix any damage caused by the interference.
(a) rectifying the interference; or
(b) altering the construction, maintenance or operation of the railway because of the interference.
(a) alter, dismantle or take away any works; or
(b) fix any damage caused by the interference.
sec.52
Altering watercourse to adversely affect the railway
sec.52 Altering watercourse to adversely affect the railway
A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, alter a watercourse in a way that adversely affects the railway.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, attempt to alter a watercourse in a way that adversely affects the railway.
Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
In this section—
alter includes damage and interfere with.
(sec.52-ssec.1) A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, alter a watercourse in a way that adversely affects the railway. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.52-ssec.2) A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, attempt to alter a watercourse in a way that adversely affects the railway. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
(sec.52-ssec.3) In this section— alter includes damage and interfere with.
sec.53
Altering materials or railway works
sec.53 Altering materials or railway works
A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, alter any naturally occurring materials, stockpile of material or railway works on the railway.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, attempt to alter any naturally occurring materials, stockpile of material or railway works on the railway.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
A person must not deposit rubbish or abandon goods or materials on the railway other than at places approved by, and under conditions fixed by, a relevant person for the railway.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
In this section—
alter includes damage, interfere with and remove.
relevant person , for the railway, means—
a railway manager; or
the Coordinator-General.
(sec.53-ssec.1) A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, alter any naturally occurring materials, stockpile of material or railway works on the railway. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.53-ssec.2) A person must not, without a reasonable excuse, attempt to alter any naturally occurring materials, stockpile of material or railway works on the railway. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.53-ssec.3) A person must not deposit rubbish or abandon goods or materials on the railway other than at places approved by, and under conditions fixed by, a relevant person for the railway. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.53-ssec.4) In this section— alter includes damage, interfere with and remove. relevant person , for the railway, means— a railway manager; or the Coordinator-General.
(a) a railway manager; or
(b) the Coordinator-General.
sec.54
Pretending to be an authorised person or associated person
sec.54 Pretending to be an authorised person or associated person
A person must not pretend to be—
an authorised person; or
an associated person of the Coordinator-General; or
an associated person of an authorised person.
Maximum penalty—80 penalty units.
(a) an authorised person; or
(b) an associated person of the Coordinator-General; or
(c) an associated person of an authorised person.
pt.8
Relationship with other Acts
Relationship with other Acts
pt.8-div.1
Transport noise corridors under Building Act 1975
Transport noise corridors under Building Act 1975
sec.55
Application of provisions of Building Act 1975
sec.55 Application of provisions of Building Act 1975
The Building Act 1975 , chapter 8B , parts 1 and 3 (the applied provisions ) applies to the Surat Basin rail corridor land and land adjoining it as if—
a reference to railway land in the applied provisions included a reference to the Surat Basin rail corridor land; and
a reference to the transport chief executive in the applied provisions were a reference to the Coordinator-General.
(a) a reference to railway land in the applied provisions included a reference to the Surat Basin rail corridor land; and
(b) a reference to the transport chief executive in the applied provisions were a reference to the Coordinator-General.
sec.56
Recording of information for land in transport noise corridor
sec.56 Recording of information for land in transport noise corridor
The Coordinator-General may give the registrar of titles a written notice about land within a transport noise corridor.
The notice must include particulars of the land.
If the Coordinator-General acts under subsection (1) , the registrar of titles must—
keep a record to show the land to which the notice relates is land within a transport noise corridor; and
keep the record in a way that a search of the register kept by the registrar under any Act relating to title to land will show the land is within a transport noise corridor.
Subsection (5) applies if land for which a notice is given under subsection (1) is no longer within a transport noise corridor.
As soon as practicable after becoming aware the land is no longer within the transport noise corridor, the Coordinator-General must give the registrar of titles written notice of the fact.
On receiving the notice, the registrar of titles must remove the record mentioned in subsection (3) from the registrar’s records.
No fee is payable to the registrar for keeping or removing a record under this section.
In this section—
transport noise corridor means a transport noise corridor designated under the Building Act 1975 , chapter 8B , part 3 .
(sec.56-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may give the registrar of titles a written notice about land within a transport noise corridor.
(sec.56-ssec.2) The notice must include particulars of the land.
(sec.56-ssec.3) If the Coordinator-General acts under subsection (1) , the registrar of titles must— keep a record to show the land to which the notice relates is land within a transport noise corridor; and keep the record in a way that a search of the register kept by the registrar under any Act relating to title to land will show the land is within a transport noise corridor.
(sec.56-ssec.4) Subsection (5) applies if land for which a notice is given under subsection (1) is no longer within a transport noise corridor.
(sec.56-ssec.5) As soon as practicable after becoming aware the land is no longer within the transport noise corridor, the Coordinator-General must give the registrar of titles written notice of the fact.
(sec.56-ssec.6) On receiving the notice, the registrar of titles must remove the record mentioned in subsection (3) from the registrar’s records.
(sec.56-ssec.7) No fee is payable to the registrar for keeping or removing a record under this section.
(sec.56-ssec.8) In this section— transport noise corridor means a transport noise corridor designated under the Building Act 1975 , chapter 8B , part 3 .
(a) keep a record to show the land to which the notice relates is land within a transport noise corridor; and
(b) keep the record in a way that a search of the register kept by the registrar under any Act relating to title to land will show the land is within a transport noise corridor.
pt.8-div.2
Easements under Land Title Act 1994
Easements under Land Title Act 1994
sec.57
Grant and registration of easements
sec.57 Grant and registration of easements
The railway lessee may grant an easement that burdens the railway lease.
The instrument creating the easement may be registered under the Land Title Act 1994 , section 83 .
For the Land Title Act 1994 , section 83 (1) (b) (i) , a reference to the registered owner is taken to include the railway lessee.
This section does not prevent—
the Coordinator-General from granting or registering an easement that burdens a lot of the land subject to the railway lease; or
the railway lessee from registering more than 1 instrument creating an easement that burdens the railway lease.
It is declared that—
an easement over the railway lease ends when the railway lease ends; and
this section only applies to a lot that is the Surat Basin rail corridor land and a lot that adjoins the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.57-ssec.1) The railway lessee may grant an easement that burdens the railway lease.
(sec.57-ssec.2) The instrument creating the easement may be registered under the Land Title Act 1994 , section 83 .
(sec.57-ssec.3) For the Land Title Act 1994 , section 83 (1) (b) (i) , a reference to the registered owner is taken to include the railway lessee.
(sec.57-ssec.4) This section does not prevent— the Coordinator-General from granting or registering an easement that burdens a lot of the land subject to the railway lease; or the railway lessee from registering more than 1 instrument creating an easement that burdens the railway lease.
(sec.57-ssec.5) It is declared that— an easement over the railway lease ends when the railway lease ends; and this section only applies to a lot that is the Surat Basin rail corridor land and a lot that adjoins the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) the Coordinator-General from granting or registering an easement that burdens a lot of the land subject to the railway lease; or
(b) the railway lessee from registering more than 1 instrument creating an easement that burdens the railway lease.
(a) an easement over the railway lease ends when the railway lease ends; and
(b) this section only applies to a lot that is the Surat Basin rail corridor land and a lot that adjoins the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
pt.8-div.3
Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
sec.58
Non-application of provisions of Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
sec.58 Non-application of provisions of Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
The Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , chapters 7 and 16 do not apply to—
railway works that are carried out, or are to be carried out, under this Act; or
investigations for the expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land that are carried out, or are to be carried out, under this Act; or
the Surat Basin rail corridor land; or
the railway.
(a) railway works that are carried out, or are to be carried out, under this Act; or
(b) investigations for the expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land that are carried out, or are to be carried out, under this Act; or
(c) the Surat Basin rail corridor land; or
(d) the railway.
pt.9
Severance of rail transport infrastructure
Severance of rail transport infrastructure
sec.59
Severance of declared infrastructure
sec.59 Severance of declared infrastructure
A regulation may declare that rail transport infrastructure stated in the regulation (the declared infrastructure ) is severed from the Surat Basin rail corridor land on which it is situated or proposed to be situated.
The regulation may state the day when the declared infrastructure is severed.
On and after the day the declared infrastructure is severed, the declared infrastructure is taken to be, and must be dealt with as, personal property separate from the land.
The severance of the declared infrastructure from land under this section—
does not affect the right of the declared infrastructure to be situated on the land; and
does not affect a person’s rights or obligations under an agreement relating to the declared infrastructure, other than to the extent stated in the agreement; and
does not affect any right to drain water or sewage from the declared infrastructure across and through the land or to use any means of drainage of water or sewage across and through the land; and
is not a dutiable transaction under the Duties Act 2001 .
(sec.59-ssec.1) A regulation may declare that rail transport infrastructure stated in the regulation (the declared infrastructure ) is severed from the Surat Basin rail corridor land on which it is situated or proposed to be situated.
(sec.59-ssec.2) The regulation may state the day when the declared infrastructure is severed.
(sec.59-ssec.3) On and after the day the declared infrastructure is severed, the declared infrastructure is taken to be, and must be dealt with as, personal property separate from the land.
(sec.59-ssec.4) The severance of the declared infrastructure from land under this section— does not affect the right of the declared infrastructure to be situated on the land; and does not affect a person’s rights or obligations under an agreement relating to the declared infrastructure, other than to the extent stated in the agreement; and does not affect any right to drain water or sewage from the declared infrastructure across and through the land or to use any means of drainage of water or sewage across and through the land; and is not a dutiable transaction under the Duties Act 2001 .
(a) does not affect the right of the declared infrastructure to be situated on the land; and
(b) does not affect a person’s rights or obligations under an agreement relating to the declared infrastructure, other than to the extent stated in the agreement; and
(c) does not affect any right to drain water or sewage from the declared infrastructure across and through the land or to use any means of drainage of water or sewage across and through the land; and
(d) is not a dutiable transaction under the Duties Act 2001 .
pt.10
Reviews
Reviews
sec.60
Internal review of decisions
sec.60 Internal review of decisions
A person whose interests are affected by a decision made by a railway manager under section 35 or 50 may ask the Coordinator-General to review the decision.
The Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994 , part 5 , division 2 (the applied provisions ) applies to the review as if—
a reference to a transport Act in the applied provisions included a reference to this Act; and
a reference to the chief executive in the applied provisions were a reference to the Coordinator-General.
(sec.60-ssec.1) A person whose interests are affected by a decision made by a railway manager under section 35 or 50 may ask the Coordinator-General to review the decision.
(sec.60-ssec.2) The Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994 , part 5 , division 2 (the applied provisions ) applies to the review as if— a reference to a transport Act in the applied provisions included a reference to this Act; and a reference to the chief executive in the applied provisions were a reference to the Coordinator-General.
(a) a reference to a transport Act in the applied provisions included a reference to this Act; and
(b) a reference to the chief executive in the applied provisions were a reference to the Coordinator-General.
sec.61
External review of decisions
sec.61 External review of decisions
If the reviewed decision is not the decision sought by the applicant for the review, the Coordinator-General must give the applicant an information notice for the reviewed decision.
The applicant may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to QCAT for a review of the reviewed decision.
The QCAT Act , section 22 (3) provides that QCAT may stay the operation of the reviewed decision, either on application by a person or on its own initiative.
In this section—
information notice , means a written notice stating that the person may—
ask for the reviewed decision to be reviewed by QCAT; and
apply for the reviewed decision to be stayed under the QCAT Act .
reviewed decision means the Coordinator-General’s decision on a review under section 60 .
(sec.61-ssec.1) If the reviewed decision is not the decision sought by the applicant for the review, the Coordinator-General must give the applicant an information notice for the reviewed decision.
(sec.61-ssec.2) The applicant may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to QCAT for a review of the reviewed decision. The QCAT Act , section 22 (3) provides that QCAT may stay the operation of the reviewed decision, either on application by a person or on its own initiative.
(sec.61-ssec.3) In this section— information notice , means a written notice stating that the person may— ask for the reviewed decision to be reviewed by QCAT; and apply for the reviewed decision to be stayed under the QCAT Act . reviewed decision means the Coordinator-General’s decision on a review under section 60 .
(a) ask for the reviewed decision to be reviewed by QCAT; and
(b) apply for the reviewed decision to be stayed under the QCAT Act .
pt.11
Legal proceedings
Legal proceedings
pt.11-div.1
Evidence
Evidence
sec.62
No need to prove authority
sec.62 No need to prove authority
In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, a person who is granted a works authority or investigation authority must be presumed to be an authorised person unless a party to the proceeding, by reasonable notice, requires proof of it.
sec.63
Conduct of company directors, employees or agents
sec.63 Conduct of company directors, employees or agents
If, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a corporation about particular conduct, it is enough to show—
the conduct was engaged in by a representative of the corporation within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
the representative had the state of mind.
Conduct engaged in for a corporation by a representative of the corporation within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the corporation unless the corporation establishes it took reasonable precautions and exercised appropriate diligence to avoid the conduct.
If, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of an individual about particular conduct, it is enough to show—
the conduct was engaged in by a representative of the individual within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
the representative had the state of mind.
Conduct engaged in for an individual by a representative of the individual within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the individual unless the individual establishes the individual took reasonable precautions and exercised appropriate diligence to avoid the conduct.
In this section—
engaging in conduct includes failing to engage in conduct.
representative means—
for a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or
for an individual—an employee or agent of the individual.
state of mind of a person includes—
the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and
the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
(sec.63-ssec.1) If, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a corporation about particular conduct, it is enough to show— the conduct was engaged in by a representative of the corporation within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and the representative had the state of mind.
(sec.63-ssec.2) Conduct engaged in for a corporation by a representative of the corporation within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the corporation unless the corporation establishes it took reasonable precautions and exercised appropriate diligence to avoid the conduct.
(sec.63-ssec.3) If, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of an individual about particular conduct, it is enough to show— the conduct was engaged in by a representative of the individual within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and the representative had the state of mind.
(sec.63-ssec.4) Conduct engaged in for an individual by a representative of the individual within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken, in a proceeding for an offence against this Act, to have been engaged in also by the individual unless the individual establishes the individual took reasonable precautions and exercised appropriate diligence to avoid the conduct.
(sec.63-ssec.5) In this section— engaging in conduct includes failing to engage in conduct. representative means— for a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or for an individual—an employee or agent of the individual. state of mind of a person includes— the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
(a) the conduct was engaged in by a representative of the corporation within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
(b) the representative had the state of mind.
(a) the conduct was engaged in by a representative of the individual within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
(b) the representative had the state of mind.
(a) for a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or
(b) for an individual—an employee or agent of the individual.
(a) the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and
(b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
sec.64
Other evidentiary aids
sec.64 Other evidentiary aids
A statement in a complaint for an offence against this Act that the matter of the complaint came to the knowledge of the complainant on a stated day is evidence of when the matter came to the complainant’s knowledge.
pt.11-div.2
Offence proceedings
Offence proceedings
sec.65
Summary offences
sec.65 Summary offences
An offence against this Act is a summary offence.
sec.66
Limitation on time for starting proceeding for summary offence
sec.66 Limitation on time for starting proceeding for summary offence
A summary proceeding under the Justices Act 1886 for a summary offence must start within the later of the following periods to end—
1 year after the commission of the offence; or
6 months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge, but within 2 years after the commission of the offence.
(a) 1 year after the commission of the offence; or
(b) 6 months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge, but within 2 years after the commission of the offence.
pt.12
Miscellaneous provisions
Miscellaneous provisions
sec.67
Recovery of cost of damage
sec.67 Recovery of cost of damage
This section applies if a person intentionally, recklessly or negligently damages railway works on the railway.
The person is liable to pay the relevant person for the railway works the cost of repairing the damage.
However, if the damage is caused by the driver of a vehicle whose identity is unknown, or who can not be located, the registered operator of the vehicle is liable for the costs of repairing the damage, unless the vehicle was being used without the registered operator’s knowledge or permission.
Subsections (2) and (3) apply, whether or not the damage establishes, or relates to, an offence against this Act.
However, if—
a court finds a person guilty of an offence against this Act; and
in committing the offence, the person damaged works;
the court may, as well as imposing a penalty, order the person to pay an amount towards the cost of repairing the damage.
In this section—
registered operator means the person in whose name the vehicle is registered.
relevant person , for railway works, means—
if the railway works are or were carried out by or for a railway manager—the railway manager; or
otherwise—the Coordinator-General.
repairing includes replacing and reconstructing.
(sec.67-ssec.1) This section applies if a person intentionally, recklessly or negligently damages railway works on the railway.
(sec.67-ssec.2) The person is liable to pay the relevant person for the railway works the cost of repairing the damage.
(sec.67-ssec.3) However, if the damage is caused by the driver of a vehicle whose identity is unknown, or who can not be located, the registered operator of the vehicle is liable for the costs of repairing the damage, unless the vehicle was being used without the registered operator’s knowledge or permission.
(sec.67-ssec.4) Subsections (2) and (3) apply, whether or not the damage establishes, or relates to, an offence against this Act.
(sec.67-ssec.5) However, if— a court finds a person guilty of an offence against this Act; and in committing the offence, the person damaged works; the court may, as well as imposing a penalty, order the person to pay an amount towards the cost of repairing the damage.
(sec.67-ssec.6) In this section— registered operator means the person in whose name the vehicle is registered. relevant person , for railway works, means— if the railway works are or were carried out by or for a railway manager—the railway manager; or otherwise—the Coordinator-General. repairing includes replacing and reconstructing.
(a) a court finds a person guilty of an offence against this Act; and
(b) in committing the offence, the person damaged works;
(a) if the railway works are or were carried out by or for a railway manager—the railway manager; or
(b) otherwise—the Coordinator-General.
sec.68
Amounts payable to Coordinator-General are debts owing to the State
sec.68 Amounts payable to Coordinator-General are debts owing to the State
An amount payable by a person to the Coordinator-General under this Act is a debt owing to the State.
sec.69
Disposal of fees, penalties and other amounts
sec.69 Disposal of fees, penalties and other amounts
All fees, penalties and other amounts received or recovered under this Act are to be paid to the consolidated fund.
sec.70
Delegations
sec.70 Delegations
The Coordinator-General may delegate his or her functions under this Act to—
a person appointed or employed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 , section 5 , 7A , 14 or 15 ; or
an appropriately qualified public service employee; or
an appropriately qualified employee of a local body.
In this section—
appropriately qualified includes having the qualifications, experience or standing appropriate for the functions.
function includes power.
local body means—
a government owned corporation; or
a statutory body as defined under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 ; or
another body established under an Act; or
a corporation whose shares are wholly owned by—
the State; or
the State and 1 or more local governments; or
1 or more local governments; or
a corporation whose shares are entirely owned by a corporation of the type mentioned in paragraph (d) .
(sec.70-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may delegate his or her functions under this Act to— a person appointed or employed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 , section 5 , 7A , 14 or 15 ; or an appropriately qualified public service employee; or an appropriately qualified employee of a local body.
(sec.70-ssec.2) In this section— appropriately qualified includes having the qualifications, experience or standing appropriate for the functions. function includes power. local body means— a government owned corporation; or a statutory body as defined under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 ; or another body established under an Act; or a corporation whose shares are wholly owned by— the State; or the State and 1 or more local governments; or 1 or more local governments; or a corporation whose shares are entirely owned by a corporation of the type mentioned in paragraph (d) .
(a) a person appointed or employed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 , section 5 , 7A , 14 or 15 ; or
(b) an appropriately qualified public service employee; or
(c) an appropriately qualified employee of a local body.
(a) a government owned corporation; or
(b) a statutory body as defined under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 ; or
(c) another body established under an Act; or
(d) a corporation whose shares are wholly owned by— (i) the State; or (ii) the State and 1 or more local governments; or (iii) 1 or more local governments; or
(i) the State; or
(ii) the State and 1 or more local governments; or
(iii) 1 or more local governments; or
(e) a corporation whose shares are entirely owned by a corporation of the type mentioned in paragraph (d) .
(i) the State; or
(ii) the State and 1 or more local governments; or
(iii) 1 or more local governments; or
sec.71
Review of Act
sec.71 Review of Act
The Minister must review the operation of this Act no later than 10 years after the commencement of this section.
The Minister must, as soon as practicable after the review is finished, table in the Legislative Assembly a report on the outcome of the review.
(sec.71-ssec.1) The Minister must review the operation of this Act no later than 10 years after the commencement of this section.
(sec.71-ssec.2) The Minister must, as soon as practicable after the review is finished, table in the Legislative Assembly a report on the outcome of the review.
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
pt.1-div.1 Introduction
Introduction
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Surat Basin Rail (Infrastructure Development and Management) Act 2012 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
sec.3 Object of Act and its achievement
sec.3 Object of Act and its achievement
The object of this Act is to facilitate the development and operation of the railway.
The object is intended to be achieved primarily by—
providing that particular provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to a railway lease declared under part 2 to be an exempt lease; and
providing a framework to—
allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and
allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and
allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and
allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
providing for the safety of the railway and persons at, on or near the railway by imposing requirements and establishing offences directed at ensuring the safety.
s 3 amd 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3
(sec.3-ssec.1) The object of this Act is to facilitate the development and operation of the railway.
(sec.3-ssec.2) The object is intended to be achieved primarily by— providing that particular provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to a railway lease declared under part 2 to be an exempt lease; and providing a framework to— allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and providing for the safety of the railway and persons at, on or near the railway by imposing requirements and establishing offences directed at ensuring the safety.
(a) providing that particular provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to a railway lease declared under part 2 to be an exempt lease; and
(b) providing a framework to— (i) allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and (ii) allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and (iii) allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and (iv) allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
Grants broad entry, occupation and works powers to the Coordinator‑General, authorised persons and associated persons for carrying out both railway works and investigations, including rights to dig, bore, occupy, deposit and remove materials, erect buildings and remain on land for necessary periods; these powers are subject to notice or written agreement requirements and a statutory duty to minimise damage and inconvenience (ss 20-25).
Imposes compensation liability on the Coordinator‑General and authorised persons for loss or damage caused by entry and activities and prescribes a claims process with time limits and Land Court resolution where parties cannot agree (ss 26-27).
Provides a separate regime for roads, crossings and watercourses intersecting or adjacent to the corridor: rights and duties to alter road levels with cost allocation, maintenance responsibilities for crossings and railway parts on roads, local government obligations to seek approval to construct or manage roads crossing corridor land, and a power for the Coordinator‑General to approve or refuse with registration requirements if approved (ss 31-41; s 33 in particular).
Authorises the declaration of “common areas” where the corridor route is interrupted by roads or non‑tidal watercourses, with consequences for occupation, liability, registration and removal costs (ss 42-43).
Establishes offences and penalties for trespass, interfering with the railway, altering materials or watercourses in ways that adversely affect the railway, pretending to be an authorised person, and failure to comply with authority conditions, with specified maximum penalties (ss 49-54; s 18).
Provides review routes for adversely affected persons: internal review to the Coordinator‑General (s 60) and external review to QCAT (s 61), and procedural rules for evidence and summary prosecution timelines (ss 62-66).
Enables regulation‑making, including fees and regulation penalties up to 20 penalty units, and mandates a statutory review of the Act within ten years (ss 72, 71).
The Act therefore replaces or bypasses numerous general land, transport and road rules within the corridor by providing a single, project‑specific scheme for authorities to enter, investigate, build, operate and protect rail infrastructure, together with compensation, registration and enforcement mechanisms (see notably ss 9, 33, 44-46, 58-59).
Main concepts
The Act builds around a small number of recurring legal and operational concepts. Each concept carries its own decision rights, duties and procedural rules.
Surat Basin rail corridor land (s 7). This is a jurisdictional and spatial limit: land must be inside a declared State Development Area under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, owned by the Coordinator‑General, and prescribed by regulation. The definition is the gate for application of most powers and non‑application of certain other Acts (for example, s 58 excludes some Transport Infrastructure Act provisions from applying to works under this Act).
Railway and railway works (ss 5-6). “Railway” means the railway and rail transport infrastructure situated or proposed within the corridor land; “railway works” are works for constructing, maintaining, altering or operating the railway. These definitions determine the scope of entry powers, offences, maintenance duties and compensation liability.
Exempt lease (pts 2; ss 8-9). The Minister may declare a railway lease an “exempt lease”. If so, designated provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 do not apply to that lease (s 9). The Act imposes notification and gazettal requirements after declaration (s 8). An exempt lease thereby operates under a different legal regime for title and property law matters specified by the Act.
Works authority and investigation authority (pts 3 div 2; ss 12-16). These are formal, written permissions granted by the Coordinator‑General to a railway licensee, railway lessee or railway manager to enter land adjacent to the corridor (works authority) or any land for investigation of potential expansion/realignment (investigation authority). Authorities must state the authorised person, land, purpose, expiry and powers (s 16). Conditions may include bond/security (ss 14-15).
Authorised persons and associated persons (s 10; ss 20-23; ss 28-30). An authorised person holds a works or investigation authority. Associated persons include agents, contractors, employees and where the authorised person is a corporation, the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors. Associated persons must be issued identification (s 28) and return it when their status ends (s 30); both offences carry small penalties.
Entry and powers (pts 3 div 3; ss 20-23). The Coordinator‑General and authorised persons (and associated persons) get extensive powers to enter, occupy and perform works or investigations on corridor land or adjacent land, including excavation, occupation, construction, deposit, removal, and to remain and re‑enter as necessary (s 20 for railway works; s 22 for investigations).
Notice, consultation and care (ss 12, 13, 24, 25). Applicants must consult landowners/occupiers before applying (s 12(2)), the Coordinator‑General may request extra information (s 13), and entry generally requires at least 7 days written notice or written agreement (s 24). Persons must take practicable care to minimise damage or inconvenience (s 25).
Compensation and dispute resolution (ss 26-27). The Coordinator‑General or authorised person is liable for loss or damage caused by entry and activities (s 26). Owners/occupiers have a one‑year window (or longer by Coordinator‑General leave) to give written notice claiming compensation, restitution or material taking, and amounts unresolved go to the Land Court (s 27).
Roads, crossings and local government interface (pt 4; ss 31-35). The Act allocates responsibilities for road level alterations, maintenance of the railway where it crosses roads, obligations on local government to obtain Coordinator‑General approval for roads or changes that affect the railway, and rights to temporarily close crossings for safety (s 35).
Works near the railway and preventive powers (pt 5 div 2; ss 44-46). The Coordinator‑General’s written approval is needed for works likely to threaten railway safety or operational integrity (s 44); the Coordinator‑General can direct works to stop, require removal, enter land to inspect and register notices against title to flag land where approval is required (ss 45, 46).
Interaction with other statutes (pt 8; ss 55-58). The Act applies certain Building Act 1975 transport noise corridor provisions to the corridor (s 55), allows recording of transport noise corridor information at titles office (s 56), enables registration of easements by the railway lessee (s 57), and explicitly excludes chapters 7 and 16 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 in relation to works and the railway (s 58). The Act also contemplates sharing information with corresponding authorities about dangerous goods (s 47).
These concepts structure decision‑making: who may act (Minister, Coordinator‑General, authorised persons, railway manager, lessee/licensee, local governments), what powers they hold (entry, occupation, works, approvals, directions), and what constraints and duties apply (consultation, notice, care, compensation, penalties, review rights). The Act also creates metadata and title recording mechanisms (ss 33(6)(a), 46, 56) to ensure public notice of approvals and restrictions.
Who it affects
The Act allocates rights, duties and potential liabilities across a set of clearly identified actors. Listing them with the statutory hooks highlights who pays, who decides and whose behaviour is changed.
The Minister. Decides declarations of exempt leases (s 8) and may declare common areas by gazette notice for roads or non‑tidal boundary watercourses where the corridor is interrupted (ss 42-43). The Minister also has the formal obligation to ensure a review of the Act within ten years (s 71).
The Coordinator‑General. Central administrative and enforcement actor: grants works and investigation authorities (ss 14-16), issues powers to enter and act (ss 20, 22), may cancel authorities (s 19), receives compensation claims and is liable for compensation when the Coordinator‑General or associated persons cause loss or damage (ss 26-27), gives notices to registrar of titles (ss 33(6), 46, 56), issues directions to stop works and remove unapproved works (s 45), approves diversions or constructions of watercourses (s 38), issues and receives information requests from local governments (s 48), may delegate functions (s 70), and is the named recipient for fees and amounts under the Act collected into consolidated fund (s 69).
Railway manager. Responsible for constructing, maintaining and operating the railway on corridor land and common areas (ss 31-33, 42). Has duties to maintain particular parts of roads where railway occupies them (s 32). A railway manager may temporarily close or regulate crossings for safety (s 35) and may give approvals for interference with the railway (s 50) subject to notification to the Coordinator‑General (s 50(8)).
Railway lessee and railway licensee. May be granted an exempt lease by the Minister (s 8), may be the applicant for works or investigation authorities (s 12), may grant easements that burden the railway lease and register them (s 57), and may use and occupy declared common areas subject to conditions (ss 42-43). They also face liabilities to remove infrastructure and restore roads or watercourses where a declared common area stops being used, unless agreed otherwise (ss 42(5), 43(5)).
Authorised persons and associated persons. An authorised person holds a works or investigation authority (s 10 note). Associated persons include agents, contractors, employees and corporate officers (s 10). They must carry ID, show it on request, and comply with authority conditions; failure attracts penalties (ss 28-30, 29).
Owners and occupiers of land adjacent to or proposed for entry. They must be consulted prior to application for authorities (s 12(2)), receive at least 7 days’ written notice before entry (s 24), may be compensated for loss or damage (ss 26-27), and can seek internal and external review of certain decisions affecting crossings or approvals (ss 60-61). They also have a legal duty to comply with a written notice from the Coordinator‑General to remedy water accumulation where it obstructs rail traffic, with a 200 penalty unit sanction for non‑compliance and liability to reimburse costs if the Coordinator‑General has to act (s 40).
Local governments. Must apply to the Coordinator‑General for approval to construct, maintain or operate roads on corridor land or to change road management that affects railway safety or integrity (ss 33, 34). Once approvals are granted and roads used, the road becomes a road under local government control (s 33(7)) and maintenance responsibilities generally rest with local government unless otherwise agreed (s 33(8)).
Registrar of titles. Required to record approvals, declarations and notices in the appropriate register where the Coordinator‑General gives notice (ss 33(6), 42(4), 43(4), 46, 56). Registration is done without fee under s 46 and s 56(7).
Relevant person for crossings and works. The Act defines “relevant person” in various contexts, often referring to the railway manager or, where none, the Coordinator‑General (e.g. s 50). Where a relevant person (for a crossing) is affected by closure they can claim compensation (s 35).
Courts and Land Court. The Land Court is the fallback dispute forum for unresolved compensation for loss or damage caused by entry or investigation if parties cannot agree (s 27). Courts with jurisdiction for recovery decide compensation for road alterations (s 31(4)). QCAT is available for external review of Coordinator‑General decisions after internal review (s 61).
Entities handling dangerous goods and corresponding authorities. The Coordinator‑General may share information with corresponding authorities for dangerous goods transport (s 47), subject to confidentiality restrictions.
Who pays: compensation for damage caused by entries is paid by the Coordinator‑General or authorised person whose activities caused the loss (s 26); railway manager generally pays reasonable expenses to alter a road level unless agreed (s 31); railway lessee/licensee may be liable for removal costs if a common area railway stops being used (ss 42(5), 43(5)); owners who fail to remedy watercourse obstruction may be required to pay Coordinator‑General costs (s 40(5)). Non‑compliance penalties are payable to consolidated fund (ss 68-69).
Who decides: multiple decision points rest with the Coordinator‑General (authorities, approvals, directions, cancellations, notices to titles), the Minister (exempt leases, common areas), and railway managers for operational decisions such as closing crossings (s 35), with statutory consultation obligations with affected parties and other railway actors (e.g. s 33(4), s 44(3)).
Key duties and rights
This section sets out the principal statutory duties, rights to act and the procedural conditions attached to them, grouped by actor or legal status and referenced to the Act.
Rights to enter, occupy and perform works
Coordinator‑General. May enter corridor land and adjacent land to carry out railway works and to investigate land for corridor expansion/realignment (ss 20, 22). Substantive powers are broad: inspection, surveys, digging and boring, marking, setting up survey stations, occupying land, constructing and placing plant and structures, depositing or removing materials, demolition and more (s 20(2)). For investigations, the Coordinator‑General may “do anything on the land”, bring items onto the land and temporarily leave machinery (s 22).
Authorised persons and associated persons. Hold the same scope of powers where authorised by a works or investigation authority; the specific powers to be exercised must be listed in the authority (ss 14-16, 21-23).
Procedural duties before entry
Consultation and application details. An applicant for a works or investigation authority must consult with the owner or occupier before applying and must include particulars of the land, purpose, nature of activities, period sought and details of the consultation in the application (s 12).
Notice or agreement before entry. Except for urgent remedial action or road maintenance, the Coordinator‑General or an authorised person must give at least 7 days written notice to the owner or occupier before entering another’s land, or secure written agreement (s 24). Notices must contain specified information including intended use, outline of activities, approximate period, statement that notice is not State commitment to acquisition, an entitlement to claim compensation (s 24(3)), and be accompanied by a copy of the relevant entry power or authority when applicable (s 24(4)-(5)).
Duty of care when on land
Minimise damage and inconvenience. The Coordinator‑General, authorised person or associated person must take as much care as practicable to minimise damage to land or inconvenience to owner/occupier and may do anything necessary or desirable to minimise damage/inconvenience (s 25).
Compensation and restitution
Liability for loss or damage. The Coordinator‑General or authorised person is liable to compensate the owner or occupier for any loss or damage arising from entry and activities under the Act (s 26). Compensation for loss or damage is to be agreed or, failing agreement, decided by the Land Court (s 27).
Claims process and time limits. Claims must be given by written notice within 1 year after works or investigation completion, or at a later time allowed by the Coordinator‑General (s 27(3)). Claims may seek compensation, taking/use of materials, restitution works, or restitution and then compensation for remaining loss (s 27(1)).
Approvals and prohibitions for works near railway
Approval requirement. A person must not carry out works near the railway that threaten or are likely to threaten the railway’s safety or operational integrity without the Coordinator‑General’s written approval (s 44(1)). The Coordinator‑General must consult with a railway manager and licensee/lessee before giving approval (s 44(3)). The approval does not relieve the proponent of other statutory requirements (s 44(4)).
Power to stop unapproved works. If works are reasonably believed to threaten safety or integrity the Coordinator‑General may direct the person to stop, alter or not start the works (s 45(2)). The person must comply unless they have a reasonable excuse (s 45(3)). For non‑compliance, the Coordinator‑General may require the owner to remove works and, failing that, do the work themselves and recover costs as a debt (s 45(6)-(7)).
Roads, crossings and local government duties
Local government approvals. Local governments must apply to the Coordinator‑General for approval to construct, maintain or operate a road on corridor land by bridge, underpass or level crossing; the Coordinator‑General may approve with conditions or refuse and must consult with railway manager and licensee/lessee before deciding (s 33(1)-(4)). If approved, the approval must be given to the registrar and recorded (s 33(6)(a)-(b)). The local government generally remains responsible for maintenance and for removal/restoration costs if the road stops being used (s 33(8)).
Railway manager duties. A railway manager must maintain parts of the railway on a road and the road surface between rails and to 2m outside outermost rails, or failing presence of a railway manager, the licensee/lessee or previous maintenance authority must do so (s 32).
Identification, inspection and compliance duties
Identification for associated persons. Associated persons must be issued identification by the Coordinator‑General or authorised person before entering land under the authority (s 28). They must show ID on request (s 29) and return it within 21 days of ceasing to be associated, unless reasonable excuse (s 30). Failure to issue ID is an offence for the issuer (penalty 10 penalty units) and failure to show or return ID carries a 10 penalty unit maximum (ss 28-30).
Show authority on request. An authorised person who is asked by an apparent owner or occupier must state their name and immediately show a copy of the works or investigation authority (s 29(2)).
Safety and closing crossings
Safety closures. A railway manager may temporarily close or regulate a crossing if satisfied an immediate threat exists to railway safety or the public; the manager must notify responsible authorities and provide written reasons and review rights; affected persons may claim compensation for direct loss within 1 year (s 35).
Offences and regulatory prohibitions
Trespass and interference. Intentional or reckless trespass on the railway is an offence (40 penalty units) (s 49). Interfering with the railway without approval, permitted authority, or other statutory authorisation is an offence (up to 160 penalty units) with attempts carrying lower penalties (s 50). Other specific prohibitions include altering watercourses in ways that adversely affect the railway (s 52), altering materials or railway works (s 53), and pretending to be authorised (s 54).
Review and administrative procedures
Internal review rights and external appeal. Persons affected by decisions under ss 35 or 50 by a railway manager can request internal review by the Coordinator‑General (s 60). If the Coordinator‑General’s reviewed decision is not the decision sought, the applicant receives an information notice and may apply to QCAT for review and stay (s 61).
Miscellaneous powers
Registration and severance. The Coordinator‑General may seek registration of notices identifying land and works that may threaten railway safety and may effect severance of rail transport infrastructure from land by regulation, treating that infrastructure as personal property after the severance day (ss 46, 59). The Act permits recording of transport noise corridors in the titles register (s 56) and allows the railway lessee to grant and register easements that burden the railway lease (s 57).
The Act binds all persons, including the State, for several key obligations (s 44(5), s 45(10), s 50(11)). Several provisions expressly require consultation with railway managers, licensees or lessees before the Coordinator‑General exercises approval or direction powers (e.g. ss 33(4), 34(4), 44(3), 45(7)).
Penalties and enforcement
The Act specifies a range of criminal and civil enforcement tools, from summary offences and monetary penalties to directions, cancellations, entry powers and civil recovery. Enforcement is mainly by written direction, authority cancellation, penalties (expressly stated as penalty units), and recovery of costs as debts. Key enforcement and penalty features follow with statutory references.
Summary classification and time limits
All offences under the Act are summary offences (s 65). Summary proceedings must be started within the later of 1 year after the commission of the offence or 6 months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge, but within 2 years after commission (s 66).
Specified maximum penalties (penalty units)
Failure to comply with conditions of a works or investigation authority, unless reasonable excuse: maximum 200 penalty units (s 18).
Trespass on the railway, intentional or reckless: 40 penalty units (s 49).
Interfering with the railway without lawful authorisation: maximum 160 penalty units; attempt to interfere: 80 penalty units; failure to comply with approval conditions: 40 penalty units (s 50).
Failure to comply with Coordinator‑General direction to stop/alter works or to a notice requiring removal of works: maximum 100 penalty units (s 45(3), s 45(5)).
Failure to return identification (associated person) within 21 days: maximum 10 penalty units (s 30).
Failure to issue identification for associated person (issuer) before entry: maximum 10 penalty units (s 28(2)).
Failure by an associated person to show identification on request: maximum 10 penalty units (s 29(3)).
Altering a watercourse in a way that adversely affects the railway without reasonable excuse: maximum 40 penalty units; attempt: 20 units (s 52).
Altering naturally occurring materials, stockpiles or railway works on the railway without reasonable excuse: maximum 200 penalty units; attempt: 100 units. Depositing rubbish or abandoning goods on the railway other than at approved places: 200 units (s 53).
Pretending to be an authorised person or associated person: 80 penalty units (s 54).
Failure to comply with s 40 written notice to remediate watercourse (owner): maximum 200 penalty units (s 40(3)).
Enforcement mechanisms beyond fines
Cancellation of authorities. The Coordinator‑General may cancel works or investigation authorities if reasonably satisfied the authorised person or an associated person has not complied with the Act or a condition (s 19). Cancellation requires written notice and triggers duties on the authorised person to inform associates, stop activities and return IDs (s 19(2)-(3)).
Directions and notices. The Coordinator‑General may direct works to stop or be altered (s 45(2)), and may require the owner of land where unapproved works have occurred to remove or alter those works (s 45(4)). If the owner fails to comply, the Coordinator‑General may do the work and recover costs as a debt (s 45(6)-(7)).
Rectification by railway manager. If a person unlawfully interferes with the railway, the railway manager may require rectification by written notice and, failing compliance, may rectify and recover costs (s 51).
Compensation and civil recovery. Damages and compensation claims are available to owners or occupiers for loss or damage caused by entries and works; unresolved amounts may be decided by the Land Court (s 27). Amounts payable to the Coordinator‑General under the Act are debts owing to the State, recoverable accordingly (s 68).
Registration and title restrictions. The Coordinator‑General may register notices with the registrar of titles identifying land or works that may threaten the railway (s 46), which acts as a preventive enforcement tool by alerting prospective purchasers and landholders to the requirement to obtain approval under s 44 before undertaking certain works.
Seizure and removal powers. The Act permits entry and removal of works where necessary to protect railway safety and to recover costs (s 45(6)-(7) and s 20’s occupation and demolition powers).
Administrative review and external recourse
Internal review: Persons with interests affected by railway manager decisions under s 35 (closing crossings) or s 50 (approvals/refusals concerning interference) may request an internal review by the Coordinator‑General under the applied Transport Planning and Coordination Act provisions (s 60).
External review: If the internal review result is not the decision sought, the Coordinator‑General must give an information notice and the applicant may apply to QCAT for external review, and QCAT may stay the reviewed decision (s 61).
Allocation of costs and liabilities
Recovery of costs for repairing damage to railway works: persons who intentionally, recklessly or negligently damage railway works are liable to pay repair costs to the relevant person (railway manager or, otherwise, the Coordinator‑General), and courts may order payment in addition to penalties (s 67).
Registered operator liability: for vehicle‑caused damage where driver unknown or unlocated, the registered operator is liable for repair costs unless the vehicle was used without the registrant’s knowledge or permission (s 67(3)).
Costs associated with removal of works or remediation under s 45 may be recovered as debts from landowners (s 45(7)).
Practical enforcement note: Many coercive powers and civil cost recovery routes involve a reasonableness standard (Coordinator‑General “reasonably believes” or “is reasonably satisfied” in relation to directions, approvals and cancellations; see ss 14, 15, 19, 33, 34, 44-45, 46). The Act pairs those discretions with procedural safeguards including consultation duties and written reasons for refusals (ss 14(2)-(3), 15(2)-(3), 45(7)) and review routes (ss 60-61).
How it interacts with other laws
The Act is designed to operate alongside, and in specific respects override or import, parts of other legislation. The Act explicitly modifies the applicability of a number of statutes and references other regimes for process and review.
Non‑application and exemption
Land Title Act 1994 and Property Law Act 2023. Where a railway lease is declared an “exempt lease” by Ministerial instrument under s 8, specified provisions do not apply: Land Title Act 1994 s 67(3)(a) and the Property Law Act 2023 s 142 and pt 9 div 5 are excluded from applying to that lease (s 9). The Act therefore creates a statutory carve‑out for certain property title and property law provisions for declared exempt leases.
Transport Infrastructure Act 1994. Chapters 7 and 16 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 do not apply to railway works or investigations carried out under this Act, nor to the corridor land or the railway itself (s 58). That exclusion means the Act overrides some standard transport infrastructure provisions for the corridor and associated works.
Import and application of other Acts
Building Act 1975 (transport noise corridors). The Act applies chapter 8B parts 1 and 3 of the Building Act 1975 to the Surat Basin rail corridor land and adjoining land as if references to “railway land” were to the corridor and references to the transport chief executive were to the Coordinator‑General (s 55). This imports the Building Act’s transport noise corridor regime into the corridor project context.
Planning and transport review procedures. The Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994 part 5 division 2 is applied for internal reviews to the Coordinator‑General under s 60: references to a transport Act and the chief executive are read as references to this Act and the Coordinator‑General. This imports the procedural framework for internal administrative review into the Act’s review process.
Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) and dangerous goods regimes. The Act contemplates that interference may be authorised under the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) and that the Coordinator‑General may share information with “corresponding authorities” responsible for administering corresponding laws, particularly in relation to the transport of dangerous goods (s 47; s 50(1)(b)). Subsection 47(2) respects confidentiality obligations under other Acts.
Land Act 1994 (non‑tidal boundary watercourses). s 43 specifies that declarations of common areas for non‑tidal boundary watercourses do not remove or diminish existing rights the State or other persons may have in relation to such watercourses, including owners’ rights under the Land Act 1994 s 13A.
Registration and titles office interactions
Registrar of titles duties. The Act requires the Coordinator‑General to provide copies of approvals, gazette notices and notices of transport noise corridors to the registrar for recording (ss 33(6)(a)-(b), 42(4), 43(4), 46, 56). Registration of notices under s 46 is specifically required to appear in the appropriate register so that searches show the land’s need for approval before certain works.
Easements and Land Title Act registration. The railway lessee may grant easements that burden the railway lease and the instrument may be registered under the Land Title Act 1994 s 83. The Act treats the railway lessee as a “registered owner” for purposes of that provision (s 57).
Civil court and tribunal processes
Land Court. Disputes over compensation where parties cannot agree are to be decided by the Land Court (s 27). Courts with jurisdiction for recovery of amounts of compensation are referenced for claims arising from road level alterations (s 31(4)).
QCAT. External review of Coordinator‑General review decisions under s 60 is available under the QCAT Act, with QCAT able to stay reviewed decisions (s 61).
Financial and fiscal interactions
Consolidated fund. Fees, penalties and other amounts recovered under this Act are payable to the consolidated fund (s 69). Amounts payable to the Coordinator‑General are debts owing to the State (s 68).
Duties Act 2001. Severance of rail transport infrastructure from land under s 59 is declared not to be a dutiable transaction under the Duties Act 2001 (s 59(4)(d)).
Operational overlaps and precedence
The Act binds the State and all persons in certain provisions (ss 44(5), 45(10), 50(11)), making approvals and directions under the Act applicable against other statutory actors, including those ordinarily responsible for roads or watercourses under other Acts.
Where a railway manager issues an approval under s 50, that approval must be notified to the Coordinator‑General; however, the railway manager’s approval is of no effect to the extent it conflicts with approvals or directions given by the Coordinator‑General under s 44 or s 45 (s 50(8)-(10)). This creates a hierarchy where Coordinator‑General decisions prevail in case of inconsistency.
Regulation‑making and delegated powers
Regulations may prescribe land as corridor land (s 7(c)), declare infrastructure severed (s 59), provide for fees and set maximum penalties of up to 20 penalty units for contravention of regulations (s 72). Delegation by the Coordinator‑General of functions under this Act is permitted to qualified public service employees or local body employees (s 70).
In short, the Act selectively imports, excludes and modifies the operation of other laws. It does so by: (1) creating explicit non‑application zones (s 9, s 58), (2) applying specific provisions of other Acts into the corridor context (s 55, s 60), and (3) requiring registration and interagency sharing to align titles, approvals and safety regimes (ss 33, 46, 56, 47). The practical consequence is to centralise corridor decision rights around the Coordinator‑General and Minister while preserving specified fora (Land Court, QCAT) and aspects of other statutory regimes.
Amendment history
The text supplied contains embedded amendment notes identifying specific changes and the instruments that made them. The Act as presented has a small recorded amendment history in the excerpts shown; the following items are stated in the text itself.
s 3 amendments: The object provision s 3 carries an amendment note: “s 3 amd 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3”. The text also contains repeated formatting showing the object and intended achievement language was amended or reworded in 2023. The present s 3 includes identification that the Act’s object is to facilitate development and operation of the railway, achieved primarily by disapplying certain provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023 to exempt leases and by providing frameworks for construction, operation, management and safety (s 3).
s 9 amendments: The non‑application provision s 9 includes “s 9 amd 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3”, indicating contemporaneous amendment in 2023 to reference the Property Law Act 2023 alongside the Land Title Act 1994 (s 9 lists the provisions that do not apply to an exempt lease).
s 34 amendment: s 34 includes the note “s 34 amd 2016 No. 27 s 554”, showing an amendment in 2016. The current text requires local governments to apply for approval to change road management that would require works on the railway or significantly adversely affect railway safety/operational integrity, and prescribes decision timeframes and deemed approval if the Coordinator‑General does not decide within 30 days (ss 34(1)-(4)).
s 48 amendment: s 48 contains “s 48 amd 2016 No. 27 s 555”, pointing to amendment in 2016. The current section gives the Coordinator‑General power to require information from local governments relevant to his/her functions under this Act or the local government’s functions under the Planning Act 2016 or the repealed Sustainable Planning Act 2009, and allows an appeal to the Minister (s 48).
s 47 and s 50 amendments: Both s 47 and s 50 display the note “s 47 amd 2017 No. 4 s 145 sch 1” and “s 50 amd 2017 No. 4 s 145 sch 1” respectively, indicating amendments made in 2017. s 47 concerns information sharing with corresponding authorities about dangerous goods and indicates the Coordinator‑General may share information subject to confidentiality constraints; s 50 contains amendments relating to the interference and approval regime and cross‑references to the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland).
Other embedded amendment formatting: In multiple places the text shows inserted and repeated subparagraphs and rewordings consistent with legislative amendment and consolidation redrafting (for example, s 3 contains repeated lines and enumerations).
The Act also contains delegation and regulation powers (s 70, s 72) that contemplate future subordinate instruments. The schedule (dictionary) is referred to for definitions (s 4). The Act mandates a statutory review at 10 years after commencement of the review provision (s 71). The supplied text does not list prior amendment dates earlier than 2016, 2017 and 2023 in the visible annotations; no further amendment history (for example, dates of original enactment in 2012 beyond the short title) is contained within the text you provided.
Because amendment notes are embedded in the text, practitioners should consult the consolidated statutory database or the titles of amending instruments referenced (for example, 2016 No. 27 s 554; 2017 No. 4 s 145 sch 1; 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3) to trace precise amendment changes, commencement dates and transitional provisions. The Act itself makes the Minister responsible for tabling a review report after the statutory review (s 71).
Litigation history
The Act as provided contains no case citations, reported judicial decisions or references to litigation outcomes. The statute names no judicial decisions and does not specify precedent authorities. The internal dispute resolution and review routes provided by the Act are administrative before the Coordinator‑General (s 60) and judicial/tribunal via QCAT for external review (s 61). For compensation and property disputes, the Land Court is specifically referenced as the decision maker where parties cannot agree on compensation amounts for land entry or investigation (s 27), and ordinary courts with jurisdiction for recovery decide compensation for road alterations (s 31(4)).
In practice, the Act creates two primary forums where disputes will be adjudicated:
Land Court for compensation matters where agreement cannot be reached (s 27); and
QCAT as the tribunal for external review of Coordinator‑General decisions arising from internal review (s 61) with the stay power under the QCAT Act s 22(3) preserved.
No decisions of those bodies appear in the Act text. Users requiring litigation precedents, judicial construction of key provisions (such as the scope of “reasonably necessary” entry, the meaning of “reasonable efforts” to consult, or the interaction with other Acts) must search court and tribunal databases for cases invoking this Act, and review Land Court and QCAT decisions that have considered it. The Act’s provisions on evidentiary presumptions and corporate liability (ss 62-64, 63 in particular) provide procedural guidance likely to be applied in prosecutions or enforcement proceedings.
Gotchas
This Act contains several provisions that are operationally significant but may be missed on an early read. These are practical traps, compliance pitfalls and transaction issues to watch for, tied to precise statutory text.
Narrow jurisdictional trigger for corridor land (s 7). “Surat Basin rail corridor land” is not simply any land in the region: it must be within the State Development Area, owned by the Coordinator‑General, and prescribed by regulation. Absent one of those elements the Act’s special powers do not apply. Developers and landholders must check title and regulation lists to know whether the Act applies to specific lots.
Exempt leases disapply specific property law provisions (ss 8-9). If a lease is declared an “exempt lease” the Act disapplies identified provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and the Property Law Act 2023. That may change ordinary protections, presumptions or remedies under those Acts. A Ministerial instrument is used for declaration and the lessee must be given a copy and the declaration published within 21 days, though failure to publish or give a copy does not invalidate the instrument (s 8(4)). Parties must examine the instrument to determine the practical legal effects on particular titles and transactions.
Broad and intrusive entry powers paired with limited notice exceptions (ss 20-24). The Coordinator‑General and authorised persons may enter, occupy and carry out extensive works including erecting buildings and depositing or removing materials (s 20). Entry generally requires 7 days’ written notice or written agreement (s 24), but urgent remedial action or maintenance on a road allows entry without compliance with s 24 (s 24(6)-(7)). The threshold for “urgent remedial action” is not defined, creating potential operational uncertainty and a reputational/compliance risk if parties disagree about urgency.
Liability for damage but time-limited claim window (ss 26-27). While the Coordinator‑General and authorised persons are liable for loss and damage, claimants must give written notice within 1 year after completion of works/investigation or a later time allowed by the Coordinator‑General (s 27(3)). Owners should be advised to lodge timely notices; the Act allows the Coordinator‑General discretion to extend time but does not mandate it.
Works authorities and investigation authorities are conditional and finite (ss 14-16). Works authorities are limited to parts “reasonably necessary” and last no more than 3 years (investigation authorities up to 1 year) (ss 14(5)-(6), 15(5)-(6)). Conditions can include bonds or security (ss 14(4), 15(4)). Applicants should anticipate conditions and bond requirements when budgeting.
Coordinator‑General primacy over railway manager approvals (s 50(10)). An approval given by a railway manager under s 50 is of no effect to the extent it is inconsistent with an approval or direction by the Coordinator‑General. Railway managers must notify the Coordinator‑General when they give approvals (s 50(8)). Practitioners should not rely on railway manager approvals until they are reconciled with Coordinator‑General decisions.
The Act binds the State (ss 44(5), 45(10), 50(11)). Several provisions expressly bind all persons including the State. That can alter expected institutional lines of responsibility and expose government entities to duties, directions and approvals under this Act.
Registration of notices affects title searches but is fee‑free (ss 46, 56). The Coordinator‑General can cause notices warning that certain works require approval to be registered against title so that searches disclose the requirement (s 46). Similarly, transport noise corridor records can be kept and removed by notice from the Coordinator‑General without fee (s 56). Transactions should check titles for these registers to avoid surprise constraints.
Severance of infrastructure from land (s 59). A regulation may declare rail transport infrastructure severed from land and thereafter treated as personal property, though continued rights to situate infrastructure on land remain and agreements linking rights/obligations persist (s 59(3)-(4)). Severance is declared not a dutiable transaction under the Duties Act 2001 (s 59(4)(d)). Severance affects sale, security and taxation treatment of infrastructure and should be considered when structuring project financing and security.
Overlaps with building, planning and transport safety law (ss 55-57). Certain Building Act provisions on transport noise corridors apply as if the Coordinator‑General was the transport chief executive (s 55), and easement and Land Title Act registration changes are enabled (s 57). This means noise protections, building obligations and easement registration interact with the Act’s regime and must be checked during project planning.
Enforcement costs and civil recovery. Where the Coordinator‑General removes works for non‑compliance, costs may be recovered as a debt (s 45(6)-(7)). Similarly, railway managers may rectify interference and recover costs (s 51). Landowners who do not comply with watercourse remediation notices face penalties and costs (s 40). Non‑compliance can create immediate financial liabilities.
Review pathways limited at first instance. Internal review is to the Coordinator‑General applying provisions of the Transport Planning and Coordination Act procedures (s 60); external review is to QCAT (s 61). The initial internal review is administrative and may not change a Coordinator‑General decision; parties must be alert to timeframes and the need to obtain an information notice to pursue QCAT review.
Each of these “gotchas” arises directly from the statutory text cited above. Parties contemplating activity near, on, or involving corridor land should map which provisions apply to the site, whether the land is corridor land as defined (s 7), whether entries or works authorities will be required, and the likely exposure to liabilities, bonds and registration consequences.
How to comply
This section sets out a practical compliance checklist mapped to legislative requirements. It assumes a practitioner advising a railway operator, authorised person, railway manager, lessee/licensee, local government, landowner or contractor.
Confirm whether the Act applies to your land or project
Check whether the land is within the Surat Basin Infrastructure Corridor State Development Area (State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971), owned by the Coordinator‑General and prescribed under regulation as Surat Basin rail corridor land (s 7). If any element is absent, the Act’s special entry and non‑application provisions will not apply.
Determine lease status and Ministerial declarations
If you are a railway lessee or licensee, check whether your lease has been declared an “exempt lease” by Ministerial instrument (s 8). If so, identify which provisions of the Land Title Act 1994 and Property Law Act 2023 are disapplied (s 9). Ensure you have received a copy of the instrument and search the gazette notice.
Before applying for a works authority or investigation authority
For railway licensee, lessee or railway manager applicants, consult with the owner or occupier of the land about proposed entry before applying (s 12(2)). Document and retain records of the consultation because the Coordinator‑General must be satisfied reasonable efforts to consult were made before granting the authority (ss 14(2), 15(2)).
Prepare an application that states the land to be entered, the purpose, detailed nature of proposed activities, the period sought, and details of consultation (s 12(3)). Be ready to supply additional information upon the Coordinator‑General’s request (s 13).
If granted, comply strictly with works or investigation authority conditions
Ensure the authority is written and contains the required particulars (s 16). Observe the term limits: works authorities no more than 3 years, investigation authorities no more than 1 year (ss 14(6), 15(6)).
Anticipate bond/security conditions and be prepared to lodge them if required (ss 14(4), 15(4)). Ensure that the area covered by the authority is limited to what is reasonably necessary (ss 14(5), 15(5)).
Observe notice and identification obligations before entry
For any entry under the Act (except genuine urgent remedial action or road maintenance), provide at least 7 days’ written notice to the owner/occupier or obtain written agreement (s 24(1)-(2)). The notice must include: intended use, general outline of activities, approximate period, a statement that the notice is not an acquisition commitment, advice on compensation entitlement and the person to whom claims should be made; attach the relevant statutory section or the authority copy as required (s 24(3)-(5)).
Ensure all associated persons are issued with identification per s 28 before entry and that identifications meet the statutory content requirements (s 28(3)-(4)). Maintain logs of issued IDs and ensure return within 21 days of cessation (s 30).
Minimise damage and document steps taken
Take as much care as practicable to minimise damage and inconvenience to owners/occupiers and record steps taken to do so; this is both a statutory duty and evidence for potential liability questions (s 25).
Compensation risk management
Budget for compensation liabilities for loss or damage arising from entry and activities; know that claims must be notified within 1 year after completion of works or investigation, or within a period the Coordinator‑General allows (s 27(3)). Seek to reach agreement where possible; if not, Land Court resolution is the statutory fallback (s 27(5)-(6)).
Maintain records of land condition, works undertaken, and mitigation measures to support defence against compensation claims where applicable.
For works near or affecting roads, crossings and watercourses
Local governments must apply to the Coordinator‑General for approvals to construct or operate roads through corridor land (s 33(1)). If you are a local government, prepare an application and allow for Coordinator‑General consultation with railway manager and licensee/lessee (s 33(4)). Note possible conditions tied to future expansion (s 33(3)).
Railway managers must maintain the railway and the road surface between the rails and 2m outside outermost rails (s 32). Arrange maintenance plans and coordinate with road authorities.
For watercourses, obtain written approval from the Coordinator‑General for diversion or construction; expect the Coordinator‑General to consider physical integrity and impacts on adjacent land (s 38(2)). If issued a s 40 remediation notice to reduce or prevent water collection, comply promptly or face a 200 penalty unit maximum and reimbursement obligations (s 40).
Avoid unauthorised interference and prepare for approval processes
Do not carry out works near the railway that threaten safety or operational integrity without Coordinator‑General written approval (s 44(1)). If approached for an approval, be ready to demonstrate to the Coordinator‑General that the works will not threaten safety/operational integrity and to engage in consultation with railway manager and licensee/lessee (s 44(2)-(3)).
If you are a person whose works may be directed to stop under s 45, prepare to receive and comply with written directions and to engage in consultation with the Coordinator‑General, railway manager and licensee/lessee where required (s 45(7)).
Title searches and registration checks
Before acquisition or development, check the titles register for notices recorded under ss 33(6), 42(4), 43(4), 46 and 56. Registration of s 46 notices is fee‑free (s 46(4)). These records may impose an obligation to obtain Coordinator‑General approval before certain works.
Record keeping and interagency information sharing
For transport of dangerous goods or other safety matters, expect the Coordinator‑General to share information with corresponding authorities (s 47), subject to confidentiality obligations. Keep auditable records of communications, approvals, notices and compliance steps because the Coordinator‑General may request information from local governments (s 48) and because internal/external reviews (ss 60-61) will assess procedural compliance.
Dispute and enforcement preparedness
Be prepared for internal review under s 60 and QCAT review under s 61. If enforcement action is threatened or taken (penalties, cancellation, directions to remove works), ensure internal appeals are lodged timely and consider seeking QCAT relief where the Coordinator‑General’s reviewed decision is adverse.
For criminal summary prosecutions, note time limits under s 66 and evidentiary provisions under ss 62-64 and s 63 on corporate state of mind. Ensure compliance records can establish reasonable precautions and diligence where relevant.
Delegation and staffing compliance
If the Coordinator‑General delegates functions, ensure delegate qualifications and delegations are documented (s 70). Organisations acting under delegated authority should maintain policies to comply with identification, notice, safety and compensation provisions.
Contract and finance implications
For projects that may involve severance of infrastructure into personal property under regulation (s 59), consider the impact on securities, GST/duties and financing structures; although s 59(4)(d) states the severance is not dutiable under the Duties Act 2001, other transaction taxes and financing consequences may still arise.
Periodic review and legislative watch
Be aware of the statutory review obligation on the Minister (s 71) and monitor amendment instruments cited in the Act text. Changes to delegated powers, regulation lists of corridor land, or the set of disapplied provisions can materially alter compliance obligations.
Applying this checklist will require cooperation across legal, land acquisition, operations, environmental and local government teams. The key compliance levers are: confirm corridor status (s 7); consult and document (s 12); obtain and comply with written authorities (ss 14-16); observe notice and ID obligations (ss 24, 28-30); take care in works (s 25); budget for compensation and remediation (ss 26-27, 40); and use prescribed review channels (ss 60-61).
(i) allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and
(ii) allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and
(iii) allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and
(iv) allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
(c) providing for the safety of the railway and persons at, on or near the railway by imposing requirements and establishing offences directed at ensuring the safety.
(i) allow the railway to be constructed and maintained in an effective and efficient way; and
(ii) allow railway operators to operate rolling stock on the railway in an effective and efficient way; and
(iii) allow railway managers to manage rail transport infrastructure in an effective and efficient way; and
(iv) allow the railway to be managed and operated in an effective and efficient way; and
pt.1-div.2 Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.4 Definitions
sec.4 Definitions
The dictionary in the schedule defines particular words used in this Act.
sec.5 Meaning of railway
sec.5 Meaning of railway
Railway means the railway and rail transport infrastructure situated, or proposed to be situated, within the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
sec.6 Meaning of railway works
sec.6 Meaning of railway works
Railway works means works for constructing, maintaining, altering or operating the railway.
sec.7 Meaning of Surat Basin rail corridor land
sec.7 Meaning of Surat Basin rail corridor land
Surat Basin rail corridor land means land that is—
within the area declared as the Surat Basin Infrastructure Corridor State Development Area under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
owned by the Coordinator-General; and
prescribed under a regulation to be Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) within the area declared as the Surat Basin Infrastructure Corridor State Development Area under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
(b) owned by the Coordinator-General; and
(c) prescribed under a regulation to be Surat Basin rail corridor land.
pt.2 Exempt leases
Exempt leases
sec.8 Declaration of exempt lease
sec.8 Declaration of exempt lease
The Minister may, by written instrument, declare a railway lease to be an exempt lease.
As soon as practicable after making the instrument, the Minister must give a copy of it to the railway lessee.
Within 21 days after making the instrument, the Minister must publish a gazette notice setting out the declaration contained in the instrument.
Failure to comply with subsection (2) or (3) does not affect the validity of the instrument.
(sec.8-ssec.1) The Minister may, by written instrument, declare a railway lease to be an exempt lease.
(sec.8-ssec.2) As soon as practicable after making the instrument, the Minister must give a copy of it to the railway lessee.
(sec.8-ssec.3) Within 21 days after making the instrument, the Minister must publish a gazette notice setting out the declaration contained in the instrument.
(sec.8-ssec.4) Failure to comply with subsection (2) or (3) does not affect the validity of the instrument.
sec.9 Non-application of provisions of Land Title Act 1994 and Property Law Act 2023
sec.9 Non-application of provisions of Land Title Act 1994 and Property Law Act 2023
The following provisions do not apply to a lease declared to be an exempt lease under section 8 —
the Land Title Act 1994 , section 67 (3) (a) ;
the Property Law Act 2023 , section 142 and part 9 , division 5 .
s 9 amd 2023 No. 27 s 289 sch 3
(a) the Land Title Act 1994 , section 67 (3) (a) ;
(b) the Property Law Act 2023 , section 142 and part 9 , division 5 .
pt.3 Entering land and carrying out activities for railway works or investigations of land
Entering land and carrying out activities for railway works or investigations of land
pt.3-div.1 Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.10 Definitions for pt 3
sec.10 Definitions for pt 3
In this part—
associated person —
of the Coordinator-General, means any of the following—
a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ;
an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ;
if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
of an authorised person, means any of the following—
if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors;
the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals;
a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority;
an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ;
if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
authorised person means a person who holds a works authority or an investigation authority.
investigation authority see section 15 (1) (a) .
works authority see section 14 (1) (a) .
(a) of the Coordinator-General, means any of the following— (i) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ; (ii) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ; (iii) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
(i) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ;
(ii) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ;
(iii) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
(b) of an authorised person, means any of the following— (i) if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; (ii) the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals; (iii) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority; (iv) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ; (v) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
(i) if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors;
(ii) the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals;
(iii) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority;
(iv) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ;
(v) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
(i) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the Coordinator-General, and engaged in writing by the Coordinator-General to carry out activities under sections 20 or 22 ;
(ii) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (i) ;
(iii) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (i) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors; and
(i) if the authorised person is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors;
(ii) the authorised person’s employees or partners who are individuals;
(iii) a person who is an agent of, or contractor for, the authorised person, and engaged in writing for the purposes of the authorised person’s authority;
(iv) an employee of, or a contractor for, an agent or contractor mentioned in subparagraph (iii) ;
(v) if a person mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is a corporation—the corporation’s chief executive, secretary or directors.
pt.3-div.2 Applications for works authority or investigation authority
Applications for works authority or investigation authority
sec.11 Operation of div 2
sec.11 Operation of div 2
This division provides for the railway licensee, railway lessee or a railway manager to apply for a works authority or investigation authority.
sec.12 How to apply for works authority or investigation authority
sec.12 How to apply for works authority or investigation authority
The railway licensee, railway lessee or a railway manager may apply to the Coordinator-General for an authority—
to enter land adjacent to the Surat Basin rail corridor land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 20 , for carrying out railway works; or
to enter any land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 22 , for investigating the potential suitability of land as an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
The applicant must consult with the owner or occupier of the land about the proposed entry before applying for the authority.
The application must state—
the land proposed to be entered under the authority; and
the purpose of the authority; and
details of the nature of the activities proposed to be conducted on the land; and
the period for which the authority is sought; and
details of the applicant’s consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.
(sec.12-ssec.1) The railway licensee, railway lessee or a railway manager may apply to the Coordinator-General for an authority— to enter land adjacent to the Surat Basin rail corridor land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 20 , for carrying out railway works; or to enter any land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 22 , for investigating the potential suitability of land as an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(sec.12-ssec.2) The applicant must consult with the owner or occupier of the land about the proposed entry before applying for the authority.
(sec.12-ssec.3) The application must state— the land proposed to be entered under the authority; and the purpose of the authority; and details of the nature of the activities proposed to be conducted on the land; and the period for which the authority is sought; and details of the applicant’s consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.
(a) to enter land adjacent to the Surat Basin rail corridor land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 20 , for carrying out railway works; or
(b) to enter any land, and carry out activities mentioned in section 22 , for investigating the potential suitability of land as an expansion or realignment of the Surat Basin rail corridor land.
(a) the land proposed to be entered under the authority; and
(b) the purpose of the authority; and
(c) details of the nature of the activities proposed to be conducted on the land; and
(d) the period for which the authority is sought; and
(e) details of the applicant’s consultation with the owner or occupier of the land.
sec.13 Additional information for application
sec.13 Additional information for application
The Coordinator-General may—
make inquiries to decide the application; and
ask the applicant to give the Coordinator-General additional information the Coordinator-General considers relevant to decide the application.
To decide the application, the Coordinator-General may consider any information the Coordinator-General considers relevant.
(sec.13-ssec.1) The Coordinator-General may— make inquiries to decide the application; and ask the applicant to give the Coordinator-General additional information the Coordinator-General considers relevant to decide the application.
(sec.13-ssec.2) To decide the application, the Coordinator-General may consider any information the Coordinator-General considers relevant.
(a) make inquiries to decide the application; and
(b) ask the applicant to give the Coordinator-General additional information the Coordinator-General considers relevant to decide the application.
sec.14 Granting works authority
sec.14 Granting works authority
The Coordinator-General may, for an application under section 12 (1) (a) , decide to—
grant an authority (a works authority ), with or without conditions; or
refuse to grant the works authority.
The Coordinator-General must not grant the works authority unless satisfied the applicant has made reasonable efforts to consult with the own
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.