22 August 2008
COMPENSATION RIGHTS EXPLAINED TO LANDOWNERS
From the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance
Landowners along the route of the Sugarloaf Pipeline are set to receive additional information outlining their rights to potential compensation.
Project Director, Rod Clifford, said affected landowners would be entitled to compensation for easements running across their property and potentially for disruption leading to financial loss during construction.
“Like other essential infrastructure for gas, electricity and telecommunications, a strip of land needs to be set aside along the pipeline route to allow access for future maintenance,” Mr Clifford said.
“After construction, most landowners will be able to use this strip of land as they did before, particularly if it’s for grazing.
“Wherever the pipeline crosses private land, we will acquire easements and pay compensation under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act.
“Compensation may also be payable to landowners whose properties are temporarily disrupted during the construction period even where no easement is required,” Mr Clifford said.
Construction of the pipeline can only begin once State Government conditions are met and once the Federal Government has approved the project to proceed. Information is being provided to landowners now to give them time to consider and seek advice.
Key points explained to landowners in the letter and fact sheet sent to them are:
- Compensation for acquisition of easements will be determined under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act (1986). Compensation for other direct financial losses and expenses due to disruption from construction are payable in accordance with the Water Act (1989).
- Easements will be registered on title and will restrict construction of most buildings and permanent structures over them, but are unlikely to affect land uses like grazing.
- Each easement will be about 15 metres wide.
- Landowners are encouraged to seek independent legal advice on compensation once advised an easement is required, with reasonable costs refunded to them.
Mr Clifford said discussions with landowners were helping determine the exact path of the pipeline within the corridor approved by the State Planning Minister.
“We’re keen to continue talks with landowners about their preferences for where the final easement goes on their property. Within the bounds of practicality and environmental impacts, we’ll certainly do what we can to meet these preferences,” he said.
The compensation offers will be determined according to independent valuations from the Valuer-General of Victoria.
Landowners wanting more information can contact the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance on 1800 453 753.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846