Suburban Rail Loop Update

Compulsory Acquisition: 16 March 2021

On 20 December 2020, the Minister for Planning declared the works proposed for Stage One of the Project as public works requiring an environment effects statement (EES), including community consultation and an independent panel review to inform the Minister's Assessment and decision-making.

The Stage One alignment has been confirmed and includes the following key components:

• twin rail tunnels between Cheltenham and Box Hill, via a stabling yard in Heatherton;
• six new stations at Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill with interchanges to existing railway stations at Cheltenham, Clayton, Glen Waverley and Box Hill; and
• a stabling yard including a train wash, maintenance facilities and operational control centre.

Engineering assessments, important design and development work, and community and stakeholder engagement are underway to help determine critical elements of the Project. The SRLA have advised that Stage One works between Cheltenham and Box Hill are expected to start in 2022.

Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) will now be actively engaging with residents, businesses and other key stakeholders to help inform project design and measures to minimise potential impacts on the local community, such as screening and landscaping.

SRLA has announced the opening of a Virtual Engagement Room which includes information boards, fact sheets and allows the public to ask Project specialists any questions they may have. The Engagement room also enables people to provide feedback about the potential impacts of the Project, including the design and construction considerations that are important to them. You can access the Virtual Engagement room at the following link: http://consultationspace.com/SRL/

If you would like a greater understanding of the compulsory acquisition process in relation to the Project or to discuss whether a Public Acquisition Overlay is likely to be placed over your property, please feel free to contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss your queries.

About Our Compulsory Acquisition Team

Aitken Partners Compulsory Acquisition Team has more than two decades of combined experience in representing landowners, tenants and business owners in compulsory acquisition claims in most (if not all) of Victoria's major infrastructure projects.

If you are impacted (or believe you may be impacted) by the Suburban Rail Loop, it is imperative you engage lawyers experienced in compulsory acquisition and voluntary negotiation matters to assist you in obtaining advice on appropriate compensation.

If you are affected (or believe you may be affected) by the Suburban Rail Loop, please contact Natalie O'Flynn on 03 8600 6046 to arrange a time to speak with our Compulsory Acquisition Team regarding the Planning Scheme Amendment and/or the compulsory acquisition process and your potential rights to compensation as a result of the Project.