Suburban Rail Loop Update (Nov 2021)
Compulsory Acquisition: 08 November 2021
On 5 November 2021, the Suburban Rail Loop Authority released its Environment Effects Statement (EES) for community consultation until 16 December 2021 and an independent panel review to inform the Minister's Assessment and decision-making scheduled to commence on 28 January 2022.
The EES examines the potential impacts the Project could have on the environment and identifies how the Authority plans to avoid, reduce and manage those impacts. The EES documents can be accessed on the Authority's website at https://srleastees.vic.gov.au/#/
Relevantly, you now have the opportunity to make a submission to the Planning Panels Victoria (PPV) about the Project, the proposed compulsory acquisition of your Property and any other issues contained within the EES. You can do so by lodging a submission at https://engage.vic.gov.au/srl-east-iac
Once submissions have closed the EES will be reviewed by an Independent Advisory Committee ('IAC') who will hold a Directions Hearing scheduled for 28 January 2022, where the necessary arrangements and timetable for the public hearing will be established.
The IAC Panel Hearing will hear from submitters regarding their concerns and the IAC Panel will consider the EES documentation. The hearing process is earmarked to commence in the week beginning 28 February 2022 and will continue through to the end of April 2022. This will then frame the IAC recommendation to the Minister for Planning as to whether the Project ought to proceed.
If you would like a greater understanding of the compulsory acquisition process in relation to the Project, would like assistance with submitting a submission to the PPV, or would like to discuss whether a Public Acquisition Overlay or Specific Controls 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.