The NSW Government has begun public consultation on their review into improving compulsory land acquisition processes for communities impacted by state infrastructure or other public projects, delivering on a key election commitment.

In-person public consultation sessions will take place in Nowra, Singleton, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Parramatta and Wagga Wagga, with two online sessions also scheduled to take place in April.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin told the Lismore App she believed the compulsory land acquisitions would involve disaster-affected areas like Lismore and the Northern Rivers. This could mean that some streets that only have one or two houses left following buybacks could be subject to a compulsory acquisition for the greater good of the community if the land was turned into a community use such as parkland.

The Land Acquisition Review is considering a whole of government approach to acquisitions, including processes undertaken by agencies when acquiring land, roles and responsibilities, and how best to ensure consistent acquisitions under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

The review will consider potential legislative changes and improvements to acquisition processes to strike the right balance between the rights of landowners and the benefits of essential public infrastructure such as trains, roads and renewable energy projects.

Some of the key themes raised in the review’s discussion paper include improved consistency in government processes, measures to ensure genuine negotiations and outcomes, better coordination of multiagency acquisitions, clarifying certain compensation provisions, and potential legislative amendments to clarify requirements.

The Land acquisition review, led by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, follows a joint parliamentary inquiry into land acquisition for major transport projects.

Community consultations are occurring between 22 March and 3 May 2024. The NSW Government encourage all interested stakeholders to respond to the discussion paper and provide suggestions for improvements. 

Further information on the review, its discussion paper and how to make submissions are at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/land-acquisition-review.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “Compulsory acquisitions are necessary at times to allow state infrastructure and other public projects to proceed for the benefit of the wider community, such as schools, roads, water and electricity infrastructure projects.

“However, there are opportunities to improve processes which are being explored by this review to help landowners negotiate more effectively on their compensation.

“We want to put people in the best position to understand their legal rights and ensure there are consistent and transparent acquisition processes across government.”