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Landowners impacted by inland rail urged to register for compensation assistance

calendar 15 Feb 2018
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Landowners expected to lose land to the Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail Project (Inland Rail Project) are being urged to seek legal advice without delay to ensure they receive their full entitlements to compensation for the loss of their land.

This advice comes following the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s recent announcement that the land to be acquired as part of the Narromine to Narrabri (‘N2N’) section of the Inland Rail Project has been largely identified, which means landowners between Narromine and Narrabri are now likely to be aware if they will be directly affected.

Maddens Lawyers has been closely monitoring the developments of the Inland Rail Project, which includes the upgrade of existing tracks as well as construction of a number of sections of new track.

Many rural and regional landowners positioned on, or adjacent to, the new sections of track will have their land compulsorily acquired by the New South Wales (NSW) Government and Queensland (QLD) Government.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation, overseen by the Federal Government, has estimated that 1,000 to 1,100 property acquisitions will be required to complete the Inland Rail Project. Properties impacted are located in NSW and QLD and range from large rural properties to residential areas of regional towns.

Mr Brendan Pendergast, Principal of Maddens Lawyers said that property owners often misunderstand and underestimate the financial impacts associated with the compulsory acquisition of their land, and the heads of loss they are entitled to recover.

“Valuation fees, stamp duty and conveyancing costs, loss of use of the land, relocation costs, consequential financial losses and solatium or non-financial disadvantage are some of the impacts for which compensation is recoverable.

“This is why we recommend landowners seek advice from an experienced lawyer so that they ensure they secure the full measure of compensation to which they are entitled to by law.

“The financial offers put to landowners for property acquisition are commonly on the lower end of the scale, and not necessarily in their best interest. When they know their rights based on expert legal advice, they will have an understanding of the full extent of compensation they are entitled to. The construction of claims for full compensation can be complex and is best handled by a competent and experienced legal advisor,” Mr Pendergast said.

Maddens is offering to assist landowners in advancing claims for compensation associated with the compulsory acquisition of their land at no cost to them.

Maddens Lawyers has significant experience in representing large groups in rural settings having successfully represented many hundreds of victims of bushfires across regional and outer urban areas of Victoria and New South Wales since 1983.

Those likely to be impacted by the Inland Rail Project are encouraged to contact Maddens Lawyers on 1800 815 228 or register online at maddenslawyers.com.au/inlandrail

By registering, landholders will receive regular updates and will be able to access the services and advice offered by Maddens Lawyers.

Release ends

Media Contacts:

Brendan Pendergast, Partner, Maddens Lawyers: 0419 538 142

Sarah Sheehan, Communications Manager, Maddens Lawyers: 0401 904 570

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