State Government moves to even the ledger for a David and Goliath battle of house acquisitions
Homeowners kicked out to make way for a North-South tunnel would be paid a premium for the first time, as new laws look to pave the way to dig underneath homes.
SA News
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Tunnels could be legally built beneath people’s homes along the North-South Corridor, under new rules proposed by the State Government.
In a South Australian first, changes to the laws that underpin compulsory property acquisitions will refer to the land under homes and businesses, paving the way for the Government to complete the corridor with tunnels.
The move could potentially save hundreds of properties from the wrecking ball.
People would not be automatically compensated if tunnels went under their properties.
However, for the first time, the Government would pay homeowners a premium for acquiring their houses.
The Government has given its strongest indication yet that tunnels will be the favoured option to complete the state’s largest ever infrastructure project, stretching from the River Torrens to Darlington. The project is estimated to cost up to $5 billion.
“The Marshall Government is seriously contemplating tunnelling for the remaining section of the North-South Corridor and these legislative changes are necessary to make that happen,” Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll told the Sunday Mail.
The draft legislation also heralds a new carrot-and-stick approach to land acquisitions along the final stage of the North-South Corridor, where between 600 and 1000 properties may need to be demolished, including heritage-listed icons such as Thebarton Theatre. It includes “emotional dislocation” payments of up to $50,000, as well as up to $10,000, so homeowners can get a lawyer to argue their case against land acquisition.
Until now, governments have only had to pay a property’s market value to compulsory acquire it.
But the proposed laws contain measures that aim to fast-track the North-South Corridor project and reduce the chances of lengthy legal disputes with property owners.
The three solutions being examined by the State Government include one super tunnel, or a hybrid option of two tunnels that would mean traffic returning to the surface between Anzac Highway and Edward St in Melrose Park.
A tunnel-free design is also being examined, which would be similar to the Torrens to Torrens build.
Mr Knoll is expected to be handed a final business case on the options soon, ahead of making a decision on the best one by the end of the year.
“That’s why we have $5.4 billion on the table towards this project,” he said. “We want to ensure that if we go down the tunnelling route, we are ready to go.”
Mr Knoll said the new rules would even the ledger for those facing the prospect of losing their home.
“Sometimes it can be a bit of a David and Goliath situation, and the Marshall Government wants to better equip David throughout the negotiation process,” Mr Knoll said. “That’s why we are empowering land owners by providing them $10,000 to get legal and other professional advice, introducing solatium payments and compulsory settlement conferences.
“Compulsory land acquisition can be quite a stressful time on individuals, families and businesses, and it should not have to drag out any longer than necessary.”
Opposition infrastructure spokesman Tom Koutsantonis has previously called for intervention to stop the demolition of historic buildings in the road’s path. He also wants more funding from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to ensure as many buildings as possible are saved.