Forced sales have "grown a culture of disrespect”

AS THE Coalition Government toots its horn in parliament about the ring road, a landholder says forced sales to make way for the project are "grossly unfair".

Ricky Barnes and Clive Desbois, whose properties will be affected by ring road resumptions, are both fighting for fair payment. Picture: Luke Mortimer

AS THE Coalition Government toots its horn in Federal Parliament about the Mackay Ring Road, a landholder has dubbed forced sales to make way for the $565million project as "grossly unfair" .

Clive Desbois, who owns a Bruce Hwy, Glenella property which will be partially resumed, has called for changes to the way the Queensland Government handles resumptions.

He wants independent teams paid for by the government to help landowners and for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to pay compensation "based on a free market sale to a private developer".

He also wants compensation fast tracked, after landholders have remained in limbo for years.

"Main Roads have grown a culture of disrespect to property owners, abusing the resumption legislation to wear down land holders both emotionally and financially," Mr Desbois said.

"While there may be an argument for resuming land it is not justification for short changing property owners.

"It is time now for our local politicians, George Christensen, Julieanne Gilbert, Jason Costigan and Jim Pearce to intervene and ensure a fair outcome for the people they represent."

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Member for Dawson George Christensen asked when construction will begin.

"Will the minister update the House with the long-awaited news that initial works on the Mackay Ring Road stage 1 - the biggest infrastructure project that Mackay, in my electorate of Dawson, has ever seen - is about to begin?" he said.

Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, did not provide a date, but praised Mr Christensen on his " passionate advocacy for his community" and said the ring road would improve freight, productivity and safety. No mention was made of concerns raised by landowners.

Mr Christensen said he'd go to bat for landowners if need be, but said resumptions were a state issue.

"If landholders feel they have not been offered the right amount of compensation, and that view can be justified somehow, I'd be willing to intervene," he said.

TMR had not responded by time of writing.

Originally published as Forced sales have "grown a culture of disrespect”