Homeowners sell to sky rail project ‘landlord’ Daniel Andrews

THE Andrews Government has become a de facto landlord for dozens of homes near its sky rail project after spending tens of millions of dollars buying properties from disgruntled residents.

At least 30 homeowners have sold to the Andrews Government since a voluntary purchase scheme was set up last year, with more families now mulling last-minute sales.

THE Andrews Government has become a de facto landlord for dozens of homes near its sky rail project after spending tens of millions of dollars buying properties from disgruntled residents.

SKY RAIL PROJECT TO CLOSE TRAIN STATION CAR PARKS AT MURRUMBEENA, CARNEGIE, HUGHESDALE

At least 30 homeowners have sold to the government since a voluntary purchase scheme was set up last year, with more families now mulling last-minute sales.

Those properties have since been flipped on to the rental market by the government’s Level Crossing Removal Authority.

The deadline for the scheme has passed, but some nearby residents are still waiting to hear if they qualify.

The sky rail project will enable the removal of nine level crossings by elevating about 8km of track on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

The voluntary purchase scheme was set up in March last year amid outrage from families in areas including Carnegie and Murrumbeena, who faced having elevated train tracks next to their backyards.

The sky rail project will enable the removal of nine level crossings by elevating about 8km of track on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

Carnegie resident Michelle Bennett said some families were still waiting to hear if their properties would be bought, and many were still “shell-shocked” by the entire saga.

“The whole face of the suburb has really changed,” she said. “Some people have had to leave.”

Project director at the Level Crossing Removal Authority, Brett Summers, said the benefits of the elevated lines, including creating “much-needed parks, paths and open spaces” would be welcomed by most residents.

“With the project providing better public transport, less road congestion and more open space, the vast majority of locals see these areas as more desirable than ever,” he said.

“Raising the rail line will remove nine level crossings and reconnect communities that are split apart by the current train line.”

Opposition planning spokesman David Davis. Picture: Chris Eastman

But opposition planning spokesman David Davis said the scheme had failed families.

“Daniel Andrews has smashed the lives of families along the corridor, providing only a select few with voluntary purchase,” Mr Davis said.

“Others are being left to suck up the disruption of sky rail construction and reduced property values without fair compensation.”

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said once level crossings were gone there would be more open space and fewer congested roads, which will be “drawing people to the area”.

“Some people very close to the train line have chosen to leave, that’s why we have the voluntary purchase scheme, so that people can make the decision that’s right for them,” she said.

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