M4_East_Feedback_Report_April14

Request for compensation to be paid to property owners who can’t find tenants during construction.
3.1.3 Accessibility and community connections
Concern that the property acquisition process is dismantling neighbourhoods. Concern the resumption of
houses, loss of parkland and new road infrastructure will divide neighbourhoods.
Concern the project will displace long established local communities with strong connections to the area,
including families with children in local schools and elderly residents reliant on neighbour support and
access to local facilities.
Concern an increase in buyers, lack of available properties and escalating house prices will prevent
many residents whose properties are being acquired from remaining in the area.
Concern property acquisition will severely reduce the number of residents on some streets, resulting in a
feeling of loss of community, friendship, diminished quality of life and concerns over safety.
Concern tunnel access ramps in Concord, Haberfield and Ashfield will isolate some residents, impact on
connectivity and sever local road links to facilities and services.
Request for WestConnex Delivery Authority to support residents and local Councils in rebuilding
connections to local services following the completion of the project.
Update on property acquisition
The exact number of properties to be acquired for the M4 East will be identified in the EIS and displayed in
late 2014.
Meetings with more than 85 property owners have been held to explain the property acquisition process
and potential need to acquire properties for the development of the M4 East. This early discussion with
property owners has taken place to provide as much flexibility as possible for property owners. Some
property owners have expressed an interest in starting the acquisition process early and others would like
more certainty around the concept design before proceeding with acquisition.
The project team will work with owners to minimise or mitigate impacts, where a property is affected but
there is no property acquisition required to construct the project. Measures such as innovative designs,
noise treatments and landscaping will be considered to reduce the impact. The Land Acquisition (Just
Terms Compensation) Act 1991 does not provide for financial compensation unless the land is directly
within the boundaries of the motorway.
Clarification on property guarantees?
18 M4 East Community Feedback Report