Compulsory acquisition criticism rejected

A map of the new Pakenham East train station.

By Shelby Brooks

The State Government has defended its handling of compulsory acquisition following criticism of how it handled properties needed for the Pakenham East train station.

Eastern Victoria MP Cathrine Burnett-Wake made a request in Parliament to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan on Thursday 24 February, seeking to “ensure and provide a commitment that proper face-to-face consultation occurs with all residents whose homes and properties are acquired to make way for state infrastructure projects”.

Ms Burnett-Wake described the situation as “outrageous“.

“What is shocking about their story is that the media were advised prior to the residents of the acquisitions,“ she said.

In information provided to the Gazette, the state government said claims from the Liberal party in relation to the acquisition of properties were incorrect.

“We have rejected the calls from the Liberal opposition to cancel this project,” a government spokesperson said.

According to the information, the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) met with all affected property owners and a dedicated case manager has been in regular contact with all landowners, via telephone, email and online meetings.

In February 2021, the Pakenham LXRP team met with landowners whose property were likely to be acquired the evening before the public announcement of the new East Pakenham Station claims the government.

If a property owner wasn’t home, a calling card or message was left for them to get in touch with the dedicated Land Property Engagement Team at LXRP.

There was only one property where the LXRP team was unable to make contact with the owner on the evening before the public announcement.

In that instance the team spoke to the resident the following morning.