What has happened?

The NSW government has embarked on an approximately $14 billion scheme to build underground motorways connecting greater Sydney. This project will consist of a Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade in addition to a Northern Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection.

The Western Harbour Tunnel will stretch from the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray, across Sydney Harbour, to the WestConnex interchange at Rozelle. This development is expected to reach completion by 2026.

The Beaches Link will be a new toll road providing access to the Northern Beaches as an alternative to the Spit Bridge. This road will connect through to the Warringah Freeway and Gore Hill Freeway. The Beaches Link is expected to reach completion by 2028.

The acquisition of land will be carried out under the processes set out in the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991. Among other things, this legislation determines how compensation is awarded for any acquisition (where compensation cannot be agreed).

Implications

It is anticipated that the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade will require acquisition of 24 properties while the Northern Beaches Link will require acquisition of 46 properties. That is, a total of 70 properties will likely be acquired, the majority of which are residential. Most of the properties affected are in the inner-West and lower-North Shore suburbs.

If your property is affected by proposed acquisition for these projects, you should seek legal advice immediately.

Further information

For further information please contact Marcus Steele, Director, on +61 418 243 315 or marcus.steele@bicksteele.com.au.