A redesign of construction works on the Suburban Rail Loop will preserve a stretch of parkland from disruption but will instead require the compulsory acquisition of additional homes and businesses along the route. Among those affected is at least one business that has already been relocated once during earlier stages of the project.
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority confirmed the change in approach in a statement, saying the revised construction method was intended to reduce the project’s impact on public open space.
What has changed #
According to the authority, engineers reassessed how tunnelling and station-support works would be staged in the affected precinct. The original plan would have used sections of parkland as a temporary construction zone, including for site compounds, spoil handling and equipment laydown areas. Under the revised plan, the authority says that land will now be left untouched, with construction activity instead shifted onto adjoining privately held land.
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority said in a statement that the decision followed community feedback and further geotechnical and engineering assessment of the corridor. It said minimising the loss of established trees and public green space had been “a key consideration” in finalising construction staging for this section of the project.
VCN understands the shift means several additional properties, some residential and at least one commercial, now fall within the footprint required for construction access, workshops or temporary site establishment.
A business relocated twice #
We have been told that one local business previously required to relocate during an earlier phase of SRL-related land acquisition will now need to move again under the revised plan. VCN has not independently confirmed the identity of the business or the terms of any compensation, and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority has not named affected parties in its public statements.
Sources close to the affected precinct have told VCN that some business operators are frustrated at the prospect of a second disruption in the space of a few years, though VCN has not verified individual claims of financial loss and none should be inferred from this reporting.
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority said affected owners and tenants would be contacted directly and offered support through the state’s standard land acquisition and compensation framework, which is administered under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic).
How compulsory acquisition works #
For readers unfamiliar with the process, compulsory acquisition allows the state to take privately owned land for a public purpose, such as a major transport project, provided the owner is compensated at market value. The process typically involves a notice of intention to acquire, a period for objections, and negotiation over compensation, which can include costs such as relocation, loss of business goodwill and legal fees.
Property owners and business operators who disagree with a valuation can seek an independent review, and in some cases matters proceed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The Suburban Rail Loop Authority said in its statement that it “aims to work respectfully and fairly with all affected landowners and tenants” throughout the acquisition process.
VCN has previously reported on acquisition disputes linked to other Big Build projects, and readers seeking more detail on their rights under the Act can find guidance through the Victorian Government’s Major Transport Infrastructure Authority acquisition support services.
Why the parkland was prioritised #
Community advocacy around the protection of established parkland has featured prominently in consultation on the Suburban Rail Loop’s early construction phases, with local residents’ groups previously raising concerns about tree loss, loss of recreational space and impacts on local amenity during construction.
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority said in its statement that retaining the parkland “supports community wellbeing and local amenity” during what is expected to be a lengthy construction period, with SRL East works currently forecast to continue across the decade. It said restoring or minimising disruption to public open space had informed several design decisions across the project to date.
Whether the trade-off, protecting a public asset by widening the footprint on private land, will satisfy either group of stakeholders is likely to become clearer as directly affected owners and tenants are formally notified.
What happens next #
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority said affected residents and business owners would receive formal written notice outlining the properties required, the process for acquisition, and information on support services available to them. It said further detail on timing would be provided once individual notifications had been issued.
VCN understands community information sessions are expected to be scheduled in the affected area, though the authority has not yet confirmed dates publicly. We will update this report as further details are released.
The Suburban Rail Loop is being delivered in stages, with construction and property impacts occurring progressively across the corridor. VCN has reported previously on acquisition notices, station-box works and community consultation processes tied to the broader project, and will continue to track developments as they affect residents and business owners along the route.
Support and further information #
Residents or business owners affected by compulsory acquisition who have questions about their rights or the process can contact the Suburban Rail Loop Authority directly or seek independent legal advice. Community legal centres and the Victorian Small Business Commission may also be able to provide guidance to affected business operators.
Anyone experiencing financial stress or anxiety related to property acquisition or business disruption is encouraged to reach out for support. Beyond Blue can be contacted on 1300 22 4636, and Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
The matter is currently before the relevant statutory acquisition process. VCN will continue to report on developments as the Suburban Rail Loop Authority formally notifies affected residents and business owners.
