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North East Link property acquisition period extended

People whose homes or businesses are needed for the North East Link will be able to stay in their properties longer, in recognition of the difficult circumstances created by COVID-19.

According to COVID-19 Transport Coordination Minister Jacinta Allan, the project’s formal acquisition process has been extended until the middle of the year.

“Residents and business that decide to start the acquisition process later in the year will have the same amount of time to find a new property. Importantly, the extra time being provided for the acquisition process won’t have any impact on the overall project timeline,” she said.

Ms. Allan said project teams have already started working with individual tenants and property owners on the best options for each case – acknowledging that property acquisition is challenging, especially in the current environment.

“Early works on the project are continuing and include protecting and moving more than 34 kilometres of gas, water and sewer pipes and drains, and over 95 other utilities, ahead of major construction starting next year,” she said.

A Voluntary Purchase Scheme has also been implemented for property owners located in Borlase Street, Yallambie, due to impacts from the early work program and future major construction.

“A Voluntary Purchase Scheme will also be available for residents affected by the final project design, with eligibility to be finalised once detailed design is known later this year,” Ms. Allan said.

“We’ll continue to work closely with residents and business owners as we get on with this vital project – which will slash travel times and take 15,000 trucks off local roads every day.”


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