In this article, we cover the timeline for the Business Case for the extension of the Sydney Metro from the Western Sydney Airport to Glenfield.
We also set out the steps to knowing whether your property will be affected by this proposal and what we can do to help you navigate acquisition.
What is the plan?
The NSW 2022-23 budget paper for Western Sydney was handed down 21 June 2022 and describes plans for extending the Sydney Metro as far as Glenfield.
The paper states that key investments under the Western Sydney City Deal include:
- $1.7 billion has been set aside for the continued construction for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line in 2022-2023. The metro rail link when complete will connect St Marys to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport and the wider Western Sydney Aerotropolis region. This project alongside other key infrastructure projects are integral in the delivery of a connected transport system for the Western Parkland City.
- Through strategic planning undertaken by NSW Government, future extensions and connections to service the Western Parkland City have been identified. Through this planning funding of $60 million has been allocated to the preparation of a business case for a south-eastern extension of the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project from the current southern terminus at Bradfield (within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis region) to Glenfield.
The completion of the Final Business Case is expected in 2024 will be completed and issued. The outcomes of the Final Business Case will determine how the extension proceeds.
Sydney Metro states that:
“every possible effort is made to avoid the need to acquire private property.”
In relation to the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport Extension this may be largely possible due to transport corridors being protected for the possible expansion in June 2020. However, it cannot be guaranteed that no acquisition of property will required as in some scenarios there is no alternative but to purchase properties to allow for construction of a project.”
How will you know if your property is affected?
Sydney Metro will make contact with the owners and tenants of property that is directly affected by the project once the location of the metro line is determined. The contact by Sydney Metro will be in the form of a commencement letter which will start the minimum six-month consultation and negotiation period.
The letter will provide you with details of your personal and acquisition manager. You will be able to contact them with questions and work through options to achieve a solution that works best for your situation.
Personal managers will assist with issues outside of the commercial aspects of the acquisition. The acquisition manager will assist with the acquisition process and is a trained property expert.
What happens next?
Following receipt of the commencement letter Sydney Metro will arrange a meeting with you to discuss the project. During this meeting the acquisition process will be discussed and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of your acquisition manager.
During this meeting Sydney Metro will discuss engaging an independent valuer to determine the value of your property. You will also be encouraged to engage your own valuer and obtain legal advice.
At this point it is important to note that compensation paid will include reasonably incurred valuation and legal fees.
How can we help?
It is important you understand your rights to compensation if a public authority proposes to acquire part or the whole of your property for the purposes of the Sydney Metro or any other public infrastructure or other development.
Coutts has experienced lawyers who can advise you on the options available to you and your rights to compensation, having acted for many clients whose property has been acquired.
If you have received notice from the Sydney Metro or any other public authority with a proposal to acquire part of or all of your land, contact us for an appointment to ensure you have all the necessary knowledge and advice on what is best for you and your family.
Useful Links
For further information please don’t hesitate to contact our Sydney Lawyers at Coutts Lawyers.
This blog is merely general and non-specific information on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal advice. Coutts is not responsible for any cost, expense, loss or liability whatsoever to this blog, including all or any reliance on this blog or use or application of this blog by you.
