NSW Labor has urged the Perrottet Government to apologise to land owners in Western Sydney and commit to improving the acquisitions process after the release of a damning report into compulsory acquisition of land for major transport projects.

A NSW Upper House inquiry into the Acquisition of Land in Relation to Major Transport Projects handed down three findings;

• That the NSW Government’s purchase of 4-6 Grand Avenue, Camellia led to a loss of tens of millions of public dollars.
• That, on the evidence presented, Sydney Metro has not negotiated in good faith with the residents of Orchard Hills
• That the current culture of acquiring authorities, including specifically that of Sydney Metro, is making the acquisition process more difficult for residents and small businesses than it should be

Labor is calling on the government to examine all of the recommendations in the report to make the acquisitions process fairer for families and small businesses across Sydney, and to improve the planning process for important transport infrastructure projects.

Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen MP, Shadow Minister for Transport

“This is a damning report. The government’s deeply flawed acquisition process has cost the public millions of dollars and treats local residents with disrespect.

“The government must do better. Compulsory acquisitions are hard enough on residents and small businesses as is, they shouldn’t be subject to an unfair acquisition process that rips them off and is personally traumatic.”

Quotes attributable to Greg Warren MP, Shadow Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Campbelltown

“I have met with Orchard Hills residents on many occasions regarding Sydney Metro’s questionable tactics during this process,” he said.

“These aren’t just houses, these are homes that many residents built with blood, sweat and tears.

“I welcome the committee’s findings and the call on the government to put procedures and protocols in place to prevent a similar situation from occurring again.”

GREG WARREN MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
 

JO HAYLEN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT