Melbourne Leader: Going, going, gone — 102 homes in Collingwood, Clifton Hill and Parkville sold for East West Link. Nic Price. 16 October 2014
The State Government has finalised the acquisition of 102 properties across Collingwood, Clifton Hill and Parkville today. Pictured, an artist’s impression of the Collingwood flyover onto Hoddle St.
REesidents have been left with “a cruel choice” with the State Government compulsorily acquiring 102 properties in Collingwood, Clifton Hill and Parkville for the controversial East West Link today.
Owners are set to receive the initial offer of compensation next week and can enter negotiations if they believe it’s not enough.
See the gazetted properties listed here.
Residents Against the Tunnel spokeswoman Harriet Mantell said people knew the day was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier to lose their homes.
“There are three legal challenges and an election coming up that will determine whether this project goes ahead or not. Why not wait eight weeks?” she said.
Linking Melbourne Authority spokeswoman Gemma Beard said residents could stay until August or September next year for a rent of $1 a month.
Slater and Gordon senior associate Manisha Blencowe said owners faced a cruel choice whether to move on and buy a replacement property, or hold out and hope for a change of government.
She said if the project was abandoned and a Labor government sold off the properties within 18 months, former owners could buy them back for the same price.
Moonee Valley Council last night voted to launch its own Supreme Court challenge to the project aiming to force a redraw of final designs for the western end.
The council will argue Planning Minister Matthew Guy acted “irrationally” in his decisions and interpretation of his powers under the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act (2009).
