The Government has announced plans to streamline the Public Works Act 1981 (PWA) with targeted amendments expected to take effect approximately six months before a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation.
Land Information Minister Penk and Infrastructure Minister Bishop want significant changes to accelerate land acquisition for critical public projects while providing additional compensation for affected landowners.
The amendments specifically target land affected by public infrastructure projects listed in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 and identified as Roads of National Significance (in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024).
Streamlined objection process
Under the proposed changes, property owners would gain the ability to object directly to the relevant decisionmaker, either the Minister for Land Information or council, rather than the Environment Court. This more streamlined approach aims to reduce delays while maintaining landowner rights.
Enhanced compensation
Perhaps most significant for property owners, the amendments introduce two new payment categories:
- An "extra incentive" payment of 15 percent of land value, capped at $150,000, for landowners who voluntarily sell before a Notice of Intention is issued.
- A "recognition payment" of 5 percent of land value, capped at $92,000 for all landowners whose land is acquired.
These financial enhancements acknowledge the "critical role" private land plays in delivering essential infrastructure while providing tangible benefits to cooperating property owners.
Next steps
A draft bill containing these changes is expected to be introduced to Parliament in May, with the public invited to provide feedback through the select committee process.
Please reach out to Simon Pilkinton, Anna Crosbie or one of our team if you would like to discuss how these changes may impact you or your organisation.