Less than half the properties initially earmarked for resumption to make way for the Faster Rail have been acquired by the state government.
When the $5.75 billion rail project was announced in 2021, Transport and Main Roads sent letters to 300 private property owners, informing them their property would be required.
So far, TMR has acquired over 130 properties through a “voluntary process”.
“…which allows impacted property owners to sell to TMR ahead of a compulsory acquisition,” a TMR spokesperson said.
“TMR understands that property acquisitions can cause stress and is committed to supporting property owners and tenants to navigate the process.
“TMR has worked closely with impacted landholders since the start of the project to assist them with the process.”
The spokesperson said the total number of properties resumed would be determined by the final design.
The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail will double the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh to allow express trains to run freely with more all-stops services.
The project will also see major upgrades to several stations, the removal of five level crossings and the straightening of tracks along a 20km stretch.
Late last year its predicted cost more than doubled.
The impacts of the project were discussed in a Logan City Council city planning meeting last.
Councillor and mayoral candidate Jon Raven raised the issue of land resumptions amid discussions about the advantages of the rail upgrades.
“Although this is the biggest public transport investment we’ve seen in our city in decades, and it is a really exciting project – there have also been people who have been asked to give up their homes during a housing crisis so these upgrades can be built,” Cr Raven said.
“While it’s really easy to go out and say, ‘yay shiny new things’, there’s also a real human impact to our residents who are suffering because they don’t want to move – they’re in their forever homes.
“And the people who did early acquisition – who are happy to move on – that’s all done, and now we’ve hit the hard part.
“For the next three months, it’s going to be people who don’t want to move being asked to move for the good of the city – and it’s a big ask.”
Cr Raven said there was a “clear expectation from the community” councillors would communicate with locals and advocate for their best interests, despite the issue being out of council’s jurisdiction.
“I suspect as we come into an election cycle, everyone will want to know what council is doing about this and how are we taking care of our residents,” Cr Raven said.
A Logan City Council spokesperson said council was working closely with TMR to “minimise any negative impacts” on the Logan community and infrastructure.
“Council remains focused on securing good planning and design outcomes for station upgrades and precincts,” the spokesperson said.
“And will be advocating for outcomes that will facilitate improved community safety, connectivity and flood mitigation along the rail corridor, for the benefit of our community as a whole.”
The recently completed $5 million Beenleigh Town Square beautification works will be spared from construction impacts, despite first announced it would be ripped up to make way for an underground rail tunnel.
Contracts for the Faster Rail project is expected to be awarded sometime in 2024.
