LANDHOLDERS affected by the $10 billion Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail have been told to get ready for substantial compulsory resumptions of farmland.
Dan Creevey from leading legal firm Creevey Russell Lawyers, said while about two-thirds of the 1700km route would use existing rail corriders, much of the Queensland section would require new track.
"The position in Queensland is quite different to the Victorian and NSW sections of the route and will require substantial compulsory acquisitions," Mr Creevey said.
"The Yelarbon to Gowrie stage is currently attracting the most concern because of its potential impact on the viability of agriculturally important and valuable Condamine flood plain properties."
However, Mr Creevey said the resumptions would differ vastly depending on the individual property.
"If the resumed land is in poorer country and on the boundary of the property so that it has no major impact upon the operation and viability of the property, it is a case of just making sure you get proper compensation for the value of the resumed land," he said.
"But if the resumed land bisects the property it is likely it will present far more complex issues, including access difficulties in trying to operate a property divided by rail line, impact on water flows and the ongoing economic impact."
Mr Creevey said in order to get the best outcome, it would be necessary to obtain financial advice as to the likely impact of the resumption on the ongoing profitability of a farm business, even at this early stage.
He said once landholders were issued with a notice of intention to resume their land, they had the right to make an objection within 30 days.
