Reforms to clarify WA private property rights introduced to Parliament

New reforms have been introduced to the Western Australian Parliament regarding landowners and compensation when public works are undertaken on their property by the state government.

The Land Acquisition Legislation Amendment (Compensation) Bill 2014 was introduced to parliament yesterday.

The bill aims to reinforce private property rights when essential services need work, for instance power lines, and looks at the full impact of the land being used,  explained Premier Colin Barnett.

“The legislation will ensure the property rights of landholders - including pastoral leaseholders - are taken into account when Government decisions are made, and that those decisions are fair and transparent,” said Barnett.

“It will expressly require just compensation to be paid in cases where an interest in land is acquired for public works where there is loss of amenity, value of enjoyment, or changes in the aesthetic environment of land\,” he said.

He also noted that the Bill encourages utilities to use land already government-owned.

“Costs that are currently imposed on landholders will be appropriately transferred to the government authority undertaking the work,” he said.