Landowners victorious as Sydney Metro stumps up the cash
New agreements between Orchard Hills landowners and Sydney Metro will see uprooted residents receive greater compensation for the compulsory acquisitions.
While the exact details are restricted by confidentiality agreements, Jim Wilson said the deals are a “victory for people power”.
“Sources on Macquarie Street have told me that Sydney Metro has improved their offers to these poor people, and I’m reliably informed in some cases it’s more than 70 per cent what was originally on offer.”
Orchard Hills resident Luke Kohler fronted a parliamentary inquiry into the acquisitions today.
He told Jim Sydney Metro still hasn’t made a satisfying offer for his land, and says half his neighbours will also continue to fight.
“There possibly could be [a court case], but that’s the last thing we want to do – we don’t want the stress of this on our families.
“Because of the Just Terms Act, we have no right to fight them.
“The reason why people are taking deals is because they can’t handle this any longer.”
Press PLAY below to hear the full interview