NSW Roads and Transport Minister Rob Stokes has fronted up to distressed northern beaches residents whose homes are being acquired for a new toll road.

Affected Balgowlah residents Shirley and John Butcher yesterday shared their concerns about the Beaches Link project and uncertainty around it with Jim Wilson.

Mr Stokes told Jim “we have no option” but to acquire homes for the project, blaming a previous government for selling off land intended to extend the Warringah Freeway.

However, he has reached out to Transport for NSW to explain why the Butchers are being offered nearly $1 million less than their property’s value.

“It is right for people to resists the concept of compulsorily acquiring property.

“It’s clear that there’s two wildly different valuations here, and that needs to be negotiated to get the right result.

“The last thing we need to do is get the lawyers involved, we want to deal with this compassionately and fairly.”

Press PLAY below to hear the Roads Minister’s response in full

Image: Transport for NSW, Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

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