To ensure compensation is fair and fully considers the impact of the easement on the property, a qualified valuer will undertake all compensation valuations. The valuer must hold the relevant qualifications and experience, and must make an impartial and true valuation. The appointed valuer will assess compensation in accordance with valuation principles set out in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic), the Valuation of Land Act 1960 (Vic), as well as the valuer’s understanding of the impacts to the property.

We will work with landholders to understand the impacts of the proposed transmission line easement on the use of their property, and the compensation offered will reflect these impacts. You will have opportunities to discuss the impact of the easement on your property with the valuer and provide information to assist in determining the compensation payable. By working with the appointed valuer, you can provide a clear understanding of the landholder’s individual property characteristics and current land use. In addition, landholders are encouraged to seek their own valuations which will be paid for by the project.

The statutory process for compulsory acquisition of an easement by AusNet is set out in the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) and the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic). In the statutory process, we will make you an offer of compensation for the easement after the notice of acquisition has been published in the Victorian Government Gazette. This will include the certificate of valuation prepared by the appointed valuer in accordance with the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic). You must notify us whether you accept the offer of compensation by providing us with a notice of acceptance or provide us with a notice of claim in accordance with the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic).

More information on the statutory process is available on page 14 of the Landholder Guide: Option for Easement process and compensation.