Sugarloaf Pipeline Project - Landowners
- Landowner consultation
- Landowner visits
- Accessing private property
- Creating the pipeline easement
- Landowner compensation
- Field surveying work
- Biosecurity protocols and management plan
Landowner consultation
Melbourne Water recognises the importance of working closely with the local community on the delivery of our projects.
Whilst a general pipeline corridor has been identified for the Sugarloaf pipeline, the specific route alignment has not been finalised. This is being done in close consultation with affected landowners as part of the current detailed design process.
Landowner visits
Melbourne Water representatives visited people living along the pipeline investigation corridor to provide them with information about the project, and to seek permission to access private property and explain important next steps. These visits began at the beginning of October 2007 and are ongoing.
Accessing private property
Obtaining access to private property is an important aspect of the visits, to enable detailed flora and fauna, cultural heritage and geotechnical field surveys to begin on private property.
Visits with landowners allow us to better understand the human impacts of this project, and how residents are worried about ways the pipeline might affect their lives and livelihoods.
Our representatives are grateful to the many people they have met during visits, who despite opposing the project, gave them a fair hearing.
Melbourne Water's rights and responsibilities in relation to land entry are specified in Sections 133 and 134 of the Water Act (1989) (PDF, 115kb).
Creating the pipeline easement
Melbourne Water will need to access private land to build the pipeline and to create an easement to protect the pipeline. This is necessary so the pipeline can be accessed if required for future maintenance. Its location will be registered on titles.
The construction easement will be approximately 30 metres wide (or possibly wider in steep terrain), however, the final easement registered on property will only be 10-15 metres wide.
Our intention is for the pipeline to be underground particularly on privately owned land. As a rule, the pipeline will be a minimum of about 1 metre deep. Where we cross major roads or rivers, it is likely to be greater than 1.5 metres deep.
The easement will restrict the construction of significant buildings over the pipeline, but is unlikely to affect uses of that land such as grazing. We will work with affected landowners to minimise disruption to the current and future use of their land as a result of the pipeline.
The easement will generally not be fenced and access will be maintained. The only exception to this is where above ground fittings will be required at some locations and these will require protection from damage.
No rezoning of land will be required for construction of the pipeline.
Landowner compensation
Compensation for an easement and rental for the workspace occupied during construction will be assessed by an independent certified practising valuer.
Melbourne Water will pay compensation to landowners including costs associated with the creation of an easement and for occupation during construction. The surface of the land will be restored as near as possible to its original state.
Melbourne Water will be constructing the pipeline under the provisions of the Water Act 1989. Melbourne Water can compulsorily acquire the easement and the process for this is outlined in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986.
In most cases, there will be a requirement to register an easement rather than purchase a strip of land. Consultation will be undertaken with affected landowners to agree the compensation payment related to the registration of easements.
When the route of the pipeline is decided in consultation with landowners a notice to enter the property will be given. An individual landowner's needs will be met wherever possible.
Field surveying work
Our field teams have commenced their important surveying work on State and private land. All staff in the field will follow strict guidelines on the lawful entry of private property, as well as strict protocols to prevent the transmission of plant and animal diseases including Equine Influenza and Grape Phylloxera.
A rigorous planning and approvals process is a key aspect of this project, including environmental, flora and fauna and cultural heritage surveys, as well as geotechnical investigations and surveying.
Biosecurity protocols and management plan
Melbourne Water and the Sugarloaf Project Team are committed to working with landowners, land managers and others to prevent the transmission of plant and animal diseases, including Grape Phylloxera, Phytophthora and Equine Influenza, as a result of works associated with the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project.
Protocols have been designed in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for use by staff and contract workers and for the information of landowners.
A Biosecurity Management Plan has also been developed to provide a methodology for minimising the potential for spread of animal and plant disease agents or pests during the construction of the Sugarloaf Pipeline and associated infrastructure.
Also see:
- Landowner - common questions
- Fact Sheet - Sugarloaf Pipeline (PDF, 140kb)
- Sugarloaf Landowner Impacts Fact Sheet (PDF, 77kb)
- Sugarloaf Land access Fact Sheet (PDF, 141kb)
- Fact Sheet - Bio-Security (PDF, 163kb)
Contact us
For more information about the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project:
Call toll free - 1800 453 753 or contact us online.
For more information about the Food Bowl Modernisation Project:
Contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment Call Centre -136 186
For more information on The Next Stage of the Government's Water Plan:
Visit Our Water, Our Future
View the 12 month progress report