With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon and the post-COVID migration wave, South East Queensland is amid an infrastructure boom.
Accommodating our growing population and the infrastructure to support this will inevitably require additional land to locate much-needed projects and services. Handling engagement for land resumptions is often highly emotive for property owners. Although it is never easy, when done respectfully and well, it can improve the experience of those affected and lead to better outcomes for all.
Supporting impacted property owners
As those experienced with infrastructure delivery will know, early design concepts often change, and initial timelines are vague. Affected, or potentially affected, landowners may be aware of a future project but left suspended in limbo, unable to plan or move forward for months or even years.
Engagement officers play a key role in supporting impacted residents through this complex and emotionally challenging process. Meeting necessary legislative requirements must be balanced with empathy and clear communication.
Leading practice for land acquisition engagement
Thoughtful engagement helps ease the burden on affected landowners and fosters trust in public infrastructure delivery.
To ensure respectful relationships and effective processes, project teams should:
- Engage early, ideally during the options analysis or design phase. This helps to build trust, transparency and supports the wellbeing of affected residents.
- Communicate clearly. Explain the scope, including why the project is required, the potential impacts, the decision-making process and how to lodge objections.
- Be empathetic. Choose representatives who are calm, knowledgeable and sensitive to residents’ circumstances.
- Maintain transparency. Ensure political sensitivities are balanced with the community’s right to be informed.
- Prioritise direct contact. Affected residents should hear about the project firsthand, ahead of media announcements.
- Brief elected officials before stakeholder engagement to help ensure alignment and support.
- Prepare to discuss uncertainties. Respond to questions even when final project details are evolving.
- Ensure responsiveness. Keeping stakeholders informed builds trust, manages expectations and reduces conflict. Set stakeholder response timelines and stick to them when providing answers to questions.
Meeting legislative requirements
Compulsory acquisition is governed by a range of legislation relevant to the process of resuming land, including the Human Rights Act 2019 requiring proper consideration to human rights in decision making and actions.
Under the Queensland Acquisition of Land Act 1967, local and state authorities must issue a Notice of Intention to Resume. By the time these notices are issued, constructing authorities should have already engaged with affected residents to explain the process and provide support.
Most residents will first learn about a project when they are contacted directly regarding the acquisition of their property. These conversations can be highly distressing and usually occur during the early options analysis phase, before final design decisions have been made.
This makes the process of how and when impacted property owners are notified critically important.
Articulous can help with tough conversations including engagement for complex infrastructure delivery. Reach out and discover how we can support your team with experienced staff, planning expertise and training.
