Inland Rail is a 1,600km fast freight railway that will link Melbourne to Brisbane through inland Australia. As we move through the various stage of planning and construction, we may need access to property along the alignment for a short period of time. This is where a lease or licence may be negotiated.
What are short-term leases and licences?
A short-term lease or licence is a written, legally binding agreement between a landowner and Inland Rail. It is used when Inland Rail needs to access and occupy land for a short period of time and sets out the conditions under which Inland Rail can use the land, as well as the financial compensation that will go to the landowner for that use.
Why does Inland Rail need to negotiate short-term leases and licences?
To help manage the construction of such a large infrastructure project, Inland Rail is divided into 12 sections.
With multiple construction sites in each of these sections, we may need to temporarily occupy land to:
- establish a site office
- store construction materials
- safely access the rail corridor.
The lease or licence sets out the conditions for that short-term occupation.
How do short-term property leases and licences work?
If your property is impacted, a representative of Inland Rail will get in touch to explain the lease or licence and guide you through the process.
If land is required, a plan will be provided that clearly sets out the extent of the lease or licence area. You will be entitled to receive a market rental rate for any land that is leased or licenced to Inland Rail.
Inland Rail will always endeavour to minimise any disruption to landowners. The agreement will specify access points and terms and conditions around the permitted use of the land. The agreement will also include any remediation of land that will be undertaken at the conclusion of the lease or licence term.
Want to know more?
Inland Rail is committed to working with landowners, communities, state and local governments as a vital part of our planning and consultation work, and we value your input. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Phone: 1800 732 761
Email: inlandrailenquiries@inlandrail.com.au
The information provided is a general guide only and should not be treated as legal or commercial advice.
Other types of property access arrangements
Land Access Agreements
As Inland Rail progresses through various design and construction phases, we may need to access private properties for a short period of time. That’s where a Land Access Agreement is required.
Level Crossings
Where Inland Rail and road intersect, we’ll need to install level crossings to enable safe passage of vehicles and people across the track. What is Inland Rail’s approach to level crossing treatment?
Property Acquisition
Approximately 600km of Inland Rail will require land for the construction of brand new rail corridor. How does the property acquisition process work?
