Media release 10 March 2004

Fair Deal For Land Purchases Required For Eastern Corridor

Owners of privately-owned properties along the route of the proposed Eastern Transport Corridor will be appropriately compensated if their land is required, Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

A recommended route has been determined by consultants Opus International but final decisions will not be made until later this year by the project's three partners, Manukau City Council, Auckland City Council and Transit NZ. A decision will be made by Manukau's Transport Committee at the end of May.

Sir Barry says, "I can understand that residents along the proposed route would like certainty about whether or not they will be affected, but we cannot provide that as yet.

"There is a well-established process for purchases and Manukau City Council is continually buying properties for many purposes such as creating parks, building roads, storm water facilities and expanding parking areas. The Council's policy is to pay the market value.

"We always offer a fair price reflecting the value before building plans are announced. I can guarantee that property owners along the final Eastern Corridor route will be fully compensated and we will negotiate in good faith, as the law requires. People can rest assured they will not be financially disadvantaged, and I am proud of the Council's record in this regard."

The Council is also required under the Public Works Act to meet assorted costs linked to the purchase such as residents' legal fees and moving costs. Residents can get more information by calling the Corridor hotline on 3537306.

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