PS: From The Age – http://www.theage.com.au/comment/sky-rail-more-an-eye-opener-than-an-eyesore-20160210-gmq1mi.html
PPS: Daniel Bowen’s view – from his blog – http://www.danielbowen.com/2016/02/11/skyrail/
No compensation for residents with proposed sky rail tracks above their houses, councillors told
Herald Sun
HOUSES along the planned sky rail in Melbourne’s southeast won’t get compensation once trains run above their houses, councillors have been told.
Level Crossing Removal Authority representatives acknowledged to councillors in Glen Eira that elevating rail lines along sections of the Cranbourne-Pakenham was “unexpected”, but the $1.6 billion project was unlikely to be dumped no matter how fierce community protests became.
A closed meeting was held between councillors and the Authority on Tuesday night, after the Andrews Government revealed details of the sky rail plan on Sunday.
The project will see nine level crossings removed along Melbourne’s busiest train line, with three sections of the track to be elevated to nine metres above the ground.
Residents along the line are outraged, and have expressed alarm about safety, noise, and property values.
But the council meeting was told that families along the train line would not get compensation, and that home values may even increase.
Residents say they were not told of the sky rail plan during consultation sessions last year.
They said that potential bidders had been given a “blank canvas” to design the project, but that community input did influence final design.
But representatives from the Authority said consultation participants had been shown four possible options for removing level crossings, including putting train tracks over roads.
tom.minear@news.com.au
Glen Eira Debates 
February 10, 2016 at 9:33 PM
Typical article from a journalist. Who made the statement that compensation would not be paid, and what authority did they have? The project doesn’t have a Planning Permit. If it fails to comply with the residential amenity standards in the planning scheme, even if exempt, that establishes a moral and ethical requirement for compensation if it goes ahead. It doesn’t have to go ahead. Neither GECC nor VCAT believe it is necessary. It’s either that or they’ve been reckless in handing out permits like confetti.
February 10, 2016 at 10:40 PM
It would be nice if council would come out with some statement or even their position on what is happening. There is nothing up on their website and no media release but obviously there has been another “leak” to the newspapers. That’s not good enough by a long shot. Residents deserve to be told what is going on.
February 11, 2016 at 9:19 AM
Pilling is supporting the Skyrail and opposing the residents as usual.
He hasn’t got the courage to come out and tell the people this little gem, the man is a do nothing turncoat.
February 11, 2016 at 9:59 AM
so think carefully of what you are saying no too. You will end up with underground at a much higher cost plus the libs selling of the land above for high rise apartments to pay for it = more cars and more people. how much will your houses be worth then? I live about 100 meters from this and I will suffer with more noise than I do now but I can see how this is going to benefit the community versus the alternative
February 11, 2016 at 11:38 AM
anon:- The plan is for 8 million people for Melbourne and that won’t be the end point either. We are going to get more cars more noise, more pollution more crime. Public open space is already vanishing under the sporting infrastructure and car parking, this will increase. The higher density will bring more trucks to supply us our goods, less trees with moonscaping home blocks and concreting them wall to wall.
Is this the alternative?
February 11, 2016 at 12:32 PM
The ongoing political slanging match between Labor and the Liberals is disgusting. They are as bad and dishonest as each other.
February 11, 2016 at 12:42 PM
I would have to agree with this obsevation
February 11, 2016 at 4:28 PM
I discussed the issue wih my MP. Yes, he rang me back. He listened, took notes, sent a summary of the issues raised. He is aware I haven’t been contacted by LXRA, and is aware the information released publicly is inadequate for making a decision on a $1.6B project. Project doesn’t have a planning permit and one will be required [probably a foregone conclusion but he suggested otherwise]. Alternative designs were not really considered. Only two shortlisted submitters. No details on height, width, setbacks, overshadowing. Have to wait for LXRA to get around to me. Examples of successful use of skyrail design where abutting residential areas missing from the sales blurb. I pointed out Los Angeles metro and San Francisco BART aerial station designs didn’t abut residential areas, had at least a road separator. Also outlined some situations which I believe should trigger compensation. Criticized planning in Victoria generally.
February 11, 2016 at 11:29 PM
I see it was reported on 7 News tonight the Liberal mouthpiece opposing the Skyrail, was accused of a foul-mouth rant. What a lovely person!
February 14, 2016 at 1:21 PM
The original rail UNDER road was displayed last year in July and that was what the 1500 pieces of feedback was on. No mention of skyrail.
The previous Govt was due to put rail under road around now like they did in Rooks rd Mitcham & Burke rd Glen Iris. Pity. And how will 130 decibel regional diesel train be quieter at 9 metres in the air than underground?
March 30, 2016 at 4:35 PM
WELL DONE EVERYONE for continuing to speak out regarding negative aspects of skyrail. We all want level crosings gone but this is our lifestyle our living community not just a rail line the public whisk by on a few minutes a day. I read on front page of todays Herald Sun newspaper that Andrews govt are offering to purchase affected properties. After being told “compensation” would NEVER be on the table because the affect of skyrail would be of little impact to residents, its a step in the right direction even though its not a win.
The Andrews govt is bloody minded about this project going ahead to their specs. We are a democracy not dictatorship although it doesnt feel it does it?
govt.
Mr Andrews should be up front/honest. Do not ask locals opinions when you have no intention of listening/acting on them.