Pipeline compo claims drag on
Murray-Wellington MLA Murray Cowper is calling on the Water Corporation to settle a dispute with landowners over construction of a pipeline that has dragged on for several years.
Two residents on the Binningup to North Dandalup pipeline have voiced concerns over compensation and land access on sites acquired for the pipe's construction, Mr Cowper said.
"I understand that whereas some claims may have been settled, many others have dragged on now for five years with some heading for very costly litigation," he said.
He is trying to establish how many people along the pipeline have ongoing unresolved disputes with the Corporation and will provide a report to Water Minister Terry Redman, Mr Cowper said.
Mr Cowper also wants valuations the department used to calculate compensation released so local farmers can check if they received a fair deal.
A Water Corporation spokeswoman said negotiations with landholders over the construction of the pipeline took place during and post-construction of the pipe. Independent land valuations formed part of the commercial negotiations process and would not be released publicly as it would mean disclosing private information of customers or stakeholders, she said.
"There are only a few outstanding matters relating to land purchases and land use compensation or reinstatements that we are working through with land owners and which we believe will be resolved shortly," she said.
Construction of the 44km pipeline, which connects the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant in Binningup to the region's water supply network, began in 2009.
Work to add an extra 26.9km connecting Coolup and the Harvey Summit Tank started in 2012.
