Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail: What Property Owners Need to Know

The Queensland Government’s Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail project is a major piece of transport infrastructure aimed at easing congestion and improving rail reliability between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. While the project promises long-term benefits for the region, it may also have very real and immediate implications for property owners along the rail corridor.

This article explains what the project involves, how compulsory acquisition works in Queensland, and what landowners should do if their property is affected.

What is the Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail project?

The Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail project focuses on the busy rail corridor between Kuraby and Beenleigh, spanning approximately 20 kilometres. At a high level, the project involves:

• Essentially doubling the existing rail tracks along this corridor;
• Separating express and all-stops services to improve reliability and travel times; and
• Supporting future population growth in Logan and the northern Gold Coast.

To deliver these outcomes, additional rail infrastructure, land, and construction access will be required along parts of the corridor. This means some private land may need to be acquired, either permanently or temporarily, to enable the works.

What is compulsory acquisition in Queensland?

Compulsory acquisition is the process by which a government authority can lawfully acquire private land for a public purpose, such as transport infrastructure.

In Queensland, compulsory acquisition is governed by legislation that balances the State’s need to deliver critical infrastructure with the rights of affected property owners. Importantly, land cannot simply be taken without process or compensation.

Key features of compulsory acquisition include:

• The acquiring authority must demonstrate a genuine public purpose;
• Property owners must be given formal notice of the proposed acquisition; and
• Owners are entitled to just compensation, assessed in accordance with statutory principles.

What rights do property owners have?

If your land is affected by the Faster Rail project, you have clear legal rights. These include the right to:

• Receive formal notice of the intention to acquire your land;
• Object to the proposed acquisition within the statutory timeframe;
• Be compensated not only for the value of the land taken, but also for:
  • Disturbance costs (such as legal, valuation and relocation expenses);
  • Business disruption; and
  • Severance or injurious affection to any remaining land; and
• Seek independent legal and valuation advice, with reasonable professional costs often recoverable as part of compensation.

Compulsory acquisition can also involve temporary construction easements or partial acquisitions, each of which raises different legal and valuation issues that should be carefully assessed.

How Muscat Tanzer can assist

Compulsory acquisition is a technical and time-sensitive process, and early advice can make a significant difference to outcomes.

Muscat Tanzer regularly assists landowners, businesses, and developers affected by government infrastructure projects. We can help you:

• Understand whether and how your land is affected by the Faster Rail project;
• Prepare and lodge objections where appropriate;
• Navigate negotiations with the acquiring authority; and
• Ensure your compensation properly reflects the full impact of the acquisition.

If your property is located along the Logan to Gold Coast rail corridor and you have received notice — or anticipate that your land may be affected — we encourage you to seek advice early.

Please contact Muscat Tanzer to discuss how we can assist you in protecting your interests and securing fair compensation.