Transgrid’s preference is to reach a negotiated outcome with easement affected landowners on HumeLink. However, if a compensation agreement cannot be reached, the compulsory acquisition of property may start.

Compulsory acquisition is an independent process managed by the NSW Government. In the case of HumeLink, Transgrid is the acquiring authority. The Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (the Just Terms Act) outlines the land acquisition process.

The Just Terms Act requires acquiring authorities to negotiate with landowners for at least six months to reach an agreement. Transgrid has exceeded this six-month negotiation period for all easement affected landowners who are being contacted about the compulsory acquisition process.

PAN is short for ‘Proposed Acquisition Notice’. A PAN is a letter sent to a landowner stating the acquiring authority (in HumeLink’s case, Transgrid) intends to compulsorily acquire property rights.

The PAN is valid for 90 days from the date of issue (this is called the “PAN period”). Transgrid must complete the acquisition of the easement by publishing a notice in the Government Gazette (permanent public record of official NSW Government notices) within 30 days from the completion of the PAN period.

Yes, Transgrid’s preference is to reach a negotiated outcome with easement affected landowners and throughout the PAN period landowners are encouraged to continue to negotiate with Transgrid. However, if an agreement is not reached in 90 days, the easement will be compulsorily acquired under the Just Terms Act (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 No 22.

As part of the compulsory acquisition process the Valuer General will contact landowners and may do so during the PAN period. Landowners are encouraged to contact their dedicated Place Manager or Land Access Officer to continue to negotiate with Transgrid or discuss the compulsory acquisition process at any time during the PAN period.

More information on compulsory acquisition is available on the NSW Government website:

Compulsory acquisition | NSW Government

The Valuer General's role in compulsory acquisitions | NSW Government

Property acquisition publications and forms | NSW Government.

Transgrid can withdraw the PAN and proceed with an agreed option deed if the agreement is reached during the PAN period (90 days from issue).

To meet the dates set by AEMO for the completion of HumeLink, a number of activities must occur in parallel. Planning determination by the NSW and Commonwealth governments is expected by the time the PAN period has expired. If planning determination is not received, compulsory acquisition of easements would be withdrawn.  

The Valuer General will determine the compensation amount the acquiring authority (Transgrid) must offer landowners for compulsory acquisition of easements for HumeLink. The Valuer General is an independent statutory officer appointed by the NSW Governer General.

Transgrid recognises that our transmission projects may have increased the level of stress and anxiety experienced by landowners and has engaged an external service provider – Assure Programs – to provide landowners with short-term support and counselling. The service is confidential and anonymous and there is no cost to landowners for accessing this service.

If you are a landowner, and would like confidential support and counselling, we encourage you to access the services Assure Programs provides. More information can be found here: Landowner Support & Advocacy Services | Transgrid