This On Demand was recorded on 10 September 2025.
The Public Works Act 1981 gives the Crown power to acquire land from private landowners for public works, such as roads, railways, schools and police stations. While it provides a process aimed to ensure the rights of private landowners are protected (and so the Crown can ensure public works proceed), the reality can be quite different: impacted landowners have little power compared to central and local government, and the financial and emotional toll can be significant ‒ whether or not land ends up being taken whether or not land ends up being taken.
Covering the practicalities of the current regime and the pending one intended to drive infrastructure growth, this On Demand will provide valuable information and insights about this area of law which can impact anyone, at any time.
Learning Outcomes
- Improve your knowledge and understanding of the legal framework for land acquisition, namely the Public Works Act and the associated process and timelines.
- Gain insights into the realities involved for affected landowners as regards the entitlement to compensation (land and business use heads of loss), with reference to real examples and case law.
- Garner strategies aimed at improving the outcomes for affected landowners – valuation and evidence best practices, and strategies for negotiation, advocacy and dispute resolution, with reference to real examples and precedents.
- Benefit from a practical checklist for effectively managing a Public Works Act matter.
- Become familiar with the pending legislative overhaul, in terms of land acquisition, compensation and emergency provisions, and its likely impact.
Who Should Watch?
Property lawyers, Environment and Resource Management lawyers, and litigators.
Presenters
Phil Shannon, Partner, Turner Hopkins
Nick Kearney, Director, Jim Thompson Law
