Scotch College

Scotch College preparing Tollway widening compensation case

All risks posed by the widening have been identified and every possible measure has been taken to protect the College’s interests.

Words: Tim Shearer

Scotch College is preparing its response to a formal offer of compensation from VicRoads for the loss of land taken through compulsory acquisition associated with the widening of City Link. The School must consider all matters which are compensable, including land loss, depreciation and severance, loss of amenity and vegetation, and other project impacts. The School will prepare a detailed claim.

The School has engaged consultants to assist in the process. Also, the College Council has devoted considerable resources to ensuring all risks posed by the widening have been identified and every possible measure has been taken to protect the College’s interests.

The Council appointed a committee to oversee the School’s response, chaired by Dr David Kemp. Meeting regularly, the committee worked closely with the College’s legal advisers and appointed a range of other expert consultants, including:

• Acoustic engineers to establish the College’s requirements for traffic noise protection;
• Structural and hydraulic engineers to assess Transurban/CityLink’s detailed construction plans and advise on any required changes and improvements;
• Architects to advise on the aesthetic design of new noise barriers;
• Landscape, planning and environment consultants to plan for reinstatement of the affected area of the campus;
• An arborist to help ensure as many trees as possible are protected, and
• A communications consultant to help the College administration keep the school community informed.

The College Bursar, Ross Congleton, and his staff continue to provide considerable administrative support in coordinating the various streams of work.

A strip of land up to 2.85 metres wide on the southern boundary of the Hawthorn campus has been acquired compulsorily to accommodate the extra lane. The loss of this land will permanently reduce the available playing space on the Melville Oval and other usable areas.

An additional strip, about 11 metres wide, is being used for temporary construction purposes and has significantly encroached on the Oval and its surrounds. A considerable number of mature and valuable trees were cut down in cordoning off this works area.

Mr Congleton described the settlement offer from VicRoads as inadequate and said it was clearly a starting point in what might be a long process to determine the final monetary compensation.