Compensation on acquisition of an interest in land

You can apply to VCAT if you are an acquiring authority or you have an interest in land that is being acquired and you do not agree with the compensation amount being claimed or offered or if there has been no offer or claim made.

Amount in dispute

If the amount in dispute is more than $400,000 you can apply to either VCAT or to the Supreme Court.

If the amount in dispute is $400,000 or less, you can only apply to VCAT.

Cases VCAT can hear

VCAT can hear and decide cases under the following legislation

  • section 80 Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986
  • section 94(5) Planning and Environment Act 1987
  • part 5 Planning and Environment Act 1987
  • section 142 Heritage Act 2017
  • section 266(6) Water Act 1989
  • section 88 Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990
  • section 39 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
  • section 67 Health Services Act 1988
  • section 154 Pipelines Act 2005
  • section 130 Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009.

Cases we can't help with

We can’t accept:

  • some cases where one party lives in another state or is a Commonwealth government organisation
  • cases heard under federal law instead of Victorian law.
Learn more

Compensation on acquisition of an interest in land

If you are an acquiring authority or have an interest in land that is being acquired and you do not agree with the compensation amount being claimed or offered you may be able to apply to VCAT under section 80 of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986.

Compensation for land reserved for public purposes

If you have an interest in land that has been, or proposed to be, reserved for public purposes you may be entitled to compensation. Make these applications under Part 5 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Compensation for an order to stop development

If you have an interest in land that has a permit which has been impacted as a result of an order to stop development being issued, you may be entitled to compensation. Make these applications under section 94 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Compensation for acquisition by Heritage Council

If you have an interest in land that has been acquired which is a registered place or land on which a registered place is situated, you may be entitled to compensation. Make these applications under section 142 of the Heritage Act 2017.

Compensation for damage caused by mining

If you have an interest in land that has been damaged by mining activities you may be entitled to compensation. If your dispute relates to compensation for damage caused by mining you may be able to apply to VCAT. Make these applications under sections 85 and 88 of the Mineral Resources Development Act 1990.

Compensation for a conservation order

If you have an interest in land that has been impacted by the making or amending of an interim conservation order you may be entitled to compensation. Make these applications under sections 43 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Compensation for a registered funded agency

If you have an interest in land that has been acquired for the purposes of a registered funded agency under the Health Services Act 1988 you may be entitled to compensation. Make these applications under sections 67 of the Health Services Act 1988.

Compensation for a pipeline

If you have an interest in land that has been impacted in relation to the construction and/or operation of a pipeline under the Pipelines Act 2005 you may be entitled to compensation. Make these applications under sections 154 of the Pipelines Act 2005.

Compensation for native title

If you have objected under section 24MD(6B)(d) of the Native Title Act 1993 to a proposed compulsory acquisition of native title rights and interests you may be entitled to a determination and/or compensation. Make these applications under sections 130 of the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009.

Apply

We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.

We cannot give you legal advice. This means we cannot tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.

Seek legal help if you are unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.

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Learn more about fees or apply for fee relief.

If you have any difficulties with applying online, contact us on 1300 01 8228.

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Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?

You do not need to have legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you wish to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission.

Find legal services that may be able to assist you.

Access and privacy

VCAT hearings and files are usually public.

VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality.

Legislation that applies to this type of case

Useful resources

Practice Note - PNPE5 - Valuation and compensation matters
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