Your property and our major construction projects

NSW has a growing population. Transport for NSW (Transport) is continually delivering a range of major infrastructure projects that balance the needs of both motorists and local communities.

Construction projects, like major motorways, are an important part of creating an integrated road and public transport network for the NSW, which will deliver positive outcomes for the lives of NSW communities for decades to come.

As with all of our construction projects, the safety of your property is a key focus for Transport, as well as its contractors. There are a range of measures in place on each project to ensure the safety of properties near our construction work.

In the unlikely event that you notice any damage to your property, there is a process available to help you resolve, or make a claim.

For major projects listed below, there is an additional process available.

Property damage claim process

How we protect property during construction

The safety of your property is a priority for Transport and its contractors during any construction project.

Major construction projects are governed by stringent environmental planning processes that manage construction impacts, such as noise, vibration and settlement, in accordance with the project’s Conditions of Approval (CoA). In particular, the planning controls minimise the risk of any cosmetic or structural damage occurring to buildings or structures near projects as a result of construction work.

How we protect properties can depend on the type of project and construction being undertaken. Each project has its own mitigation measures, but common procedures include:

construction that follows well-established methods, is built safely, and in line with the project’s planning approvals
noise and vibration management plans
regular ground movement and vibration monitoring to ensure work stays within approved limits
property condition surveys.

Property condition surveys

Depending on the type of construction activity, and how close a property is to the project, a property may be eligible for a Property Condition Survey (PCS), sometimes referred to as a dilapidation survey.

PCS are an important part of keeping a detailed record of your property before and after construction takes place. It involves an internal and external visual inspection of an existing building or structure, taking detailed photos and identifying any pre-existing damage. It is undertaken to assess and report on the property’s current condition.

A PCS is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended if your property is eligible. The survey is free and will ensure there is a clear record of the property’s condition before the start of construction. In the unlikely event damage is found to be caused by our construction work, it will be repaired at no cost to the property owner.

PCS are typically carried out before and after construction.

What to do if you think your property has been damaged by our work

If you notice any damage to your property that may have been caused by a Transport construction project, you should contact the relevant project team as soon as possible. This will begin the process of commencing a property damage claim.

You do not have to wait until a post-construction PCS is complete to file a claim for property damage.

The project’s property damage team will then contact you and walk you through the property damage process. Every claim is taken seriously, and the team will look at a range of data available to assess the claim and work with you on a resolution.

In the unlikely event a resolution cannot be reached between you and the contractor, you can progress a claim through the Independent Property Impact Assessment Panel (IPIAP) where available for the relevant project.

The Independent Property Impact Assessment Panel (IPIAP)

If you’re not satisfied with the contractor’s decision on your damage claim, you can request your claim be reviewed by the Independent Property Impact Assessment Panel.

The Independent Property Impact Assessment Panel (IPIAP) has been established by Transport to independently review and resolve disputes regarding property damage that cannot be resolved by the contractor or Transport.

The panel operates at arm’s length from Transport, the NSW Government, and construction contractors to provide transparency and independence in the assessment of whether construction has caused damage to property.

The panel is made up of independent geotechnical, structural and subsidence engineering specialists who have been approved by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and who have considerable experience in ground movement and property damage assessments.

These experts will independently review and resolve disputes.

If the resolution recommended by IPIAP is accepted by the property owner, work to repair damage to the property will be completed or compensation based on a scope decided by the IPIAP.

What happens if no resolution can be reached through the IPIAP process?

Transport’s responsibilities are generally complete once IPIAP has provided a resolution. If the resolution is not accepted, the property owner may choose to seek resolution by other means.