Property guide
Compensation
If land is formally acquired for public infrastructure, compensation is dealt with separately from the decision to acquire the land. The amount depends on the property, the interest being acquired and the circumstances of the particular claim.
Information reviewed: 18 August 2026
How it is assessed
What can compensation cover?
Queensland Government guidance identifies several matters that may form part of a compensation claim. Depending on the circumstances, these can include:
-
Value of the land or interest acquired Market value is assessed at the relevant acquisition date, including fixed improvements where applicable.
-
Effect on land you keep Where only part of a property is taken, damage caused by severing the property may be relevant.
-
Other damage connected with the public works Queensland law can recognise certain damage to other land arising from the exercise of statutory powers.
-
Eligible disturbance costs These can include reasonable legal, valuation and other professional costs incurred in preparing and filing the compensation claim, together with other eligible costs in appropriate cases.
The valuation date matters. Queensland Government guidance states that compensation is based on the market value of the land or interest at the date the taking-of-land notice is published in the Queensland Government Gazette.
The claim process
What happens after land is resumed?
A written compensation claim is lodged
A person with a legal interest in resumed land can lodge a claim after the resumption notice is published. Queensland guidance generally requires the claim to be made within three years of that publication.
The claim and valuation evidence are reviewed
The acquiring authority reviews the claim and supporting evidence and makes an offer of compensation.
The amount can be negotiated
If the initial offer is not accepted, the parties can negotiate. An advance against compensation may also be available after a valid claim has been lodged.
Unresolved compensation can go to the Land Court
If agreement cannot be reached, either party may refer the compensation dispute to the Land Court of Queensland for determination.
Professional help
Get your own advice
An acquiring authority will obtain its own valuation information. An affected owner can also obtain independent valuation and legal advice when preparing a compensation claim.
Directory inclusion is independent of advertising. Paid and featured placements are identified separately.
Official Queensland information
Compensation resources
- Office of the Coordinator-GeneralCompensation process — what compensation covers, claims, valuations, negotiation and payment
- Queensland GovernmentGovernment land acquisition and resumption — landholder rights and compensation overview
- Queensland LegislationAcquisition of Land Act 1967 — current legislation governing compulsory acquisition and compensation
Important information
Developing Southern Thornlands is an independent information website. This page is general information only and is not legal, valuation, financial, tax or property-specific advice.
Compensation depends on the acquiring authority, the land or interest acquired, the formal notices, the evidence supporting the claim and the law applying at the time. Obtain professional advice for your own circumstances. See the Terms of Use.