This document aims to guide professionals on how the Valuer General determines compensation for the compulsory acquisition of land. For in-depth information, please download the guidance document below.

The NSW Valuer General is an independent statutory officer appointed by the NSW Governor General and is responsible for overseeing the state’s land valuation system. This includes establishing the standards and policies for calculating compensation.

In New South Wales, various levels of government, including state-owned corporations, have the authority to acquire privately owned land for public purposes. These government entities are referred to as acquiring authorities.

When the acquiring authority is part of the NSW Government or a local government, the acquisition process follows the guidelines set out in the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (the Act). If the acquisition happens on a compulsory basis, the Valuer General is tasked with determining the compensation amount that the acquiring authority will pay to the landowner.

The Valuer General may delegate the responsibility of determining compensation to Value NSW (VNSW). VNSW can either prepare compensation recommendations internally or hire external contractors to assist with this process.

For more information on compulsory acquisitions, please refer to the Compulsory Acquisitions page.

Download Compensation following compulsory acquisition policy