Tough tactics and unrealistic compensation offers continue to hit small South Australian businesses whose properties are being acquired for the $15.4 billion North-South Corridor project.
In recent weeks, the Opposition has met with multiple business owners at Richmond who are struggling to secure a fair payout price, or alternate location that is ‘like-for-like’ as promised by the Malinauskas Labor Government.
Standing with the Opposition today, the small business – which has been in existence since 1930 supplying landscaping goods and services – has been attempting to relocate for more than 12 months with no luck because of specific needs.
The alternate locations surveyed for relocation cost far more than the compensation price offered by the Malinauskas Labor Government, triggering stress and anxiety for the owners.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Vincent Tarzia, said Peter Malinauskas and Tom Koutsantonis must show “empathy and kindness” to South Australians losing their businesses.
“Business owners have told the Opposition they were promised relocation to a new site would be ‘like-for-like’,” Mr Tarzia said.
“This is another horror story from a small South Australian business that wants to relocate to continue operating and employing people in local jobs during the cost of living crisis.
“Unfortunately, they can’t find the right place that is ‘like-for-like’ and the compensation offer on the table is laughable. This unfair situation is what so many small businesses are facing, and Peter Malinauskas and Tom Koutsantonis are being heartless.
“That’s why, if elected in 2026, the Liberal Party will establish an Acquisitions Taskforce for future acquisition projects in South Australia.
“We must utilise home or small business owners who have experienced property acquisition to support others going through the difficult process.
“This type of support is a great way to achieve fair and reasonable outcomes for all parties.”
