Maintaining relationships with landowners built on trust and respect established during the easement acquisition process has now become a pivotal issue for authorities, developers and proponents of pipeline projects alike. Increasingly contracts are placing greater emphasis on landholder liaison in these times of greater vertical integration and increased litigation.

This is even more the case in the more densely populated and developed regions of Australia where pipelines are constructed. It is sometimes the case that critical information gathered and agreed during the easement acquisition process does not filter through to an unsuspecting contractor who then has to wear the full force of landholder dissatisfaction.

Whilst much of this can be negated by the establishment of a concisely and precisely worded construction line list document, it is nonetheless apparent that the skills of a land liaison agent are greater now than ever before. The fundamental skills required for a land liaison agent today ranges from excellent communication skills both verbal and written, a sound knowledge of easement documentation and land acquisition legislation together with compensation knowledge, rural experience and knowledge of farm management practices all combined with a sound working knowledge of pipeline construction and rehabilitation techniques.

Traditionally Maloney Field Services resisted working ‘on the other side of the fence’ for a contractor where they had been involved in the initial easement acquisition process. It was always thought that potential difficulties that could occur between a proponent and contractor would create a conflict of interest. In more recent times however, at the encouragement of their many clients throughout Australia the firm have continued their role from easement acquisition through to landholder liaison during construction to the ultimate benefit of the proponent and the contractor. Such a continuum of personnel and information through the entire project inevitably saves on large and mostly avoidable compensation claims.

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Whilst Maloney Field Services continue to provide the best possible service in respect of easement acquisition services, the company has now carried over that professionalism and ability to managing and coordinating landholder issues all the way through the pipeline construction process. So for the most professional, respected and trusted land access service in Australia, give the team at Maloney Field Services a call today.