Anton Dunhill

Anton is widely recognised as one of Victoria’s leading compulsory acquisition and land compensation lawyers, with more than two decades of experience advising on complex, high-value and strategically sensitive acquisition matters. He acts across the full spectrum of compulsory acquisition work, representing landowners, businesses, tenants, councils and other stakeholders affected by land acquisition and infrastructure delivery.

Anton has advised on thousands of acquisition and compensation claims involving individuals, estates, small businesses, listed entities and public authorities. His practice spans everything from straightforward easement acquisitions through to highly complex matters involving partial acquisitions, business disturbance, severance, injurious affection and the impact of acquisitions across multiple landholdings.

He is known for his detailed and practical understanding of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic), his strategic approach to compensation risk, and his ability to manage large, multidisciplinary teams comprising valuers, town planners, engineers and other expert consultants. Clients value Anton’s clarity of advice, technical precision and tireless advocacy in matters where outcomes materially affect long-term commercial and property interests.

Areas of Focus

• Compulsory acquisition and land compensation
• Land Acquisition and Compensation Act (LACA)
• Partial acquisitions, severance and injurious affection
• Easements and statutory interests
• Business disturbance and loss on sale claims
• Negotiated acquisitions and voluntary purchase schemes
• Acquisition-related planning and property disputes

Compulsory Acquisition Expertise

Anton advises across all phases of compulsory acquisition matters, from early strategic advice and pre-acquisition negotiations through to contested compensation claims, litigation and post-acquisition issues. He is frequently engaged at the outset of major projects to assist clients in understanding compensation exposure, valuation methodology and negotiation strategy before positions become entrenched.

His experience includes advising on acquisitions for transport, road, rail, utilities, energy and urban renewal projects, as well as complex Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) matters and related planning disputes. Anton is particularly skilled at identifying the true commercial impact of an acquisition, beyond headline land value, and ensuring that all compensable interests are properly assessed and pursued.

Major Infrastructure Projects

• Suburban Rail Loop Project
• North East Link Project
• Melbourne Metro Rail Project
• West Gate Tunnel Project (Western Distributor)
• Level Crossing Removal Program
• Numerous Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) acquisitions

Extensive Project Experience 

Anton has acted on a vast range of infrastructure and development projects across Victoria, including:

• Major Road Projects Victoria acquisitions, including Yan Yean Road (Stages 1 and 2), Craigieburn, Dingley, Geelong, Hallam, Horsham and Koo Wee Rup Bypass projects
• Princes Highway and Western Highway upgrades
• Outer Metropolitan Ring Road (OMR / E6)
• West Gate Freeway upgrades
• Local council infrastructure projects for numerous metropolitan and regional councils

Water, Energy and Utility Acquisitions

Anton has extensive experience advising on acquisitions for water, energy and utility infrastructure across Victoria. His work includes matters involving:

• Barwon Water
• Coliban Water
• East Gippsland Water
• Gippsland Water
• Greater Western Water
• Goulburn Valley Water
• GWMWater
• Lower Murray Water
• North East Water
• South East Water
• South Gippsland Water
• Yarra Valley Water

State Authorities and Major Acquiring Bodies

Anton has acted in acquisition and property matters involving a wide range of State departments and authorities, including transport, planning, health, education, energy and urban development bodies. His experience includes acquisitions and disputes involving major transport corridors, gas and electricity transmission, urban renewal precincts and large-scale public infrastructure.

He is particularly effective in high-value and complex disputes involving competing valuation methodologies, development potential, business loss and severance impacts. His litigation experience allows him to advise realistically on risk, timing and outcomes, and to deploy pressure strategically where it matters most.

Broader Property and Dispute Experience

In addition to his compulsory acquisition practice, Anton has acted in a range of complex and sensitive matters that reinforce his depth as a property and disputes lawyer. These include advising on wind farm agreements and related land acquisitions, representing major corporates in landfill and environmental disputes, and acting in planning and administrative law proceedings involving heritage overlays and major development objections.

He has also acted in high-value estate litigation, guardianship proceedings and complex property disputes, further strengthening his ability to manage matters involving multiple stakeholders, competing interests and heightened sensitivity.

Thought Leadership and Industry Standing

Anton is regularly invited to present at industry forums and professional development programs, including for the Law Institute of Victoria and Legalwise Seminars. He has also addressed large community and stakeholder groups on major infrastructure projects and landowner rights, and is recognised as a leading educator in Victorian compulsory acquisition law.