The front page of today's The Age newspaper has confirmed our concerns that the Department of Transport have been trying to cut corners and are not to be trusted after a 'two page briefing note by Freehills, obtained by The Age, says the department's "preference would be to avoid" an EES, under which residents and lobby groups could lodge formal objections to the project.' It is also stated in the article that 'Freehills' June 23 briefing note says a "conference with counsel" on June 2 discussed ways to compulsorily acquire land in a way that "addresses any residual concern about affording landowners natural justice".' And '...the Department of Transport's "thinking is that it may carry out informal public consultation, including correspondence with the landowners and occupiers whose properties may potentially be acquired.' The full article can be viewed at http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/voters-shunted-on-rail-project-20100830-147cu.html