Pedro Ulloa has lived in his small unit for the last six years. But despite being self-sufficient, the 84-year-old is being forced to leave his home because of disruptions from the expansion of the Pacific Motorway, south of Brisbane.

Key points: Three-quarters of a Logan unit complex has been purchased by the Department of Transport and Main Roads

Three-quarters of a Logan unit complex has been purchased by the Department of Transport and Main Roads Construction has now started on the Pacific Motorway Expansion, south of Brisbane

Construction has now started on the Pacific Motorway Expansion, south of Brisbane Residents are furious they have not been offered any form of compensation

The front door of his unit at Rochedale South is a couple of metres from the multi-million-dollar construction project, which is set to take at least 18 months and bring a busy busway within reach of his driveway.

About three-quarters of the units in Mr Ulloa's complex were purchased by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) late last year to make way for the expansion.

His unit was among nine others left untouched, as reported by ABC News in March, but the department has not yet offered any compensation.

Mr Ulloa said he cannot believe he has had to endure such trouble from a state government department.

"It became unbearable with the noise, the dust, the inconvenience of the electricity being cut off," he said, through the translation of his daughter Jeannette.

"He says he's not asking to be rich, he's not asking to come out better off, but he is asking for the minimum.

"He would like the value that he paid for — at least to be recognised and hopefully to be compensated for all the troubles and heartaches that he's gone through."

A recent valuation commissioned by unit owners suggests the new motorway expansion, which includes the loss of common land, has reduced the value of each unit by at least $35,000.

View from the units at Rochedale South, with the Pacific Motorway extension work. ( ABC News: Josh Bavas )

Compensation payout in doubt

Queensland Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey declined to comment.

Instead, a department spokeswoman said unit owners were entitled to take legal action but would not confirm if they would ever see a compensation payout.

"TMR assesses all claims fairly and reasonably under the provisions of the act," the spokeswoman said.

"Transport and Main Roads [TMR] only has legislative powers to resume privately-owned land if it is required for a project.

"There is no further land required for this project and the department has no legal avenue to resume further property without such requirement."

As the department purchased most of the units in the resumption, it had essentially purchased a majority stake in the body corporate.

Workers are expected to soon begin using a common laneway at the complex for access, as they begin construction of a large barrier wall.

Unit owners worried about losing tenants

Unit owner Lou Simpson said she was worried about losing her tenant, not only because of the construction, but how close the motorway would come to her building.

"It's disgusting — I can't even hear myself talking," she said.

"I'd really like to see how this landed upon the feet of the Minister himself — what if this was his family?

"Because of the work that's been done now, there's absolutely no value in it."

Unit owner Lou Simpson said she was worried about how close the motorway would be. ( ABC News: Josh Bavas )

Julia and Anthony Mayfield bought their unit when it was built in the 1980s.

"Obviously we are very disappointed as this is part of our retirement," Ms Mayfield said.

"If we rent, we have to rent it at a lower rent — we're lucky we still have a tenant.

"We can't sell it and obviously if we have to refinance, it is going to be an impossibility."

Julia and Anthony Mayfield bought their unit when it was built in the 1980s. ( ABC News: Josh Bavas )

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said Mr Bailey should meet with Mr Ulloa and other unit owners to discuss their concerns.

"Mr Ulloa's story is incredibly disturbing — it certainly appears that Mr Ulloa has a hardship case on face value, given his proximity to the major road upgrade," Ms Frecklington said.

"If Mr Ulloa can't be relocated or sufficiently compensated, then the Government could ease his concerns and improve his amenity through double-glazing and other noise-reduction measures."