The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has said new legislation it has developed will help to unlock the economic potential of the State’s Crown land assets.
The Land and Public Works Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, which has been introduced into Parliament, proposes to create a new form of tenure known as a ‘diversification lease’, which will enable Crown land to be used for multiple purposes.
“The proposed lease will encourage greater utilisation of Crown land, assisting to diversify the State’s economy, facilitate increased investment in pastoralism and other regionally-based industries, and unlock greater economic opportunities for Aboriginal people,” the Department said.
“The Bill is also aimed at providing greater security for the State’s pastoral industry, including an ability for pastoral lessees to extend the term of their leases, supporting investment in pastoral businesses, potential carbon sequestration proposals and better management of the land through security of tenure.”
Minister for Lands, John Carey said the Bill was about unlocking the true economic potential of the State’s significant land assets while ensuring existing interest holders, including Native Title holders and pastoralists, were supported.
“We know there is a significant opportunity to diversity our economy by better harnessing our land assets, and as the world transitions away from fossil fuels, increasing scope to expand the State’s renewable energy sector,” Mr Carey said.
“Pastoralists are a significant contributor to our economy and the management of land across the State. This sector has been widely consulted on these changes, which will ensure the strength of the industry moving forward.”
