The Land and Public Works Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 has been passed by the Legislative Assembly, promising to unlock the economic potential of Western Australia’s Crown lands.
According to the Minister for Lands, John Carey, the amendments to the Land Administration Act 1997 are aimed at unlocking the economic potential of under-utilised land, facilitating increased investment in pastoralism and other regionally-based industries, and creating greater economic opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Mr Carey said the Bill brought long-awaited reform to the State’s pastoral industry, providing the ability to extend the term of pastoral leases up to 50 years, while applying a new rental evaluation methodology.
“The amendments will also modernise key sections of the Public Works Act 1902 and provide a range of administrative improvements, streamlining the land approvals system,” Mr Carey said.
“The diversification lease will unlock under-utilised Crown land for a range of different uses to strengthen our economy — including renewable energy — while supporting the State’s objective to reach net zero emissions by 2050, as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.”
He said the legislation would facilitate, streamline and cut red tape around land tenure approvals and projects.
The Bill will now be tabled in the Legislative Council for debate.
