Land and Public Works Legislation Bill 2022 passes Legislative Assembly

• McGowan Government reforms progress to unlock economic potential of Crown land
• Bill passes Legislative Assembly to modernise key sections of the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Public Works Act 1902
• Bill will deliver long-awaited pastoral reforms and create a new form of land tenure
  

Reforms to unlock the economic potential of the State's Crown land assets have moved ahead as the Land and Public Works Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 was passed by the Legislative Assembly yesterday.

The amendments to the Land Administration Act 1997 will unlock the economic potential of underutilised land, facilitate increased investment in pastoralism and other regionally based industries, and unlock greater economic opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The Bill brings long awaited reform for 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 proposed amendments will also modernise key sections of the Public Works Act 1902 and provide a range of administrative improvements, streamlining the land approvals system.

The Bill will now progress to the Legislative Council for debate.

Comments attributed to Lands Minister John Carey:

"The McGowan Government is committed to key legislative changes, including establishing a new form of tenure known as the diversification lease, through the Land and Public Works Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.

"The diversification lease will unlock underutilised 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 by 2050, as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.

"This Bill will facilitate, streamline and cut red tape around land tenure approvals and projects, through modernising the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Public Works Act."

Minister's Office - 6552 5300