Use of private real estate agents to sell Crown land

30/5/94

A State Government move to engage private real estate agents in some country towns would result in increased land sales and benefit regional Western Australia, Lands Minister George Cash said yesterday.

Mr Cash said local real estate agents would carry out residential land sales in 15 country towns on behalf of the Department of Land Administration (DOLA).

"This reflects the Government's commitment to involving the private sector more directly in Crown land releases and to move away from the concept of regional land development as a non-commercial business," Mr Cash said.

"While our foremost commitment is to provide land in country areas we are adopting a pro-active approach to sales and marketing."

Mr Cash said DOLA would continue to carry out the initial release of residential subdivisions by auction.

"Allowing local agents to actively sell residential land in towns where there is stronger demand will help generate funds for development in less populated country areas.

"DOLA will continue to carry out the initial release of residential subdivisions by auction.

"Presently, prospective buyers of land which becomes available over the counter after auction must come to Perth to organise their purchase, or do it by mail.

"By engaging professional local agents, buyers will be able to visit the site at their convenience and buy on the spot."

Under the new arrangments two sales outlets would now be provided with DOLA continuing to sell lots over the counter.

Towns included in the new strategy are Broome, Cervantes, Exmouth, Green Head, Jurien, Kalbarri, Karratha, Kununurra, Lancelin, Ledge Point, Leeman, Onslow, Point Samson, Port Denison and Seabird.

Mr Cash said DOLA would select one agent in each town to sell on its behalf.

"Agents must be operating within the townsites or general locality and will be appointed on a 12-month basis," he said.

"They will only be involved in the sale of residential land which is free of building conditions."

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 222 9595 or 222 9211