Draft policy framework for diversification leases released for public consultation

• New draft policy to guide diversification of leases on Crown land out for public comment
• An important step to update and amend the Land Administration Act 1997
• Diversification leases will allow more flexible use of Crown land
• New uses could include large scale green energy generation, part of the McGowan Government's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 

Lands Minister John Carey has today released the draft policy framework that will guide the future approval process and use of diversification leases on Crown land.

The Guiding the Use of Diversification Leases on Crown land policy framework is an important part of the Land and Public Works Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 that will allow a more flexible form of non-exclusive leasehold tenure known as a diversification lease.

Under current legislation millions of hectares of Western Australian land is only available for the purposes of running livestock.

The proposed changes would allow for multiple concurrent land uses without the need for permits, and without compromising access by other key interests including the resources sector and Native Title parties.

The policy framework will encourage economic diversification and investment by providing opportunities for pastoralists, Native Title parties and others to be involved in the growing renewables market which includes carbon farming, hydrogen, wind and solar markets. This will assist the McGowan Government's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

The Bill is currently being drafted to include a new head of power for a diversification lease. Feedback from the current public consultation will help to refine proposals within the Bill. 

The draft framework will be made available to the community for a period of public consultation.

For more information on the consultation process please visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/land-and-public-works-legislation-amendment-bill-2022

To have your say, go to https://consultation.dplh.wa.gov.au/

Comments attributed to Lands Minister John Carey:

"Right now in Western Australia we have huge swathes of land that can only be accessed for purposes of running cattle, but these changes will encourage new industries and assist in diversifying our economy.

"The draft policy framework we have released outlines how diversification leases will work and the circumstances under which they can be granted.

"This consultation will be critical to ensuring the proper implementation of the updates to the Land Administration Act we are currently working on.

"We're in a period of significant change, and allowing for more diversified uses of our Crown land will be absolutely critical to ensuring we harness emerging opportunities and remain at the forefront of global energy production.

"Diversification leases will create a pathway for the development of more green energy generation in our State while respecting the rights of miners, Native Title holders and existing broad acre farming users."

Minister's office - 6552 5300