Pastoral leases to be renewed

WA Pastoralists will all be sent a document this week giving two options to renew their leases.

The government will also hold  community forums to discuss the options in seven WA locations, but none in the Kimberley.

You can read a media release from minister Terry Redman here:

Hon Terry Redman MLA

Minister for Lands

Pastoral lease renewal options presented

Every one of the State’s more than 500 pastoralists will this week receive their long-awaited draft pastoral lease options in the mail.

Details of the two draft lease renewal options will also be presented to interested leaseholders and members of the public during seven community forums to be held over the next two months.

Lands Minister Terry Redman said the draft lease documents had been reviewed by both the Pastoral Lands Board and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association prior to its public release.

“Pastoralists have been offered a choice of two renewal options. The first option is renewal of a lease which references the terms and conditions of the existing pastoral lease granted under the repealed Land Act 1933,” Mr Redman said.

“The second renewal option is a new lease document that explains the terms and conditions in modern language with greater clarity and updated references to the current Land Administration Act 1997.

“Extensive consultation with the pastoral industry and stakeholders has guided the new draft renewal options now being presented to pastoralists for further comment.”

Community forums will be held in various locations in the north of the State, Kalgoorlie and Perth to discuss both lease options and seek feedback leading up to next year’s renewal.

Forums will be held at the following locations:

Kalgoorlie – Overland Motel, Tuesday, May 13

Marble Bar – Marble Bar Civic Centre, Thursday, May 22

Carnarvon – The Wool Shed, Thursday, May 29

Karratha – Lotteries House, Thursday, June 5

Fitzroy Crossing – Fitzroy River Lodge, Wednesday, June 11

Mt Magnet – ANZAC Hall, Monday, June 16

Perth – Crown Casino, Wednesday, July 2.

The Minister said pastoralists had until July 11, 2014 to provide feedback, which would be used to finalise the lease options, and would be available for signing by pastoralists later this year.

Further information regarding the project, including details on the consultation forums, is available at http://www.lands.wa.gov.au/2015pastoralleases.