July 1, 2015 marks historic renewal of State's pastoral leases
All but two of 437 eligible stations have been renewed
Today marks the historic renewal of Western Australia's pastoral leases, bringing security to hundreds of pastoralists across the State, Lands Minister Terry Redman announced.
Mr Redman said all but two of the State's 437 eligible stations would have their pastoral lease renewed, bringing to an end two years of intensive consultation to ensure as many lessees as possible met compliance requirements.
"Today is an historic moment in the State's history and is the first time in Western Australia every eligible pastoral lease has been renewed on the same date. This will likely never happen again," he said.
"The State Government embarked on the huge task of renewing the leases of every single eligible pastoral station 20 years ago and I'm pleased that 99.5 per cent of eligible stations have had their leases renewed today.
"This success reflects the high level of compliance among pastoral lessees, with nearly all lessees eligible for renewal meeting the renewal conditions."
The Minister praised the hard work of those involved in the State Government's lease renewal process.
"It has been a collaborative effort and I thank all those who have been a part of the renewal process including lessees, the Department of Lands and Landgate, Pastoralists and Graziers Association, Pastoral Lands Board, representatives from the banking and insurance sectors, other government agencies and many other pastoral stakeholders," Mr Redman said.
"For the small number of lessees who were not renewed, decisions will be made regarding their future on an individual basis."
The former Land Act required that the State Government begin the lease renewal process 20 years before the leases expired and all stations were notified in 1995 of this requirement.
Fact File
All of Western Australia's pastoral leases expired on June 30, 2015
Of the 507 pastoral leases across 437 pastoral stations, 435 stations had their leases renewed
Leases not renewed become unallocated Crown land, administered by the Department of Lands
Before July 1, 2015, 37 per cent of Western Australia was unallocated Crown land
Minister's office - 6552 6700
