Minister announces forfeiture of Windidda lease

20/4/05
The Windidda pastoral lease is to be forfeited.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today that control of the property would vest with the Pastoral Lands Board while the future of the property was being negotiated.
"I have carefully considered all of the submissions on this matter and have decided that the circumstance is such that the lease must be forfeited," Ms MacTiernan said.
"There have been problems at Windidda dating back to 1996 and in light of the recent situation, forfeiture is the only responsible course of action to take.
"In any event the lessee, Ngangganawili Community Inc, is no longer a legal entity and the leased area is currently occupied by the Windidda Aboriginal Corporation (WAC).
"I am not satisfied that the WAC has the ability to run a pastoral lease at this stage. However, I have granted a licence to the corporation for the next 12 months while future tenure arrangements are sorted out. The licence will give the authority to graze.
"Our inspections have shown that only 80 cattle can be reliably provided for with current infrastructure. This is not an adequate basis for a pastoral lease."
A working party will be established as soon as possible involving the WAC, the native title claimants and their representatives and the State Government, to develop an agreement on land tenure that meets the needs of all concerned.
The Pastoral Lands Board took temporary care, control and management of the Windidda lease in February 2005, following serious concerns over animal welfare.
The Pastoral Lands Board is unable to say exactly how many animals died on Windidda, which is a property of about 355,000ha.
The RSPCA has removed 1,818 cattle from the lease through an agreement with the WAC, and up to 300 stragglers remain. Further de-stocking will continue.
"This decision will send a clear message to pastoralists everywhere that if they cannot properly care for their stock or the land, the Government will end their lease," Ms MacTiernan said.
She said the Gallop Government would continue to protect the State's environment and unique lifestyle with careful management that was fair for regional Western Australia.
Minister's office: 9213 6400