A large portion of the land in the Western division is held under these leases, which are used for various purposes such as grazing, agriculture, homes, and businesses.
The vast majority of leases are perpetual, meaning they are ongoing and can only be used for a designated purpose.
Availability of new Western lands leases is limited. New Western lands leases are usually only available upon invitation from Crown Lands. Commonly, invitations may be issued where a current term lease is coming to the end of its term, and a new Western lands lease may be granted after the current lease has expired.
We will determine whether a new lease is offered by a competitive process or direct negotiation to ensure the process is fair and open.
Terms and conditions of a Western lands lease
All Western lands leases have terms and conditions which provide guidance to ensure sustainable land management in line with the lease purpose. Many Western lands leases are perpetual and designated for specific purposes. The legislation allows leaseholders to carry out approved activities, such as farm tourism and recreation, if these activities do not become the primary use of the land. If leaseholders want to change the primary use or add new activities, they must apply to alter the lease purpose or conditions, which may require an environmental review.
Annual rent for leases
We charge an annual rent for Western lands leases. Rural lease rents are based on the property's total area and the environmental impact of land use, including credits for managed conservation. Rents for residential and business leases are 3% and 6% of the unimproved land value, respectively.
Leases are divided into urban and rural types. Urban leases include residences, businesses, and motels, and their rents are based on land value. Rural leases include grazing, agriculture, and horticulture, and their rents are calculated using a formula that considers land area, environmental impact, and profitability.
For rural leases, the base rent is calculated based on the total land area of the holding, which may include several leases under a common family or business name. The rent per hectare decreases as the size of the holding increases.
The number of hectares approved for cultivation and intensive agriculture (like irrigation) are charged at specific rates per hectare and added to the base rent. These charges are higher for land uses that have a greater environmental impact.
A rebate is applied for hectares set aside for managed rehabilitation, which is deducted from the base rent. This rebate applies where land is managed to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
The total annual rent is adjusted each year by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The annual rent cannot be less than the statutory minimum rental prescribed in the regulations.
Rent is payable a year in advance and is due on July 1st of the financial year for which the rent is payable.
Manage a Western lands lease
Find out how to transfer a Western lands lease, including the application process, inspection, and investigation.
Find out how to add land to an adjoining or adjacent lease including the steps to apply, the fees involved, and the necessary information and documents you need to have ready.
Find out how to change the purpose of your Western lands lease.
Find out how to obtain a cultivation consent for your Western lands lease.
Find out about extending the term or converting a Western lands lease to perpetuity.
Find out how to purchase a Western land lease, including the steps and required documents.
Find out about the process for subdividing a Western lands lease, including the need for a survey, development application, and the creation of new leases upon subdivision.
Find out how to surrender a Western lands lease, including the application process, required documents, and associated fees.