Crown Lands are facilitating the conversion of term Western lands leases to perpetual Western lands leases in the Lightning Ridge Opal field area formerly known as Camps on Claims. This aims to provide leaseholders with greater security and long-term tenure. More information can be found in the Lightning Ridge Policy (PDF, 99 KB).
Eligibility
To be eligible for conversion, the existing term Western lands lease must:
- be in the Lightning Ridge Opal Fields area
- have been granted under the repealed Western Lands Act 1901
- be expiring between 2025 and 2048.
Note: Invitations will be sent to leaseholders 2 years prior to the expiry of the lease. For example, if your lease expires in 2028, we will send you the application paperwork in 2026, or you can apply online 2 years before your lease expires.
Application process
Leaseholders must complete the apply to convert a Western lands lease to perpetuity and submit it along with the required supporting documents. The application will be assessed by us, and if approved, a perpetual Western lands lease will be offered.
- Applications will be assessed in order of expiry date.
- Early applications will not be accepted.
Lease conditions
The new perpetual Western lands lease will be subject to a standard set of terms and conditions, including:
- The lease must be used for the purpose for which it was originally granted.
- All rent payments must be up to date.
- The leaseholder must comply with all existing lease terms and conditions.
Additional information
We have communicated with leaseholders, Walgett Shire Council, NSW Resources, the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve manager, and the community about the upcoming expiration of 20-year residential leases and their intended conversion to perpetuity.
Fees
We will send you an invoice for any fees after we receive your application. Once you pay the application fee and other associated costs, we will process your application.
The application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.