A licence is an authority granted by Crown Lands that gives the holder permission to occupy and use Crown land for a specific purpose.

A grazing licence allows you to use Crown land to graze livestock. It does not provide exclusive rights to the land.

If you wish to use Crown land for any purpose other than grazing animals, you will need to apply for a general licence instead.

Grazing licence terms and conditions

All grazing licences include Standard Terms and Conditions (PDF, 174 KB), which set out the responsibilities of licence holders and ensure that the land is managed responsibly.

Depending on the location and environmental factors, a licence may also include special conditions specific to the site.

Rent

All grazing licences require payment of an annual rent. This rent is determined using current market value and cannot be less than the minimum set by law.

Transferring a grazing licence

Grazing licences that provide a benefit to freehold or leasehold land will automatically transfer to the new owner when that land is sold or transferred. The new licence holder will be responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of the licence, including paying rent and any outstanding debt. If a grazing licence is not eligible for automatic transfer, you will be required to cancel and apply for a new licence.

It is recommended that during the conveyancing of freehold or leasehold land, that you conduct a Crown land conveyancing search. This search will identify any licences associated with the land, and whether they are eligible for automatic transfer or if the purchaser will need to apply for a new licence. Learn more about transferring a licence.

Applying for a grazing licence

Eligibility criteria

To apply for a grazing licence, you must:

  • Ensure the location is Crown land. You can search online using the ePlanning Spatial Viewer
  • Confirm grazing is permitted under the Local Environment Plan (LEP). Applications will be rejected where the LEP does not allow grazing
  • Check that all Lot/Section/DP details are correct
  • Be 18 years or older.

Applying for a licence over land that is not advertised

If you are aware of a parcel of Crown land you wish to graze that is not currently advertised, you may still apply for a grazing licence.

However, please note that approval is not guaranteed, as each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the land may be advertised to ensure a fair opportunity for others to apply.

Grazing opportunities (Expressions of interest)

To ensure fair and equitable access to Crown land, some parcels of land suitable for grazing are advertised when available.

If you are interested in an advertised grazing opportunity, you will need to submit an expression of interest application and meet any requirements outlined in the advertisement.

What you need to apply

You will need to include the following with your grazing application:

  • Details of all proposed licence holders. (Note: Where the names on a grazing licence do not match the certificate of title for associated freehold land, additional Council rates may apply.)
  • A site diagram showing the proposed location, boundary fencing, and existing structures such as pipelines and pump sites. The site diagram should include Lot and DP numbers where possible.
  • Details of any adjoining land owned or leased by you, including whether the Crown land and your land will be grazed together.
  • Details of the proposed use and your land management strategy, including:
    • Any existing and proposed structures to support grazing.
    • Whether the land will be used in conjunction with adjoining land or as a stand-alone parcel.
    • Type of stock and intended stocking rate.
    • Any immediate land management issues that are a priority.
    • Whether the parcel of land has a creek, river, or any other 'waterbody', and if it is fenced off to exclude stock access.
    • Your experience in land management and ability to ensure ongoing appropriate management of the land.
    • Your drought management strategy and how you would maintain acceptable groundcover during drought conditions.
    • A bushfire hazard reduction plan (under the Rural Fires Act 1997, landholders are required to take the necessary steps to prevent the occurrence and spread of bushfires).
    • Current fencing condition and proposed maintenance or replacement plans (boundary fences are to contain stock, and any maintenance/replacement requires negotiation with adjoining landholders).

For businesses and other entities

  • Companies must be registered with an Australian Company Number (ACN) and Australian Business Number (ABN). You will need to provide a copy of a recent company extract listing officeholders and authorised signatories.
  • Incorporated associations must provide a certificate of incorporation and minutes showing elected office bearers.
  • Sole traders or partnerships must apply under their individual names.

Next steps

To submit your application, ensure you fill out the entire form and include all required documentation. If any information is missing, your application will be sent back for you to complete.

If you are unable to apply online, you may submit the Grazing licence application (PDF, 220 KB).

Fees

You will need to pay an application fee. We will send you an invoice once we start processing your application.

You will be notified of the annual rent payable after the licence application has been assessed.

Application assessment

Applications are processed in the order they are received, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Assessment times may vary depending on the complexity of the application.

Assessment activities may include (but are not limited to):

  • related policies and guidelines
  • land assessment
  • community engagement
  • Aboriginal land claims
  • native title
  • site inspection
  • requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
  • valuation
  • current land use and condition
  • publication of required notices
  • preparation of licence documents for execution.