Land Bill Amendment Gives Certainty to Pastoralists on Rent Increases, Woodhams.

Author: Grant Woodhams
Published on: 19-November-2009

Hon Grant Woodhams MLA has today endorsed the comments of the Hon Wendy Duncan MLC on the passage of the Land Administration Amendment Bill 2009 in the Legislative Council.

The amendments will allow the phasing in, over three equal yearly instalments, of pastoral lease rents which are determined on a five year basis by the Valuer General.

Ms Duncan said, "Under the amendment to the Land Administration Act, the increase will now be phased in over three years and give pastoralists the opportunity to prepare for the new level of land rents."

Ms Duncan also praised the important contribution that pastoralists make to the state, not only through export income, but also through their participation in local government, community groups and emergency services and in providing infrastructure in isolated areas.

Mr Woodhams said, "I am pleased that the amendment will allow pastoralists to financially prepare themselves for the rent increase and support the Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, Minister for Regional Development and Lands in his consultation with grower groups and the Pastoral Lands Board in reviewing the formula used to determine the rate."