Crown Land Management in Western Australia
This factsheet examines the law in relation to Crown Land. It covers controls and management over unallocated Crown land and reserves other than conservation reserves.
Summary
Key takeaways
The Land Administration Act 1997 (WA) (the “LAA”) contains many of the relevant provisions applicable to Crown land in Western Australia.
Under the LAA, it is an offence for a person to do any of the following things on Crown land without the permission of the Minister for Lands (Minister) or a reasonable excuse:
- reside on Crown land;
- construct roads or tracks, or erect any structure;
- clear, enclose, cultivate or cause or allow stock to graze;
- excavate or reclaim Crown land below high water mark;
- collect, drill for or store water on, or take water from;
- remove any plant (whether alive or dead) or such other thing of any kind as is prescribed;
- deposit or leave any thing of any kind; or
- discharge any firearm or other weapon.
Key actions
There are a number of opportunities for public involvement in the administration and management of Crown land, including:
- if you are concerned that Crown land is being used illegally, you can report the matter to the management body for the land, the local government of the area, or DPLH;
- if you are concerned that Crown land held under a lease is being managed inappropriately, contact DPLH in the first instance;
- if you are concerned about the management of fire or declared species on unallocated Crown land or an unmanaged reserve, contact DWER;
- to ascertain the relevant management body for a reserve, contact Landgate.
- you can encourage the Minister to require a management plan be developed in respect of a reserve that you are concerned is being poorly managed.
Contacts and further information:
Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), Tel: 61 8 6551 8002 https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Tel: (08) 9219 9000 https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), Tel: 61 8 6364 7001 www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-water-and-environmental-regulation
Landgate, Tel: (08) 9273 7373 https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/
For copies of legislation, see the Western Australian Legislation site at www.legislation.wa.gov.au
