Aboriginal Lands Trust - Leasing Policy

ALT LEASING POLICY & KEY STEPS

POLICY

When applying for a lease over land that is controlled by the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) or the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority (AAPA) you need to comply with the ALT Leasing Policy.

KEY STEPS

1. Before you start, consider:
   • What do you want to do? e.g. Just a lease? Do you want to set up a Business and/or develop something?
   • How will you do it? How will you pay for it?
   • Will you be able to provide power and water?
   • Will it meet requirements and regulations? e.g. local government, agencies such as Department of Environment and Conservation.
   • Who will be doing it? Just you? A team of people? Who will be responsible?
2. Discuss your proposal with the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) regional officers in your area.
3. Speak with relevant native title claimant groups if the land is subject to an existing native title claim, and obtain letters of support from these groups or their representative bodies.
4. If you propose to develop, you need to comply with the ALT Land Use and Development Policy. ALT/DIA approval is required before you can proceed.
5. Compile your application. DIA regional staff can assist if necessary. The following information is required:
   • Body Corporate name (if applicant is an individual/s, state full name).
   • Address of the applicant.
   • Contact details, (phone,fax,email,etc).
   • Details describing the land you are applying to lease by reserve number or reserve name, street name etc. Include a map showing the required area including the size of the block.
   • Number of years you require the lease. N.B. Maximum lease term is 50 years.
   • The purpose of the lease, ie what is the proposed use of the land, eg tourism, residential.
   • The current services that are available on the land to be leased. In addition you must also demonstrate your ability to be able to meet ongoing service costs (eg, power, water).
   • Details of any existing and proposed improvements or buildings you may want to erect. Also see step 4 above.
   • Details of funding requirements for development. Include list of funding agencies where applicable.
   • Evidence of consultation with native title claimant groups if the land is subject to an existing native title claim, and letters of support from these groups or their representative bodies.
   • If the purpose of your lease is commercial, a Business Plan is required.
6. Submit your application to the nearest DIA Regional Office, or to: Manager, Land Operations
   Department of Indigenous Affairs
   PO Box 7770 Cloisters Square
   PERTH WA 6850
   
7. A notification of the decision will be sent to the applicant or nominated representative. The ALT and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs ultimately determine the grant of a lease.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Manager, Land Operations at DIA, ph: 08 9235 8104.

PROCESS SUMMARY