- Amendments ensure a miscellaneous licence or small prospecting licence on Crown land are exempt from local government rates
- Reforms provide clarity for local governments and the resources industry
- New law supports industry viability and protects jobs
Amendments ensuring that a miscellaneous licence or small prospecting licence (under 10 hectares) on Crown land is exempt from rates have passed Western Australian Parliament, providing clarity and certainty for local governments and the resources industry in Western Australia.
The Local Government Act 1995 has been amended to ensure local governments do not rate this type of land, particularly when the associated mining tenements located on the same land, or in proximity, are already rated.
Miscellaneous licences are typically used in conjunction with mining or exploration tenements to facilitate infrastructure such as roads, aerodromes, pipelines, and staff accommodation needed to support mining activities.
The new law restores the long-held understanding, reflecting the State’s original intent, that this land be exempt from rates.
By taking this action to clear up legal uncertainty on the issue, the Cook Labor Government is ensuring the competitiveness of the State’s world-leading mining sector is maintained, while also protecting jobs in regional WA.
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
“The Cook Labor government has acted quickly to prevent significant extra costs being imposed on mining and exploration companies, as their viability is essential to creating and protecting jobs.
“The changes will ensure the long-held understanding within the local government and resource sectors that miscellaneous licences located on Crown land are not rateable.
“We’ll continue to work with local governments, including on any issues of sustainability, and engage with the resources sector on how it continues to contribute to local communities.”
