Answers to Questions

SHACK LEASES

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (20 September 2012).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): As the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation I have received this advice:

1. The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources has changed its process such that valuation reports are provided to the Valuer-General for review when an objection raised by a lessee includes valuation or real estate evidence. In May 2012, seven valuation reports were referred to the Office of the Valuer-General for review.

2. On 15 May 2012, the following advice was provided during Question Time:

1. As indicated to the honourable member during our recent meeting, sections 65 and 66 of the Crown Land Management Act 2009 do not apply to rents for leases entered into prior to the introduction of the Act.

2. Furthermore, as I have previously indicated to the honourable member, lessees will continue to be notified of their rights under the terms and conditions of their leases.

3. At the time of the question, 29 objections to rent had been received for crown land leases. These were assessed and all rents were confirmed. There were also 15 objections to rent for leases in national parks. These have been assessed and all rents were confirmed.

4. As advised on 15 May 2012, the ability for a lessee to object is contained in the lease. Leases provide for a lessee to advise the minister, within one month of receiving a rent revaluation, that they wish the rent to be reconsidered. The lease then provides that minister shall reconsider the rent and advise the lessee of the decision. Lessees may provide any information that would support their objection that the rent set may be incorrect.

5. Where the lessee has not provided any supporting evidence for consideration, the review takes into consideration the process undertaken to establish the rent.