Shack Leases

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:39): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Human Services, representing the Minister for Environment and Water, a question about the government's shack policy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I understand the Minister for Environment and Water has invited lessees of shacks identified as Crown land to make application for a longer term tenure, which includes a five-year lease, followed by an option to purchase freehold, or a five-year lease with an option for a longer term lease of 50 years. My questions to the minister are:

1. Has the government determined the basis on which the cost of freeholding a shack site will be calculated?

2. Will the cost be the unimproved value of the land on which the shack sits, or will it be a proportion of the unimproved value of the land?

3. Will the government provide finance to a shack owner who wishes to purchase the freehold, or will they be required to make their own financial arrangements?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:40): My understanding, in response to the honourable member's question, is that the valuation will be on the unimproved value of the land. I will take the other aspects of his question on notice and refer it to the relevant minister for response.