Leases and Licences over crown land

The Land Act allows leases and licences to be granted over unreserved crown land for commercial, industrial, agricultural and other purposes. Licences for agricultural purposes over unreserved and reserved crown land can be for up to 35 years. The Act defines agriculture to include horticulture and grazing but does not include aquaculture.

The period of time that a lease can be granted over crown land varies, depending on how the land will be used under the lease. If a lease is granted:

for any purpose other than agriculture, it can granted for up to 21 years
for commercial* or industrial purposes, it can be granted for up to 50 years
in special circumstances where substantial buildings are to be erected, it can be granted for up to 99 years.

*Commercial purposes include the aquaculture industry