A Guide to Unlocking Crown Land Opportunities
21 Feb 2025
Navigating Crown Land enquiries in Western Australia presents both challenges and opportunities for developers, entrepreneurs and investors.
While the process can be complex, understanding the key steps and considerations can pave the way for successful and sustainable outcomes. Drawing on our experience working with clients across various projects, we've identified practical insights to help guide you through this journey.
Whether you’re looking to secure land for industrial, residential, tourism, or renewable energy projects, navigating the Crown Land approval process is essential. At Taylor Burrell Barnett, we work closely with clients to streamline complexities and fast-track approvals, ensuring your project moves forward smoothly. To help you get started, we’ve prepared a free, easy-to-follow guide outlining the key stages of a Crown Land Enquiry—along with expert insights, drawing on our experience and knowledge. We've summarised some of this guide below for you too.
Download Your Free Crown Land Guide
What is Crown Land?
Crown Land is property owned by the State and managed by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH). It includes everything from unallocated and leasehold land to reserves and special purpose areas that are set aside for community, environmental, or public uses.
Because of its unique legal status, Crown Land development requires careful planning, Indigenous engagement, and regulatory approvals. Every successful project starts with a clear strategy and expert guidance.
Balancing conservation with development on Crown Land can be challenging. Conflicts (eg. overlapping interests with mining tenements or local reserves) might delay projects, yet they also create opportunities to explore sustainable land use like eco-tourism, renewable energy or community-led conversation projects and as well innovative land management where environmental stewardship integrates with economic growth.
The 5 Key Steps to Securing Crown Land
1. Define your project objectives and partner with the right support team
- Are you seeking a lease, land purchase, or development agreement?
- Does your project align with government priorities?
- Have you appointed the right multi-disciplinary team to ensure compliance, feasibility, and successful negotiations?
2. Research land availability and zoning
- Use the SLIP Mapping Tool and other available resources.
- Identify land use restrictions, tenure options, and approvals required.
3. Submit a formal enquiry
- Lodge your proposal via the DPLH Crown Land Enquiries Portal.
- Secure the right tenure type (e.g., short-term licence, lease, or purchase agreement).
4. Engage with the assessment process
- Your application will be reviewed by DPLH and government agencies.
- This may include consultation with Traditional Custodians.
- Having engagement specialists on board can help navigate stakeholder discussions and avoid delays.
5. Negotiate terms and conditions
- Once approved, negotiate lease conditions, tenure agreements, and compliance requirements.
For a detailed breakdown of these steps, download our Free Guide.
How can we help you navigate the Crown Land approval process?
- Expert Planning & Land Strategy – We help you navigate land tenure in WA options and land-use restrictions.
- Project Feasibility & Due Diligence – We help assess site constraints, regulatory challenges, and investment potential.
- Stakeholder & Indigenous Engagement – Our IAP2-certified specialists can facilitate engagement with Traditional Custodians, government agencies, and local communities.
- Negotiation & Approvals Support – We ensure smooth processes with DPLH, local councils, and stakeholders to get your project moving.
If you’re ready to explore the full potential of Crown Land, we invite you to learn more. Our free downloadable guide provides clear advice on the Crown Land acquisition process—including understanding land tenure and the nuances of the enquiry process. Just like our guide, our experts are here to provide you with practical insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and support you to achieve your project's goals. Get in touch today
Download Our Free Crown Land Guide
Meet some of our specialists in Crown Land:
Western Australia offers several resources to assist with Crown Land enquiries:
- Submitting a Crown Land Enquiry: The official DPLH guide to submitting an enquiry.
- SLIP Mapping Tool: Access zoning and cadastral maps for Western Australia.
- Land Tenure Information: Details on types of tenure and their implications.