Mineral Resources Act 1989

If there is doubt as to the identity of the owner of land or the owner of land can not be found, the Land Court may determine that the public trustee shall represent the owner for the purpose of any negotiation or proceeding under section 85 or 86.

Any action taken or thing done or omitted to be done by the public trustee as representative of the owner of land pursuant to subsection (1) shall be taken for all purposes to be taken, done or omitted by that owner.

Where, pursuant to subsection (2) the public trustee represents an owner of land, for the purposes of this chapter any moneys paid to the public trustee under any agreement or determination made under section 85 or 86 shall be deemed to have been paid to the owner.