Crown Lands Act 1976

Except in a special case where the Minister determines that it is just and reasonable to lease any Crown land by private treaty, the lease of every Crown land for rural purposes shall, in the first instance, be submitted for public competition by way of an auction.

Before an auction is held under this section the Minister shall – cause to be advertised in the Gazette and a newspaper circulating within the district in which the land is situated at least a fortnight before the date on which the auction is to be held a notice setting out – the time and place of the auction; and the particulars of the land intended to be leased; and the place or places and the times at which the plans of the land and the conditions under which the lease will be granted may be inspected; and any other particulars that he deems relevant; and ensure that the plans of the land and the conditions of the lease are available for inspection at the places and at the times referred to in the notice.

Where bids at an auction held under subsection (1) do not reach the rent reserved by the Director-General for the lease of the Crown land, the Minister may – lease the land to the highest bidder; or lease the land by private treaty; or withdraw the land from leasing.

The Minister may withdraw any land from auction at any time before the auction in respect thereof is held.