Brisbane 1 October 2013. The Newman Government is putting customers first and cutting red-tape by establishing a dedicated team to deliver faster and more transparent assessments of all new applications for the use of State-owned land.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) had established a state-wide central point of lodgement for all new land tenure applications under the Land Act 1994.

“We are delivering a more streamlined process for all applications to change tenure or for use of State land administered under the Act,” Mr Cripps said.

“From today all applications are to be forwarded to the central point of lodgement team based in Townsville as part of our commitment to the region.

“The new team will slash up to 60 per cent off the time taken to process an application before allocating it to an officer to start the assessment process.”

Mr Cripps said the central point of lodgement was part of a broad reform program for the management of State land.

“State land management will be an overhauled to deliver more streamlined processes so customers experience an efficient, timely and effective process for applications,” he said.

Mr Cripps said the new streamlined approach and central point of lodgement would make the process smoother for all applicants.

“The team in Townsville will take a hands on approach to ensure all applications are properly made and registered in the electronic Land and Vegetation Administration System,” he said.

“They will also be able to take more effective action on any applications which are not properly made to secure additional information and minimise delays.

“The Townsville-based team is supported by a group of experienced officers in six hubs across the State who oversee decisions on the allocation, assignment and management of cases.”

Applications made to the department can be for a variety of purposes including pastoral leases, grazing leases, commercial or industrial purposes, large tourism complexes, residential developments and leases of reserves to community groups.

Applications can be lodged electronically at SLAMlodgement@dnrm.qld.gov.au, mailed to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, PO Box 5318 Townsville Qld 4810 or lodged at any local departmental business office.

More information and application forms are available on the DNRM website: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au