Purchasing, exchanging or allocating state land
Exchanging state land
Any registered owner or landholder can apply to exchange their freehold or leased land for unallocated state land or trust land at any time.
An exchange of land can be undertaken regardless of whether the market values of the exchanged lands are equivalent—provided the state's equity is not reduced. The state does not pay the difference in value if the applicant's land is of greater value than the state's land.
You are strongly encouraged to arrange a pre-lodgement meeting with us before you apply to ensure you have the information you need to apply correctly. You can do this by contacting your nearest business centre.
How to apply
Your application should include:
- Part A - Contact and land details - you can apply and lodge online via Part A – Contact and Land details or apply via Form LA00—Contact and land details (PDF, 92.1KB)
- Form LA21—Application for exchange of land (PDF, 54.7KB)
- Application fee
- Any additional attachments, as requested
To avoid processing delays, read the forms carefully and include all required information.
Lodging your application
You can lodge your application online through the Part A – Contact and Land details online form.
If you can't lodge your application online, apply through the PDF applications and lodge by emailing SLAMlodgement@resources.qld.gov.au or by posting it to Department of Resources, PO Box 5318, Townsville QLD 4810.
Payment options
If a fee applies to your application, payment options are cheque (by post) or credit card.
Cheques should be made out to the 'Department of Resources' and marked 'not negotiable'.
Credit card payments are accepted over the phone.
We will send you a receipt once we have established that your application meets all requirements and has been properly made.
Contact us
If you have any questions about lodging your application or payment, contact:
- SLAMlodgement@resources.qld.gov.au Phone: (07) 4447 9174
How your application is assessed
We will assess your application against legislative requirements. We will seek the views of other stakeholders (e.g. state, regional and local agencies) and inspect the land if required.
During the assessment, we will consider the most appropriate use and tenure for the land and whether the land may be offered with or without competition.
We will also ensure that all outstanding rent of any lease has been paid.
Policies and legislation
Native title
Our review will also include an assessment of whether native title issues need to be addressed, and how this should be done. Depending on the outcome, you may be required to address native titles issues as a condition of the offer.
What happens next?
Once we have received advice from other stakeholders and investigated all issues, including native title, we will send you a written notice. If your application is successful, a written offer will set out the various conditions and requirements. You must complete the acceptance form and return it to us by the date specified or the offer will lapse.
The conditions may include:
- payment of any difference in the land valuations (including GST)
- payment of stamp duty
- lodgement of a plan of survey, if needed
- payment of all regulatory fees and charges.
Reviews and appeals
If your application is refused, there is no provision to appeal against the decision.
In this guide: