Allow Bowen Basin leasehold landowners to convert to freehold

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Donald Earl
16 Flight Drive
Moranbah Qld 4744
Total Signatures - 214
Sponsoring Member: Shane Knuth
Posting Date: 27/2/2008
Tabled Date: 27/2/2008
Responded By: Hon Craig Wallace MP on 8/4/2008
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
The petition of certain residents of the mining communities of the Bowen Basin draws to the attention of the House the massive increase in land valuations and consequent leasehold land rental increases, some of up to 1300%. We would also like to draw to the attention of the House the impact these increases have had on retirees and low income earners and their reduced capacity to be able to afford to remain in these areas. We would also like to point out that lending institutions are very reluctant to finance leasehold properties whether it is to investors or to private buyers. Your petitioners therefore request the House to declare an amnesty to allow leasehold landowners to convert from leasehold to freehold taking into consideration the last amnesty was declared in the 1990s. We also respectfully request the House take into consideration those people who will be affected - low income workers, pensioners, intending retirees - and keep the cost to a realistic value which makes it affordable to the residents who have been affected and wish to accept the offer.