2 | dli contents | year in review | review of operations ...€¦ · kununurra regional office (now...

Contents | Year in Review | Review of Operations | Products and Services | Financial Statement | Appendices | Glossary2 | D L I

The Hon. Nick Griffiths LLB MLC

Minister for Housing and Works; Racing and Gaming; Government Enterprises; Land Information

In accordance with Section 62 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, I hereby submit for your information and presentation to Parliament, the final Annual Report of the Department of Land Administration for the year ended 30 June 2003.

The report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985.

Grahame SearleActing Chief Executive

31 August 2003

This final Annual Report for the Department of Land Administration (DOLA) is available at the Department of Land Information’s website at www.dli.wa.gov.au

http://www.dli.wa.gov.au


Head OfficeMidland SquareMIDLAND 6056

Postal Address:PO Box 2222MIDLAND 6936

Telephone: (08) 92737373Facsimile: (08) 92737666TTY (telephone for hearing impaired persons): (08) 92737571E-mail: [email protected] website address: http://www/dli.wa.gov.auDOLA Virtual shop: hppt://www.landonline.com.auWALIS website address: http://www.walis.wa.gov.auWALIS e-mail: [email protected]

Valuation Services18 Mount StreetPERTH 6000

Postal Address:PO Box 7201Cloisters SquarePERTH 6850Telephone: (08) 94298400Facsimile: (08) 94298500E-mail: [email protected] Services website address: http://www.dli.wa.gov.au

Perth Branch OfficeMount Newman HouseCloisters Square220 St Georges TerracePERTH 6000

Satellite Remote Sensing ServicesLeeuwin Centre for Earth Sensing Technologies65 Brockway RoadFLOREAT 6014Telephone: (08) 9387 0330 Facsimile: (08) 9383 7142E-mail: [email protected]

Land Administration Services (now Land Asset Management Services, Department for Planning and Infrastructure)1 Midland SquareMIDLAND 6056Telephone: (08) 9347 5000Voice Mail: (08) 9347 5111Help Desk: 1800 216 222Website address: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au

Locations

mailto:[email protected]

http://www/dola.wa.gov.au

http://www.walis.wa.gov.au



http://www.vgo.wa.gov.au



Bunbury Regional Office(now the Department of Land Information)61 Victoria StreetBUNBURY 6230Telephone: (08) 97910836Facsimile: (08) 97910835

Kununurra Regional Office(now the Department for Planning and Infrastructure)Cnr. Messmate Way and Konkerberry DriveKUNUNURRA 6743Telephone: (08) 91680255Facsimile: (08) 91681048

Valuation Services Bunbury Regional Office61 Victoria StreetBUNBURY 6230Telephone: (08) 97210800Facsimile: (08) 97214465E-mail: [email protected]

Valuation Services Albany District Office(Limited service to the public available)58 Serpentine RoadALBANY 6330Telephone: (08) 98414532Facsimile: (08) 98414532E-mail: [email protected]




DOLA’s vision, mission and values.......................................................6

Year in ReviewChief Executive’s foreword ...................................................................9Major issues and trends .......................................................................10Achievements 2002-2003.....................................................................11Highlights 2002-2003 ...........................................................................13Outlook 2002-2003...............................................................................14Financial overview................................................................................15Summary of Output Measures .............................................................16

Review of OperationsThe End of an Era ................................................................................19Future of DOLA ...................................................................................19Organisational Overview ......................................................................21Executive Board ...................................................................................23People at DOLA....................................................................................28Customers, Stakeholders and Community Relations...........................32

Products and Services (by outcomes)Managing the Government estate Output – Management and use of Government land .......................39 Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators .........................46Ensuring security of land ownership Output – Land information................................................................48 Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators .........................53Effective and impartial valuation and property information service.

Outputs – Rating and Taxing Valuations, Other Valuations and Advisory Services....................58

Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators .........................59Access to Government land information Output – Access to Government land information............................61 Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators .........................62

ContentsFinancial Statements ................................................65

AppendicesA - Legislation administered .................................................................95B - DOLA pricing policies......................................................................96C - Electoral Act compliance ................................................................96D - Waste Paper Recycling ..................................................................97E - Energy Smart Government Program ..............................................97F - Sponsorship report..........................................................................97G - DOLA and WALIS publications available 2002 - 2003....................98

Glossary of Land Terms ........................................101


About DOLAThe Department of Land Administration and its predecessor agencies have, for more than 170 years, provided the State with high quality survey and mapping services, a secure land titles system and administrative services for the Crown estate.

DOLA has maintained a pivotal role in the management and development of WA since its origin in 1829 as the Survey Office of the Swan River Colony.

The Department of Land Administration is Western Australia’s major provider of Government land and property information.

We offer a wide range of products and services, from our titling and land registration service to providing world class geographic and spatial information to business and community.

Our Vision DOLA’s land information and leadership in land matters underpins the economic prosperity of all Western Australians. By anticipating and servicing customer and stakeholder needs, DOLA is delivering products and services on a par with best practice globally.

We will: • Focus on global standards and practices;• Be the first point of contact for advice about land

matters;• Provide high quality, integrated, digital land

information;• Be a ‘one-stop shop’ provider;• Lead in the direction and solution of land matters;• Pay our way;• Focus on outcomes;• Leverage off our intellectual capital;• Know our customers’ business; and• Use technologies and business processes that

anticipate customer needs.

Our MissionTo contribute to the growth and prosperity of Western Australia through innovative land services, a world class land information infrastructure, and an effective, independent and impartial valuation service.

Our ValuesDOLA’s values lay the foundation for the way in which it assists customers and colleagues:

• Quality and continuous improvement;

• Dealing with others in an ethical and fair manner;

• Encouragement and innovation;

• Flexibility and responsiveness;

• Consultation and participation through teamwork;

• Rewarding and recognising people who contribute to DOLA’s vision; and

• Enabling and encouraging people to reach their full potential.

What we do…• Our core business is land information. We are

responsible for ensuring the State’s land ownership records are up-to-date and easily accessible.

• We collect geospatial data from ground surveys, aerial photography and satellite imagery. This information is used to produce a wide range of digital and hard copy maps for many different purposes.

• We provide an effective and impartial valuation and property information service.

• We are a lead agency in the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) – a consortium of State Government agencies that coordinates WA’s land information.

• We administer the State’s Crown estate, making Government land available for housing and business in country areas, public roads and infrastructure and major projects like gas pipelines and airports.

Our customers…As well as providing products and services for the entire community, DOLA has also developed a relationship with the following customer groups:

• Conveyancers and settlement agencies;

• Financial institutions;

• Land developers;

• Legal professionals;

• Local governments and other government agencies;

• Mining and exploration industries;

• Pastoralists and farmers;

• Real estate agents, valuers and land economists;

• State, Commonwealth and global agencies;

• Surveyors, cartographers, spatial and GIS users;

• Tourism and recreation industries; and

• Educational groups and training specialists.


Strategic Plan for 2000-2005 – New HorizonsIn 1999-2000, DOLA launched a strategic plan spanning five years. Known as New Horizons, the plan was updated after the MOG Report and now outlines how the Department will build on initiatives already underway. The targets set in New Horizons reflect seven goals that we believe should be achieved by 2005 to provide the type of land infrastructure the State will need to support its development and growth.

The goals…

• Deliver Government land and property services that facilitate development and maximise returns on land assets.

• Leverage DOLA’s intellectual property to generate revenue through new opportunities, products and services.

• Lead in the application of land expertise and land information and property solutions to achieve Government priorities.

• Lead in the delivery of a registration system guaranteeing all interests in land.

• Enable all Western Australians to access Government information about valuation, ownership and interests in land at any time from any location and through a single doorway.

• Deliver fundamental land and property data sets to meet the management needs of the State.

• Target self-sufficiency and ensure that all necessary resources are available and systems in place to meet DOLA’s Strategic Goals.


Year In Review

09 Chief Executive’s foreword

10 Major issues and trends

11 Achievements 2002-2003

13 Highlights 2002-2003

14 Outlook 2002-2003

15 Financial overview

16 Summary of Output Measures


The State Government’s in-principle decision in October to transform the Department of Land Administration (DOLA) into a statutory authority with commercial powers started us on a process of building the foundations of a new agency.

This decision reflects the importance of land and property information to the Western Australian economy.

It commits us to the creation of a new agency that will be capable of delivering a platform for the online delivery of land and property information to the whole state.

Consultation with staff and stakeholders will be critical to our success. A significant feature of this year has been the intensive consultation and communication process with other government agencies, the spatial industry, and housing and property industries on the attributes of the proposed new authority. These included its principles, functions and powers.

We also reviewed the way we did business internally, and explored opportunities to use technology and online services to provide greater access to integrated information. We worked hard to establish a framework that aims to put us at the forefront of e-government initiatives, and puts Western Australia at the leading edge of developments worldwide.

While we were building DOLA’s future, the agency’s core business continued to be brisk. Over the last financial year, we achieved an all-time record high in document lodgements. More than 380,784 documents were lodged through DOLA, which was an increase of 4.7 per cent on the previous record of 363,754 in 1993-4.

I am proud to say that DOLA staff rose to the challenge of extra volumes of work and achieved extraordinary levels of customer service in the process.

This past year has been a landmark time for DOLA, and this annual report is its last. The next financial year will see the establishment of an interim department with a new name and a new structure.

For more than 150 years DOLA and its predecessor agencies have provided the people of WA with high quality survey and mapping services, a secure land titles system and administrative services for the Crown estate.

As we take another significant step in our history, the commitment to providing valuable, secure and accurate services remains the same.

However, we will be better equipped to face the electronic age and knowledge economy as a statutory authority.

A new agency will lead to new opportunities to use land related information to tackle the big picture issues facing the State, such as emergency response, salinity and sustainable resource development. We look forward to playing a significant role in the development of the State’s economy and better servicing our customers in both Government and business.

Grahame Searle

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Chief Executive’s foreward

Contents | Year in Review | Review of Operations | Products and Services | Financial Statement | Appendices | Glossary1 0 | D L I

• The demand from the public and private sectors for high quality, integrated, digital land information continues to grow. This information is critical for planning and development of essential community infrastructure, such as transport networks and utilities, as well as for resource and environmental management of the State.

• The emergency rescue operations and the recovery of essential services in response to the September 11 disaster in the United States and the recent bushfires in New South Wales have highlighted the importance of coordinated access to government land and property information.

• There is a growing need for a single electronic access point to land and property information, particularly with regard to the full range of interests in land. There are also pressures for land and property related services to be delivered electronically.

• Impartial and accurate rating and taxing values continue to underpin the revenue collection of State and Local Governments. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for asset valuations, as a basic requirement of sound financial management and accrual accounting.

• Community demographic patterns will change greatly in coming years, and this will progressively influence the selection of home sites closer to urban centres and the acceptance of higher settlement densities.

• Independent valuation and property advice is critical to the transparency of all government property transactions, in particular compulsory acquisition.

• Most government projects rely on Crown land administration processes to secure necessary land tenure or interests in land to achieve the project goals. There is potential for improving the management of government projects by inviting land administration expertise to provide land solutions as early as possible in the planning process.

Major Issues and Trends


Statutory Authority ConsultationOver 17 peak bodies (representing community, Government and industry agencies), DOLA staff, and the Community & Public Sector Union were briefed on the proposals outlining the principles, objectives, functions and powers of the new statutory authority that is to replace DOLA.

The consultation process spanned an eight week period from 31 March to 30 May, 2003.

Input from groups representing the surveying, spatial, conveyancing, housing industries and staff will be taken into account in shaping recommendations from the Minister to Cabinet on the legislation to establish the authority.

Quality Certification During the year, Geographic Services Branch, Land Administration Services Branch and Customer Services Branch maintained their Quality Assurance to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000.

Registration Services Branch received certification to this standard in August 2002 and is accredited for the provision of land registration services. This includes the audit of freehold, Crown and strata sub-divisional plans; the creation of new certificates of title from those plans; the registration of interests in both freehold and Crown land; provision of advice; and maintaining and upgrading of databases that support those processes.

Preparing the Burrup Peninsula DOLA played a major role in the assembly of the Burrup and Maitland industrial estates in preparation of the $630 million Burrup Fertilisers project.

DOLA’s role also involved the provision of an infrastructure ‘corridor’ linking the two estates with services such as gas and electricity, and the allocation

of land for residential purposes and light industrial use.

DOLA was actively involved in the Government negotiating team for native title. A $15 million package between the Government, native title claimants and industry has been heralded as the most comprehensive settlement involving Aboriginal land issues and development anywhere in Australia.

Electronic Advice of Sale Two (EAS2) LaunchDOLA launched the second stage of the Electronic Conveyancing project.

A joint initiative between DOLA, the Office of State Revenue and the Water Corporation, conveyancers are now able to submit requests online and obtain information about local rates from Local Government authorities more quickly and efficiently.

EAS2 allows for a 24 hour/7 day lodgement service, and is expected to save the conveyancing industry up to $400,000 per year in postage, payment and handling costs.

This project demonstrates how State and Local Governments can work together to deliver benefits to the WA public, and marks the first step in providing a single interface through DOLA to obtain access to all Government land and property information.

Energy Performance ContractDOLA signed the ground-breaking Energy Performance Contract with private company Honeywell, representing a first for a public sector agency in Western Australia.

This contract is a continuation of DOLA’s emphasis on energy savings. Over the past five years, the agency has reduced its power bills by $529,000, which equates to a reduction of 24.6 % in energy costs.

The Sustainable Energy Development Office provided DOLA with a grant of $516,000 to undertake the

contract, which the agency expects to repay in only five years.

The contract combines four Performance Improvement Measures: Computer Room Air Conditioning Modifications; Building Management System Improvements; Optimisation of Hot Water Units; and Lighting Control Modifications.

It is expected to save DOLA approximately $1 million in energy and facilities management costs over the duration of the 11 year contract. The uniqueness of the contract is that it combines energy savings with building management, and the energy savings are guaranteed by Honeywell.

As part of the contract, 280 noise detectors (ultrasonic occupancy detectors) were installed in DOLA’s Midland headquarters. When normal office background noise stops, the detectors turn off the lights after a pre-determined period.

DOLA’s Energy Performance Contract establishes the agency as a reference site for both Government and private industry.

FESA Emergency Services Levy ProjectTo facilitate the introduction of the Fire and Emergency Service Authority’s (FESA) Emergency Services Levy, the Valuer General was requested to determine and supply gross rental values for a number of properties for which values did not previously exist. These properties included:

• those operated by charitable organisations such as churches, private schools and numerous other residential and non residential properties;

• those owned/controlled by Local Government including council chambers, libraries, recreational facilities and the myriad of other community buildings and structures;

Achievements 2002 - 2003


• privately owned land not previously rated on the gross rental value basis; and

• land owned by public corporations such as Western Power and the Water Corporation.

Many of these properties were outside those found in the mainstream market place, and required valuations of properties not normally encountered by the valuers.

The project encompassed the metropolitan area and 93 country centres, commencing in September 2002 and reaching practical completion by early May 2003. The values were supplied to FESA and Local Government, who will act as the levy collection agents for FESA.

The project was a major undertaking and was completed on time and within budget.

On-line access to Valuer General’s data base

Further improvements to and promotion of the online access to the Valuer General’s database has resulted in 58 Local Governments, together with the Offi ce of State Revenue and the Water Corporation, having real time access to the valuation rolls at no additional cost to the clients. These initiatives have had a positive impact on customer service and have improved productivity for both parties.

Coles Mine ShaftTwo residential lots in Armadale were purchased and subdivided by DOLA to protect the State’s oldest mine shaft.

The Coles Mine Shaft, which covered 3,200 square metres in Armadale, was placed on the State’s Register of Heritage Places and protected as a public reserve.

The Shaft is important as it marks the beginnings of mineral exploration and the commencement of the mining industry in Western Australia, and is the only mine from the 1840’s left on the Darling Scarp. As such, local history enthusiasts campaigned strongly for it to be recognised and preserved.

Emergency Services Directories (ESDs)DOLA was a major contributor to the Emergency Services Directories, which won a National Award for Innovation in Local Government for the Shire of Gingin in September 2002.

DOLA provided map production and project management for the Perth North Region and Avon Directories.

Its support for Local Government and Emergency Service agencies has continued with its commitment to produce mapping for three new directories: Peel West, covering the Shires of Armadale, Kalamunda, Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Murray and Waroona and Cities of Gosnells, Mandurah and Rockingham); the Peel East directory, covering the Shires of Wandering and Boddington; and the Avon South directory, which will meet the needs of the Shires of York, Beverley and Brookton.

The anticipated delivery date for the Peel West ESD is December 2003, whilst the Peel East and Avon South directories are expected to be available by December 2004.

Freeway ProjectA four-year project involving the identifi cation and rectifi cation of multiple title anomalies along a section of the Mitchell Freeway was successfully completed.

Four hundred titles, spread across six plans, were brought into one title per plan.

Sixty-three new freehold titles and six Crown titles were created.

Achievements 2002 - 2003 (continued)


Crown Land Practice ManualFifteen Local Government Authorities tested the first edition of the Crown land Administration and Registration Practice Manual.

The Manual defines Crown land operational process, registration practice and procedure. It also provides a point of reference for the processing of Crown land transactions under the Land Administration Act and Transfer of Land Act.

LandOnline Additional products were available from LandOnline since February 2003, including the StreetSmart Street Directory, Street Express, and City and Town series maps.

LandLinks WA LandLinks WA allows registered subscribers to access Western Australia’s spatial cadastral information through the Internet. The latest upgrade is due in July 2003 and will provide additional functionality. LandLinks WA will also form the basis of the Land and Property Portal, DOLA’s one-stop-shop for property related information. The system is proving popular with an addition of approximately 10 new subscribers per week.

Computer to Plate TechnologyDOLA is using contractors adopting new Computer to Plate (CtP) technology (making printing plates without using photographic films) in production of its offset printed map products. CtP has delivered immediate improvements in map quality. Other benefits of CtP include improved workflow and reduced production lapse times.

City and Town Series MapsDOLA has expanded its coverage of regional centres within WA. The maps are available as offset printed products for larger centres or as ‘just-in-time’ products for other centres.

Travellers Atlas of Western Australia (TAWA)The seventh edition of the Travellers Atlas of Western Australia was produced by DOLA in August 2002. The printing and distribution of the Atlas was carried out under license by HEMA Maps.

Revised StreetSmart Touring MapsDOLA revised and modernised the look of its StreetSmart Touring Maps series. New editions of the South West Corner and Batavia Coast Touring Maps were produced.

Firefax In 2002 DOLA began the automatic Firefax system as a result of requests for fire information, particularly from the Kimberley Regional Fire Management Program. Firefax provides fire location information taken from fire hot spot data produced from the NOAA satellite sensor. The data is received at the Perth satellite receiving station, and the system imbeds the fire position as symbols on a digital topographic map. The maps are then faxed every morning, via DOLA’s fax gateway, to each pastoral property experiencing a fire. The service was expanded in early 2003 to include an email option. Pastoral land managers now have daily access to simple fire maps delivered to their property.

Pastures From SpaceDesigned to provide satellite derived greenness/biomass measurements for estimates of pasture production and pasture quality to rural farm producers, the program started in Western Australia and has expanded to trials in eastern Australia. DOLA’s Satellite Remote Sensing Services is contracted to provide full data acquisition processing and delivery services to a collaborative project with CSIRO and Agriculture WA, with supporting funding from Australian Wool Innovations. The pasture information can assist farmers with management decisions such as grazing rotations, feed budgeting, fertiliser application and other ‘precision agriculture’ techniques for the grazing industry with commercial sale potential.

Product Highlights


Products and Services CatalogueStaff were able to view and provide feedback on the new Products and Services Catalogue, in preparation for its release to DOLA customers in the near future.

The Catalogue provides easy access to DOLA’s products and services. The benefits are twofold – customers will be able to access DOLA’s products and services through a single access point, and staff will gain a better knowledge of the agency as a whole.

It is envisaged that in the coming year the Catalogue will be placed on DOLA’s corporate website and will become available to members of the public.

Launch of INKDOLA’s first intranet system titled INK (Information News Knowledge) was launched to staff in early 2003.

INK is designed to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all corporate information. Its front page enables staff to view the agency’s latest news on a daily basis, and aims to replace DOLA’s current Lotus Notes database system.

TRIMDOLA decommissioned its three former records management systems in favour of a single integrated TRIM system that also manages the paper based, records management requirements of the agency. The single record keeping system allows for more timely searches of information.

DOLA is working towards having the flexibility and capacity to be more responsive to the changing needs of its customers, especially in regards to information.

The new statutory authority will have a more commercial focus while continuing to provide the core services of land information, titling and valuation services.

Our focus is on providing an e-commerce environment. Technology and on-line services will provide greater access to integrated land and property information, which will have a wide range of benefits for Government and business.

DOLA aims to be at the forefront of e-government initiatives.

Market ResearchComprehensive quantitative market research was undertaken to enable DOLA to take a definitive view of those areas that require focus to meet customer expectations in terms of service, product delivery, customer management and communication. The research provided the foundation to inform an agency-wide strategy which aims to achieve a consistent and improved customer interface.

Data Quality ImprovementDOLA continued its commitment to data quality improvement by undertaking a major review of projects and activities associated with data improvement throughout the year. In considering the current situation and the agency’s strategic direction, DOLA reassessed its data improvement priorities for the future. Complete, accurate and timely data is considered a key enabler in facilitating a whole-of-Government land and property information platform.

Business Realignment ProgramA major business improvement initiative designed to bring about internal business efficiencies and provide better value and improved service for customers commenced during the year.

All aspects of DOLA’s business will be examined using a suite of tools including value chain analysis, activity based costing, business process mapping and marketing analysis. The costs of business processes and the associated deliverables (products and services) will be considered in terms of their business viability.

The program is expected to roll through until 2005, whilst improvements to processes and any new business opportunities identified, will be implemented along the way.

In the longer term, this work will enable DOLA to better understand its cost structure so as to inform future pricing decisions of products and services. This will also provide for greater consistency when determining prices. DOLA will optimise work to date by reflecting any new understanding of its cost base in the prices of its products and services.

Outlook 2003 - 2004Corporate


Financial OverviewOperating RevenueA continued buoyant property market during 2002-03 enabled DOLA’s revenue to exceed $60 with the main revenue source being Land Titles Management activities.

Cost of ServicesCost of Services was 7.6% above budget or $7.1m mainly due to one-off additional costs associated with the administering of Output 1 - Government Land Services and severance costs.

Capital ExpenditureCapital expenditure of $5.856m was directed mainly at DOLA’s continued investment in information technology, which included the completion of the digital capture of land titles information and the ongoing asset replacement program.

Financial Summary 2003 2002

($’000) ($’000)

Cost of Services

Operating Expenses 100,672 92,094

Operating Revenue 60,782 60,201

Net Cost of Services 39,890 31,893

Statement of Financial Performance

Total Assets 92,809 88,353

Total Liabilities 20,491 16,430

Total Equity 72,318 71,923


Quantity Measures Actual Actual Target Actual 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Government land actions .............................................................8,648 .................... 6,117 .....................8,150 .................... 7,785

Land registration actions ..............................................................1,603,611.............. 1,815,296..............1,621,400 ............. 1,892,461

Physical land information

data sets maintained and developed........................................9 ........................... 9............................9 ........................... 9

Land boundary information

data sets maintained and developed........................................3 ........................... 3............................3 ........................... 3

Valuations completed ...................................................................1,384,911.............. 1,371,492..............1,082,053 ............. 1,145,529

WALIS Business Plan projects .....................................................na ......................... 14..........................14 ......................... 14

Quality Measures Actual Actual Target Actual 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Maintain AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance for Government land action process.......................Achieved............... Maintained ............Maintained............ MaintainedMaintain AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance for physical land information data set maintenance and development processes .........................Maintained............ Maintained ............Maintained............ MaintainedMaintain AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance for land boundary information data set maintenance and development processes .........................Maintained............ Not Maintained......Maintained............ AchievedClaims against registered interests, as a result of fraud, negligence or error, settled by the Crown ......................0 ........................... 1............................0 ........................... 1Benchmark against international standards for accuracy and taxing values using Means Ratio Test

Gross Rental Valuations.......................................................94.14%............... 92.38%...............92.5%.................93.04% Unimproved Valuations ........................................................91.87% ................. 92.69%..................92.5% ................... 91.76%Coefficent of dispersion applied to check uniformity of values Gross Rental Valuations ......................................................5.48% ................... 5.01%....................<7%...................... 5.69% Unimproved Valuations ........................................................4.64% ................... 4.31%....................<15%.................... 5.17%Extent to which performance criteria for WALIS Business Plan projects are achieved ...........................na ......................... 64%.......................75% ...................... 74%

Summary of Output Measures


Timeliness Measures

Actual Actual Target Actual 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Government land actions completed within target time..........................97% ...................... 97% ......................85%.......................95%Time systems providing registration services are available for use .......97.5% ................... 98.6% ...................98%.......................98.5%Requests for physical land information data met within target times .....95% ...................... 99% ......................95%.......................99%Land boundary information added to data sets within target times ........95% ...................... 98% ......................95%.......................96%Turnaround target or agreed times met for: General Valuations ...........................................................................na ......................... 93% ......................98%...................... 95.4% Market values, stamp duty values, plant and equipment values, and consultancy advice. .....................................na ......................... na..........................85%...................... 72.6%Government Property Register values completed by 30 June ...............na ......................... 99.2% ...................95%.......................100%WALIS Business Plan projects completed within agreed times .............na ......................... 57% ......................90%.......................75%

Unit Cost Measures Actual Actual Target Actual 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Government land actions .......................................................................$1,845 .................. $2,563...................$1,795 ...................$2,337

Land registration actions ........................................................................$24.40 .................. $22.26...................$27.01 ...................$24.28

Physical land information data sets maintained and developed.............$1,563,544 ........... $1,654,128............$1,661,757 ............$1,658,527

Land boundary information data sets maintained and developed..........$833,202 .............. $996,537...............$998,140 ...............$1,004,159

WALIS Business Plan projects ..............................................................na ......................... $112,285...............$110,215 ...............$105,352


Review of Operations

19 The End of an Era

19 Future of DOLA

21 Organisational Overview

24 Executive Board

28 People at DOLA

32 Customers, Stakeholders and Community Relations


This is a significant time for the Department of Land Administration.

This financial year signifies a turning point in its history, and this annual report marks the last for the Department of Land Administration.

Since its origin in 1829 as the Survey Office of the Swan River Colony, the Department has continued to perform a fundamental role in the management and development of the State.

It has led the State in providing a legal, geographic and administrative base for the use of land by the Western Australian community.

The next financial year will see large-scale changes in its name, Minister, structure and direction.

Crown land administrative functions and the Pastoral Lands Board will be transferred to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure in order to provide a more integrated approach to the management and use of Crown land.

The End of An EraExisting land information, land titling and valuation functions will stay with DOLA, with the agency becoming a statutory authority with commercial powers.

The changes are in response to the needs of an increasingly information-based and technological world.

As a statutory authority, DOLA will stay at the cutting edge of land information systems and deliver the online land information requirements of Government and the community.

The benefits will be many – improved applications will mean the ability to present data in new ways. The revenue generated by the authority will be reinvested in customer services, driving on-line services and enhancing the quality of information.

The future will mean new technology, new initiatives, and new opportunities

The Department will remain strongly committed to the achievement of excellence in delivering quality products and services as it has done for the past 150 years.

CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE• Creation of an across Government platform for the delivery of online, integrated land and property information.

• Working with other agencies to deliver land and property information to the community.

• Generating a fair return for the Government’s data.

• Ensuring the accuracy of data.

• Identifying commercial opportunities in partnership with the spatial industry.

DOLA’s Consultation on its FutureThere has been a strong commitment to consultation with stakeholders, staff and other interested parties during the development of proposals for the Statutory Authority. This has been evidenced through two main phases of consultation during 2002 and 2003.

In early 2002, the Machinery of Government Taskforce recommended that “the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure should explore the merits of establishing the land information and titles activity as a self-funding government business enterprise”.

As an outcome of this, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure established a Steering Committee which produced a report on the ”Future of the Department of Land Administration”. This report was released for public consultation in April 2002 and focussed on the merits of changed arrangements for the department, with two main recommendations:

• “as a preferred option, to establish a government business enterprise (GBE) to undertake current land titling and land and property information functions, or alternatively, to establish these as a separate financial entity within a public service department; and

• that Crown land administration be transferred to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.”

Future of DOLA


During this first phase of consultation 20 submissions were received from the surveying profession, property and development sectors, government-related bodies and agencies, and DLI staff. These submissions helped inform the Minister’s proposal to Cabinet to establish a Statutory Authority with commercial powers.

In October 2002 Cabinet decided in principle to establish a new Statutory Authority to:

• carry out the land titling, land information and property valuation functions performed by the Department of Land Information (DLI);

• develop a shared online platform for government information about land and property; and

• commercially develop the State’s land information asset.

A second phase of consultation was carried out during April and May 2003. This progressed the discussion from what kind of entity DLI would become, to focus on the objectives, functions and powers of the new Statutory Authority and the proposed legislative framework to establish it.

The 2003 Consultation Process

The basis of this second phase of consultation was a paper that:

• explained the key proposals that would underpin the development of legislation to establish the new Statutory Authority with commercial powers;

• assisted discussion with staff and stakeholders; and

• provided a basis for written submissions.

The consultation paper outlined the reasons for the Statutory Authority, benefits to be achieved and relevant policy considerations. It also provided details

of 16 proposals for the draft legislation covering the following subject areas:

• Legal Status;

• Principles and Objectives;

• Functions and Powers;

• Governance Arrangements;

• Accountability and Transparency Requirements; and

• Pricing and Funding.

A second consultation paper on staff issues was also released as the basis for consultation with DLI staff and the Union.

Considerable efforts were made to publicise and assist the consultation process as outlined below:

• The request for submissions was advertised in The West Australian newspaper, and on the Department of Premier and Cabinet and DLI websites.

• DLI provided articles to 10 industry publications, 5 of which were published. An article was also published in The Sunday Times.

• Over 100 customers and stakeholders were notified by mail and provided with a copy of the consultation paper or details of the website link, including:

• Government agencies involved in accessing or using land and property information;

• Industry bodies and key stakeholder groups; and

• DLI staff and Union

• 40 briefing sessions were carried out by the CEO and senior staff of DLI involving over 800 staff and approximately 150 representatives from key government and industry stakeholder groups – including peak industry bodies, DLI’s main customers, and other government agencies and the Union.

The public consultation period spanned eight weeks in March to May and during this time comments were requested from staff and stakeholders through newspapers, websites, industry publications and mail.

Peak JCC and Union representatives were consulted and weekly staff newsletters, responding to specific staff concerns, were produced during the eight-week period. Customers were invited through articles in the Customer Service Bulletin and quarterly magazine Landmarks to comment on the process. Several stakeholder publications also carried prepared articles inviting comment on the process.

A 1-800 number was also established to respond quickly to any stakeholder concerns about the process.

30 submissions were received with respondents estimated to represent some 80 percent of DLI’s main customers and stakeholders. Submissions will be analysed by an independent consultant and considered in the development of legislation for the proposed new authority.

Future of DOLA (continued)


Grahame SearleA/Chief ExecutiveDepartment of Land AdministrationResponsible for the overall strategic and operational management of the Department of Land Administration.

Also the Chairman of the WALIS Executive Policy Committee providing policy direction. This committee comprises CEOs of all agencies participating in WALIS.

Jim RhoadsA/DirectorWALIS OfficeThe Western Australian Land Information System coordinates the management and delivery of the State’s Government land information.

The WALIS Office is responsible for marketing WALIS, providing strategic leadership, and managing stakeholder participation and WALIS projects.

Reports to the Chairman of the WALIS Executive Policy Committee.

Gary FennerA/DirectorValuation Services(and Valuer General)Holds the Statutory Position of Valuer General of Western Australia and is responsible for the general administration of the Valuation of Land Act 1978.

This ensures independent and impartial valuation services are provided to meet the needs of State, Local and Commonwealth governments and that the rights of property owners are protected by the separation of the valuation function and the collection of monies from taxation and rating.

Ian HydeA/DirectorBusiness Development(and Registrar of Titles)Responsible for Business Planning, Information Policy Development, Marketing, Strategic Development and Information Coordination across the Agency.

Heather BrownA/DirectorOrganisational TransformationResponsible for corporate policy, planning strategies, including proposals for the future of DOLA, legislative review and corporate communications.

Andrew BurkeA/DirectorLand Information and Administration ServicesResponsible for the provision of products and services to ensure that Government and community needs are met in the management and use of Government land; ensuring that the land information base provides certainty of ownership and supports the State’s administrative, commercial and social systems.

Mark WoodcockA/DirectorBusiness Support ServicesResponsible for resource management in the financial, human, legal, administrative and infrastructure areas to support DOLA’s operational activities.

Also responsible for outcome management and performance audit, to drive improvements in business processes within the organisation.

Organisational Overview - Transitional Organisational Chart


DOLA contributes to the sustainable growth and prosperity of Western Australia through innovative land services, a world class land information and property infrastructure, and an impartial valuation service.

Management of the Government Estate

The administration of Government land supports the economic, environmental and social objectives of the State.

Land Information

The State’s administrative, commercial and social systems are supported by a land information base and certainty of ownership and other interests in land.

Valuation ServicesIndependent valuations support Government’s collection of rates and taxes, and management of property assets.

Access to Government Land or Geographic Information

Access to high quality spatial information is facilitated and coordinated by the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) office for the benefit of all Western Australians.

Government land is administered and managed for residential, commercial, industrial, conservation, heritage and other community purposes.

Information about land and land ownership is collected, recorded and made available for use by Government, business and the community

An impartial valuation and property information service.

Land information from WALIS stakeholder agencies is managed in a coordinated way so that data held by agencies can be integrated and readily accessed to meet Government, business and community needs.

MISSION

OUTCOMES

OUTPUTS

DOLA’s Outcome/Output Framework


Corporate GovernanceAn effective corporate governance framework optimises business performance by ensuring transparent and ethical management practices.

DOLA’s Code of Corporate Governance Practice and the Executive Board Charter provide a governance framework that facilitates a high standard of leadership and direction for the agency. The Executive Board and its sub-committees operate in a manner consistent with sound management practice, and ensure that the organisation implements Government policy with openness and integrity, in the best interests of its customers and stakeholders. DOLA has controls in place for business planning, compliance reporting, risk management and monitoring of operational performance.

Transitional Arrangements

In August 2001 with the approval of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, DOLA put in place a transitional structure. At 30 June 2003, the transitional Executive Board comprised the Acting Chief Executive Officer and five Acting Directors: Business Support Services; Land Administration and Information Services; Valuation Services; Organisational Transformation; and Business Development.

The Executive BoardThe Chief Executive Officer has ultimate responsibility to the Minister for DOLA’s performance and is supported by the Executive Board, DOLA’s principal governing body. The Executive Board is responsible for:• developing and monitoring corporate directions;• overseeing an effective control environment;• budgeting and planning;• monitoring operational management outcomes; and• achieving accountability and compliance with Government requirements.

Executive Board Members


Grahame Searle

Acting Chief Executive Grahame Searle has qualifications in business. He has a strong background in information technology and, in particular, integrating computer systems for customer service delivery. Grahame has extensive experience in managing information technology projects for Victoria’s Land Registry; Museum of Victoria; the Registry of Deaths, Births and Marriages; and Survey and Mapping Victoria. Prior to joining DOLA in January 1998 as Director Service Delivery, he was Director of Victoria’s Title Registration Services.

Heather Brown Acting Director Organisational Transformation Heather Brown has a postgraduate qualification in psychology and 18 years’ experience in the public sector in a range of agencies including the Health Department, the Department of Local Government, the Ministry of Fair Trading and the Disability Services Commission. Her responsibilities have encompassed strategic planning; in particular developing the proposal for the future of DOLA, corporate communications, policy, legislative review, performance evaluation, intergovernmental relations and operational management. Heather joined DOLA in January 1998 as Director, Strategic Planning.

Ian Hyde Acting Director Business Development Ian Hyde has qualifications in surveying and computing. He has been actively involved in land administration and information management for over 21 years in both the public and private sectors and was Coordinator of the WA Land Information System. Ian has extensive experience in land information management, negotiation, service delivery provision, strategic and business planning, policy development and management of multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects.

Executive Board


Mark Woodcock

Acting Director Business Support Services Mark Woodcock has a BA honours degree in Economics. He has 25 years’ experience in various management roles including tertiary education, advertising and publishing, and more recently health care. He worked in the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East before migrating to Australia. He brings commercial and change management experience to DOLA. Mark was appointed from the private sector to his current position in September 2000.

Gary FennerActing Director Valuation ServicesGary Fenner has tertiary qualifications in agriculture and valuation, and a Bachelor of Business degree. He has over 32 years experience in the property industry ranging from the positions of Chief Valuer Country, Chief Valuer Metropolitan and has held the position of Valuer General for the last three years. Gary has been an elected board member of the Australian Property Institute (API) for the past six years. He is also: Chairman of the API’s Legislation Review Committee; a member of the Curtin University Advisory Committee for Property Studies and a member of the Property Education Foundation.

Andrew BurkeActing Director Land Information and Administration Services Andrew Burke is an engineer with a varied background in both the public and private sectors including operational management and corporate planning roles. In 1990, Andrew led a taskforce to develop a strategy to integrate and improve access to the State’s land information. He was subsequently appointed Director, WA Land Information System in 1990, a position he held until taking up his current acting position in DOLA.

Executive Board (continued)


Executive Board Sub committeesTwo sub committees of the Executive Board were formed as part of the transitional structure, the Business Performance Committee and the Business Transformation Committee.The Business Performance Committee focuses on operational matters. It is the forum for dialogue and discussion, raising of concerns and developing solutions to ensure delivery of the department’s ongoing services and products. Membership comprises:• Acting Director Business Support Services (Chair)• Acting Director Land Information and Administration

Services• Acting Director Valuation Services• Acting Director Business Development• Manager Information CoordinationManaging change is the focus of the Business Transformation Committee. It provides advice to the Executive Board on policy, planning and resourcing matters that concern business change within the agency, including identifying strategic objectives, initiatives and critical success factors that substantially influence the agency’s future directions.Membership comprises:• Acting Director Business Development (joint Chair)• Acting Director Organisational Transformation (joint

Chair)• Manager Marketing and Product Development• Manager Business Planning and Information

Management• Nominee of Acting Director Business Support

Services• Nominee of Acting Director Land Information and

Administration Services• Nominee of Acting Director Valuation Services• Manager Information Coordination Branch• Manager Business Commercialisation and Re-

alignment• Manager Government Information Solutions

Advisory groups to the Executive BoardThe Executive Board also receives advice from the

following groups:• The Diversity Management Committee – advises

responsibilities regarding DOLA’s diverse workforce and customer base.

• The Peak Joint Consultative Committee – gives feedback from staff on human resource policy and industrial relations matters.

• The Leadership Committee - oversees the implementation of DOLA’s Leadership Program.

• The Workforce Planning Committee - advises on staffing in relation to maintaining alignment with DOLA’s strategic plan.

• The Customer Service Council – provides the customers’ perspectives on service delivery issues.

• The Tenders Committee - provides independent, impartial comment on contracting and procurement.

Risk ManagementRisk management is central to good corporate governance and is directly linked to maintaining an effective control environment and ensuring achievement of DOLA’s strategic goals.

In October 2002, the Executive Board endorsed a revised Risk Management Policy. The revised policy builds on DOLA’s existing risk management framework, and confirms the agency’s commitment to embedding risk management into all aspects of the business to improve business performance, as well as meeting our compliance requirements. The Executive Board receives quarterly risk management reports that provide an overview of DOLA’s risk profile, the effectiveness of existing controls and progress on treatment plans. During the year, the agency’s electronic risk register has been re-developed to better assist monitoring and reporting of risks.


Performance AuditAn effective internal audit function actively contributes to sound corporate governance by assessing and providing assurance on how well the internal controls operate. DOLA’s Performance Audit Branch provides the Chief Executive with independent assessments of DOLA’s control environment.

During 2002-2003, performance audit resources were allocated to reviewing the following business activities:

• Data quality, information security, e-business projects, benefits realisation;

• Contract management , legal compliance, motor vehicle management; and

• Management reporting, corporate governance, business case development.

National Competition PolicyDOLA has completed reviews of its relevant legislation in accordance with the Competition Principles Agreement and is currently awaiting the introduction of the Acts Amendment and Repeal (Competition Policy) Bill 2002 to enact recommended amendments to the Licensed Surveyors Act 1909 and the Valuation of Land Act 1978. DOLA has developed a set of compliance guidelines for staff to ensure competitive neutrality principles and competition laws continue to be adhered to within the agency. These guidelines will form the basis of a staff awareness program, scheduled to commence October 2003.

Enabling LegislationThe Department of Land Administration was established on 20 May 1986 and operations began on 1 July of that year. The Valuer General’s Office was established in 1979 by the Valuation of Land Act 1978. On 30 June 2001, in keeping with section 65 (2) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, the Valuer General’s Office merged with DOLA.

DOLA administers numerous Acts of Parliament and is affected by more than 100 Acts administered by other agencies. The relevant legislation is listed in Appendix A.

DOLA maintains a Legislation Register which assists the agency to monitor legislation affecting DOLA’s operations and assigns responsibility for monitoring compliance with legislation, as well as the review and formulation of related policy.

Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) OfficeWALIS is an alliance of State Government agencies, Local Government and an increasing number of private organisations. The coordinating body of WALIS – the WALIS Office – is situated within the DOLA administrative structure. Acting WALIS Director, Dr Jim Rhoads, reports directly to DOLA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer in his capacity as Chairman of the WALIS Executive Policy Committee (EPC).

The WALIS EPC is responsible for the strategic direction of WALIS and reports to the Minister. The members of EPC are the Chief Executive Officers of all WALIS State Government agencies, a representative from the WA Local Government Association, and the Chairman of the WALIS Advisory Committee.

After the decision by Cabinet on the future of DOLA, WALIS commenced an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, in anticipation of a formal review to determine WALIS’s future.


People at DOLA Developing and preparing the people of DOLADuring DOLA’s transition to a statutory authority with commercial powers we have continued to pursue our strategic agenda in people management, with organisational transformation, and self directed workforce skills development as the key drivers of our people management initiatives.

This included the preparation of the Human Resources component of the statutory authority legislation; the establishment of a Jobs Swap register; the transition of the Crown land function and supporting functions to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI); the Recruitment and Selection Policy review, together with the review of other corporate governance policies; and the innovative career transition program Choices and Change. These all contributed to the strategic realignment of the organisation.

The infrastructure for strategic skills acquisition for the new organisation has also been put in place through the development of a Competency Framework and a Skills Acquisition Plan for the next two to three years.

Considerable work was undertaken on the people management aspects of the legislative framework for the establishment of the statutory authority. An extensive consultation process with all staff took place from March to May. The various options and implications were explained to staff in sessions conducted jointly by branch managers and HR staff. The Peak Joint Consultative Committee was invited to give input on behalf of staff.

A Job Swaps register was established to assist those staff who wished to explore other job opportunities during the transformation of the agency. This service, managed by Workforce Services, allows staff to register their interest in a job swap to another section of DOLA or to another agency or to take advantage of substituted severance arrangements.

Part of the Machinery of Government changes this year included the transition of Crown land functions and associated support functions to DPI. Human Resource Services played a key role in effecting the transfer of around 135 staff from DOLA.

In a changing environment we also needed to provide sound systems to support the reform. Workforce Services has implemented the Concept Web Kiosk. This is a self-service personnel and payroll system linked to Concept, allowing staff to view and update their own details, and to view their Payslips Online. The Web Kiosk was progressively introduced and expanded in 2002/3. A number of HR services are now offered via DOLA’s Intranet, including Web Kiosk.

Choices and Change ProgramIn September 2002 DOLA commenced its new and innovative career transition initiative, ‘Choices and Change’, to assist and support employees during the transition phase. It encouraged a self-directed approach to planning for the future and provided staff with the tools to upgrade their skills. Topics covered included Change Management, Managing Change for Managers, Career Planning, Application Writing/Interview Skills, Financial/Retirement Planning, Positive Communication and Wellness (psychological and physiological). The courses were well attended, and extra sessions in ‘Wellness’, ‘Positive Communication’ and ‘Application Writing/Interview Skills’ were arranged to meet demand. The Program will continue into 2003/04 with an added component on skilling staff for the new commercial organisational environment.

Competency FrameworkIn a more commercial environment there will be a need for all employees to develop a more business-like approach to their work. As the transition progresses new lines of business may be created and existing ones developed or reduced. It will be necessary to ensure that all staff have adequate and appropriate skills, knowledge and abilities to meet the needs of the organisation. A more commercial focus will also require staff to adopt new work behaviours that are more conducive to increased performance and productivity.

DOLA’s Competency Framework has been developed in response to this to ensure that there is a suitably skilled workforce in a changing environment and that all staff know the behaviours that underpin the competitiveness for an organisation with commercial powers. It identifies the knowledge, skills and abilities required to meet business objectives, now and into the future, and uses these as the foundation for skill acquisition across DOLA. These will be mapped out in the annual Skills Acquisition Plan.

Skills Acquisition PlanA framework for implementing a Skills Acquisition Plan was developed this year. It supports the acquisition of DOLA’s critical and core competencies that are identified in the development of the Competency Framework. Whilst the Competency Framework continues to build, the Skills Acquisition Plan will deliver solutions that will enable us to better align the skills of our workforce with our business needs.

It is envisaged that for the next two years the focus of the Skills Acquisition Plan will be on the critical competencies required for DOLA’s successful transition to a statutory authority with commercial powers.


Leadership ProgramDOLA’s pilot leadership program concluded in May 2003 with the final 360-degree feedback exercise completed for 11 of the 12 original participants.

The objectives of the leadership program are to:

• Develop and excite our talented people;

• Grow leaders;

• Provide a framework for succession planning through developing our generic business skills; and

• Encourage across agency team building and innovation.

The program is based on DOLA’s Leadership Competency Framework – a fundamental workforce planning initiative.

To date, the program has incorporated a range of development initiatives – from scoping and presenting projects (as business plans) to the Executive Board, to training on strategic thinking, scenario planning and corporate wellness activities.

An evaluation indicated that the participants felt they possessed the key talents to be a ‘leader’. Their managers and peers also believed that their leadership performance was high. The feedback provided by the participants will be used to enhance the next Leadership Program.

Graduate Development ProgramDOLA has a strong commitment to the development of potential leaders and as part of this, a Graduate Development Program was established in October 2001. The first four graduates commenced on 11 March 2002 and three completed their Program on 11 March 2003 (one graduate left the Program for another opportunity). During the 12 months, the graduates worked on a range of projects and made a worthwhile contribution to all their work areas. They have been made permanent officers and allocated to project areas to use their skills and expertise.

An independent consultant carried out a review of the Program and findings indicated that it was successful from the point of view of the graduates, the managers and supervisors, and also by the mentors and buddies. Suggested enhancements and refinements will be incorporated into the next Program due to commence in late 2003.

A Pilot Mentoring Program to support the Leadership and Graduate Development Programs was introduced in September 2002. There were 16 mentorees for the initial program, that is to be evaluated in the near future. Initial indications revealed that there were a number of successful ‘relationships’ that will continue in a more informal manner.

Innovative Recruitment and SelectionIt was recognised that the new organisation would need to be more innovative in its recruitment and selection practices to attract and retain the most suitable people. Our Recruitment/Selection Policy and Procedures were reviewed, streamlined and tested in a pilot program. A more commercially focussed Policy and Guidelines document was also produced. A series of training courses that centred round the new policy were organised for convenors and potential panel members. The Policy is also available to DOLA staff via the Intranet, along with easy to use guides and templates to assist panel convenors.

Diversity in the WorkplaceThe Diversity Management Committee, an advisory committee to the Executive Board, oversaw DOLA’s integrated approach to managing diversity focused on women in management, youth and Indigenous Australians during the year.

Staff awareness of, and interest in, equity and diversity issues has increased significantly over the past 12 months, leading to establishment of four new sub groups: Women in Management; Indigenous Australians; Organisational Culture; and Youth.

The integration of diversity and equity into strategic and business planning has been an area of focus for the Diversity Management Committee during 2002/2003. This is being achieved through a number of strategies including the review of the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy and Procedures. This policy advocates the ‘best fit’ for the organisation philosophy which was designed to enhance DOLA’s diversity profile.

Agency performance targets were exceeded in the following areas this year: Women in Management; People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds; and Youth.


The Peak Joint Consultative Committee (Peak JCC)The Peak Joint Consultative Committee is a communication committee composed of management and staff from various sections in DOLA, and is driven from the grass roots upwards. The Peak JCC has its own Constitution, which guides the committee on meeting procedure, electoral procedure and issues that are suitable to take to the Peak JCC. It provides the terms under which the Peak JCC operates.

The Peak JCC investigates aspects of concerns and instigates remedial actions ie: initiates quality programs for the advancement of staff welfare and employment issues.

Over the past financial year the Peak JCC has:

• Prepared a submission on behalf of staff in response to the statutory authority consultation paper and the accompanying staffing Issues consultation paper.

• Conducted a staff survey to determine the employment conditions staff wished to have included in the Agency Specific Agreement.

• Participated in the HR workshop and provided feedback on Bereavement Leave, Carer’s Leave, Ceremonial/Cultural Leave, Short Leave, Eyesight Testing, Public Service Holiday Days-in-lieu and Hours of Work, Policies and Guidelines.

Employee Profile 2002-2003 % of employees

Land Information & Administration Services...........................................................

Registration Services Branch (incl. International Services) ......................... 24

Customer Services Branch ........................................................................... 8

Land Administration Services Branch .......................................................... 12

Geographic Services Branch ....................................................................... 12

Valuation Services ............................................................................................. 20

Business Development ........................................................................................ 9

Business Support Services ................................................................................11

Organisational Transformation ............................................................................ 3

WALIS ................................................................................................................. 1

DOLA’s average FTE level for 2002-2003 was 927.89 full-time equivalent employees. During the year 168 vacant positions were filled on a permanent or fixed term basis.

Wellness ProgramAs part of DOLA’s commitment to wellness and promoting a healthy lifestyle, a number of information sessions on particular health issues were held during the year. Subsidised flu vaccinations were offered to all staff in April/May and 130 staff took advantage of the opportunity to have their vaccination done on site at Midland and in Perth.

Employee Safety, Health and WellnessThe Occupational Safety & Health Committee actively promoted employee safety and wellness throughout DOLA. This included sponsoring a presentation on healthy eating habits during Nutrition Week 2002 and a series of backcare workshops at the Midland and Perth offices. The Committee also commenced a pilot program of safety audits in the Midland office.

Industrial AgreementsThe majority of DOLA employees are now under the Public Service General Agreement 2002. This agreement was introduced by Government to restore parity in conditions across the WA Public Sector.

DOLA completed negotiations and registered its agency-specific agreement. This agreement continues the flexible hours of work arrangements that employees previously accessed through their workplace agreements (now ceased). It allows staff greater flexibility in arranging their hours of work, promoting a work/life balance for employees while meeting DOLA’s business objectives. DOLA was one of the first Government agencies to have its agency-specific agreement registered and the only one to negotiate a 24/7 working hours arrangement.


Workers’ Compensation Statistics for 2002 - 2003

2002-2003 2001-2002Number of claims ......................................................................5 .................... 11*Rehabilitation Success Rate ....................................................0 ......................0 **Lost time injury/disease frequency rate ................................12.31 .................2.87Estimated cost of claims incurred per $100 wage roll ...............0.0788 .............0.18Premium rate.............................................................................0.49 .................0.53

*Rehabilitation Success Rate – the number of rehabilitated employees expressed as a ratio of the number of eligible employees (calculated based on RiskCover parameters).** Lost time injury/disease frequency rate – the number of lost time injuries/diseases where one day or more was lost expressed per million hours worked in this financial year (calculated based on Risk Cover parameters).

EAP usage rate 2002-2003 2001-2002Employee Assistance Program Usage Rate ...........................8.5%................. 9%

Public Sector Standards and Ethical Codes Compliance StatementTo assess compliance with Section 31(1) of the Public Sector Management Act the Department used the Nexus Strategic Solutions compliance audit results from June 2002 and a further review conducted by Human Resource staff in 2003.

My report in line with the Commissioner’s guidelines is as follows:

In the administration of the Department I have complied with the Public Sector Standards in relation to: Recruitment, Selection and Appointment, Transfer, Secondment, Redeployment, Termination, Discipline, Grievance Resolution, the Western Australian Code of Ethics and our Code of Business Conduct.

I have put in place sufficient internal controls and checks designed to ensure such compliance to satisfy myself that the above statement is correct.

The Temporary Deployment (Acting) Standard and Performance Management Standards have been identified as areas for improvement and will reviewed as a high priority next year.

Breach of Standard Claims 2002-2003Three breach of standard claims were lodged during the year.

Breach of StandardsThere were no breaches of Standards found.

InvestigationsNo Investigation was undertaken during the year by the Office of Public Sector Standards Commissioner in accordance with Section 24 of the Act.

Compliance AuditsNo compliance audit was undertaken during the year by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner.

Grahame Searle

Acting Chief Executive


Customer focus As a customer-focused organisation, the provision of quality customer service is integral to achieving DOLA’s strategic vision for the future.

The first point of contact for many customers is the Customer Services Branch of the Land Information and Administration Service Directorate.

DOLA’s Customer Service Charter and Code of Business Conduct outline guidelines for customer services and ethical behaviour.

Customer Service CouncilDOLA strives to improve its products and services through staff training, innovation, technological developments and consultation with customers. Reflecting its commitment to excellence in customer service DOLA has, since 1995, convened a Customer Service Council. The Council meets quarterly and provides important input on a range of issues that affect customers and stakeholders.

The committee members for 2002-2003 and their attendance is shown at right:

Customers, Stakeholders and Community Relations Customer Service Council Attendees and Attendance 2002-2003

Name Representing Kareena Ballard.................. Real Estate Institute of WA..................................................................... 4/4

David Clark ......................... Law Society ............................................................................................ 3/4

Henry Esbenshade............. Pastoralists & Graziers Association of WA Inc........................................ 4/4

Colin Heath......................... Land Advisory Committee, Real Estate Institute of WA.......................... 4/4

Ian Hyde ............................. A/ Director, Business Development, DOLA............................................. 2/4

Dominic Loiacono............... Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC)............................................. 2/4

Bill Richards ....................... Consulting Surveyors of Western Australia............................................. 3/4

John Sheridan .................... Australian Property Institute.................................................................... 2/2

Grahame Searle ................. A/Chief Executive, DOLA........................................................................ 4/4

Juanita Brown (resigned) ... WA Local Government Association......................................................... 3/3

Vacant (as at June 30)........ WA Local Government Association......................................................... n/a

Andrew Burke..................... A/Director, Land Information and Administration Services, DOLA.......... 4/4

Chris Costley ...................... Manager Customer Relations and Quality Management, DOLA ........... 2/2

(Executive Officer)

Gary Fenner ....................... Valuer General, Valuation Services, DOLA............................................. 2/2

Bruce Heathcote................. A/Manager Customer Relations and Quality Management, DOLA......... 2/2

(Executive Officer)

Andrew Kempton................ A/Manager Customer Services Branch, DOLA....................................... 2/2

Rick Murphy........................ A/Chief Valuer Metropolitan, Valuation Services, DOLA......................... 3/4

Diana Salvaris .................... A/Manager Customer Services Branch, DOLA....................................... 2/2

Anne Arnold........................ Mining & Exploration............................................................................... 0/1

Keith Dyer........................... Mining & Exploration............................................................................... 0/3

Vacant (as at June 30)........ Aboriginal Interests/Mining Interests....................................................... n/a

One extraordinary meeting was held on April 29 to discuss the consultation paper on the future of DOLA.

The Council undertook an evaluation (required every two years) to determine its relevance and efficiency. Members were asked to provide their ideas, opinions, suggestions on how the council should continue, the direction the council should adopt, and issues to be discussed at the meetings.

Number of Meetings attended

/out of possible


The following actions occurred as a result of survey feedback:

• Distribution of the DOLA Bulletin to Customer Members

• The need to re-assess membership when DOLA becomes a statutory body

• Annual meetings with the Executive Board

• The inclusion of representation from the spatial information industry i.e. users of information

Members requested changes to the Customer Service Council Charter, for example the allowance of proxies was requested. These changes were subsequently ratified in the March 2003 meeting.

Council was provided with regular updates on the transition process for DOLA to become a statutory authority, scheduled for July 2004.

The Council was also provided with a number of presentations. These included:

• A presentation entitled ‘New ways of delivery of DOLA’s Remote Sensing Products featuring: Pastures from Space, Agimage and FireFax’;

• A presentation on PropEgate, DOLA’s internal name for the land and property interests project;

• A presentation on the Pricing Policy Framework adopted by DOLA detailing the activity based costing method, compliance with competitive neutrality and the National Competition Policy.

The Council provided feedback on DOLA’s products and services and through a consultative process, helped to fine tune a number of DOLA business practices including:

• Reviewing the type-face/font on caveats;

• Investigating the quality of faxed survey plans, especially those that extended over multiple pages; and• Investigating a Pastoral Lease issue when different information was found in the DOLA system compared to the Pastoral Board system.

Recognition is paid to the outgoing member of the Council – Juanita Brown (WALGA) - for her contribution during the past year.

Quality Assurance and the Customer Feedback Process

DOLA’s Customer Feedback System is documented under the Quality Management System that is certified by external auditors from Benchmark Pty Ltd to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000. The Customer Feedback procedure has been written to be compliant to AS 4269 – 1995 Complaints Handling.

This procedure is contained in an electronic database that is accessible to all DOLA staff in the Land Information and Administration Services Directorate (LIAS). Manager, Customer Relations and Quality Management has ownership of the procedure and is responsible for feedback monitoring and analysis, leading to effective improvements to DOLA’s Quality Management System to achieve increased customer satisfaction.

The procedure also contains the following reference documents:

• Complaints Handling Policy;

• Complaints Management in DOLA - Guidelines for Staff;

• Protocol for telephone calls from customers that need to be referred to other staff.

The procedure was internally audited in November 2002 and was found to be compliant. Benchmark Pty Ltd also conducted external audits of the procedure in October 2002 and March 2003 and made suggestions, including that of the Satellite Remote Sensing Services refining their format to include feedback on all relevant areas of service performance.

Customer Feedback is received in a number of different ways:

• Telephone including the DOLA Customer feedback line 1300 365 288, published in the Telstra White Pages and answered by trained staff who are able to accept feedback and enter directly into the feedback database;

• Customer Feedback forms placed at counters;

• Customer Surveys using the Customer Feedback forms;

• Fax and mail;

• E-mail;

• A feedback button on DOLA’s web site;

• One-on-one meetings; and

• An internal e-mail feedback form designed to easily capture internal and external feedback.

Selected staff are trained as Customer Liaison Officers (CLOs) to handle the co-ordination and data capture of customer feedback. There are currently 53 Customer Liaison Officers; three of whom were added this year. The CLOs enter the feedback into an electronic database and assign responsibility for feedback to the relevant staff member via e-mail. Each CLO then monitors the feedback to ensure it is addressed within a reasonable timeframe. Feedback is allocated a priority of between three and 21 days for a response to be generated, depending upon its nature.


Customer Service Branch Feedback July 02 - June 03

The Director LIAS is provided with a monthly report that is discussed at the Branch Managers’ meeting where any trends and issues are highlighted and resolved.

Enhanced capture mechanisms led to an increase in the number of entries in DOLA’s Customer Feedback System. In 2002-2003, 813 entries were captured as compared to 507 entries for the previous corresponding period. This represents a 60% increase. The higher capture rate is a significant step towards ensuring feedback is received and processed. In addition, the ratio of praises to complaints improved from 2.9:1 in 2001-2002 to 3.7:1 in 2002-2003, indicating increased levels of customer satisfaction.

The majority of feedback is received through the Customer Service Branch and the graph following is categorised by the prime issue raised by customers:

This suggests that customers are generally well serviced with 327 praises received in this area. The main issue of complaint was the timeliness of the response with 43 complaints.

A number of actions were carried out as a result of the complaints and examples are listed below:

• Ongoing problems in the speed of access and reliability of connections to the LandLinks service were resolved in June 2003 with the assistance of the software manufacturer;

• Additional self-serve computers were purchased to increase access for surveyors who conduct searches in the Customer Service Hall;

• Search forms were altered to improve DOLA’s accuracy in handling faxed search requests.

A number of suggestions leading to improvements were received during the year. For example, rainfall information from the Bureau of Meteorology was integrated into the FireWatch information service provided to FESA.

Customer Feedback LIAS Directorate


Customer seminarsDOLA held several Conveyancing Industry seminars during August 2002 to inform customers about the Electronic Advice of Sale 2 project, and provide assistance and education on working with DOLA on-line systems. The seminars were held at various locations around the metropolitan area, with around 400 people attending.

Land Registrars and Development Officers’ ConferenceLand Registrars and Development Officers from around Australia visited Perth during May to attend the DOLA hosted conference. The theme of the three-day conference was ‘Moving the Digital Register Towards Electronic Lodgement and Beyond’ and enabled the participants to gain a greater understanding of how States and Territories are handling the conversion of Land Titles Registers into digital formats.

Customer Forums, Exhibitions And Agricultural Field Days Throughout the year, DOLA participated in several forums, exhibitions and regional agricultural field days to raise awareness of its products and services. Static display and information booths featured DOLA’s aerial photography, maps, satellite imagery and valuation services and gave many people the opportunity to discuss their requirements with DOLA’s expert staff. These events included:

• Local Government Week in August 2002

• Newdegate Machinery Field Day in September 2002

• Local Government Managers’ Week in October 2002

• Ideal Home Show in March 2002

• Wagin Woolarama Field Day in March 2003

• Mingenew Agricultural Day September 2002

• Perth Money Show in September 2002

• Spring Home Show in October 2002

• Building Homestyle Show in June 2003

Land and Products Information Services• In line with supporting DOLA’s focus on customers,

an online access support team was established in September 2002. The team provides technical, sales, transaction and general customer service support to LandOnline customers.

• A new Land Titles Practice Manual (Version 7, 2002) was released in September 2002.

• Farm maps were revised to provide customers with an improved product with more land related information such as grids, legends and data accuracy statements.

• Land Enquiry Centre’ s Extract Ordering System – The Extract Ordering system is the primary point of entry for extracting cadastral and tenure land information. This is now Internet-based, providing for a more streamlined approach to the delivery of cadastral and tenure data. The front end ordering is located on LandOnline.

• Cessation of Sales Evidence Microfiche – As part of DOLA’s move towards a more commercialised environment, distribution of Sales Evidence Microfiche will cease by 1 January 2004. There is dwindling demand for this product which is based on costly and redundant technology. Existing customers will be advised of alternative products and services.

Tenure Information ServicesSearches and Advice of Sale request services have been enhanced by the implementation of EAS2 on

1 May 2003. EAS2 was initially introduced to 898 customers. Customers utilising this service are rapidly growing in number. Through the year Tenure Information Services staff conducted information sessions for the Conveyancing Industry in country and metropolitan locations (Albany, Bunbury and Geraldton) on EAS2 and Customer Remote Search.

Customer Interface ProjectIn conjunction with the Marketing and Product Development Branch, Customer Services Branch progressed the Customer Interface Project on three fronts: Customer Service Management Strategy, Voice Management Strategy and Customer Information Strategy. The key objective is to ensure that all customers are provided with consistent, transparent and timely responses to all requests for products and services.

Meeting the needs of all our customers DOLA has a Disability Service Plan and a Languages Services Policy that promote inclusion of all its customers when considering improvements to services and products. Diversity outcomes for customers maintained or achieved this year are summarised below.

Disability Service PlanOutcome 1: Services are adapted to ensure they meet the needs of people with disabilities.

• Staff are encouraged to report any specific services and products that need to be adapted for people with disabilities. There were no reports for improvements this year.

• The Customer Feedback Database is monitored for suggestions on improving service delivery and


products for people with disabilities. There were no suggestions recorded for improving services or products during 2002-2003.

• Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OS & H) representatives audit each physical area of DLI at least annually. Staff have an opportunity to raise any access issues with the representatives or they can be pro-actively identified (by the representative) when doing audits. Any issue identified that cannot be remedied locally is referred to the OS & H Committee to address.

• The contents of our web pages and on-line services have been assessed against W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Outcome 2: Access to buildings and facilities is improved.

• A courtesy wheelchair is available to customers on request at the Information Desk in the Customer Service Hall at Midland.

• Emergency evacuation procedures were put in place for people with disabilities, in the event of lifts not working.

• Emergency Warning Intercommunication System strobe lights are installed in accessible toilets to alert people with hearing impairment of an emergency evacuation.

• Implementation of audio signals/announcements inside and outside the lifts to alert people with vision impairment of the floor and status (ie going up / going down) is scheduled for 2003/2004. A review of the height of lift control buttons for persons utilising wheelchairs and signage designating floor numbering and lift controls is also being undertaken.

Outcome 3: Information and services provided in formats that meet communication needs of people with disabilities

• 2004 StreetSmart Street Directory depicts traffic lights that have some form of audible (clicking sound) or tactile (dimpled slab surface) pedestrian facility with a thick green circle. (It should be noted that these guides may not include all directions of crossings at the indicated set of traffic lights.)

• Better hearing kits providing advice to staff on assisting customers with hearing impairment are located at public counters.

• Customers are made aware that information can be made available in alternative formats upon request where practical.

• DLI translator database on Lotus Notes also includes those that can communicate using Auslan (for hearing impaired).

Outcome 4: Advice and services are delivered by staff who are aware of and understand the needs of people with disabilities

• DOLA staff who are Auslan interpreters are now included on the DOLA Telephone Directory.

• Induction Program – The new formal Induction Program has been upgraded to include reporting on Disability Services issues.

• Carriage and responsibility of the Disability Services Plan has now been officially allocated to the Diversity Management Committee.

Outcome 5: Opportunities are provided for people with disabilities to participate in public consultation, grievance mechanisms and decision-making processes

• Complaint and Customer Feedback mechanisms are available in appropriate formats for people with disabilities.

• Contact name, phone and fax number, web site address and telephone typewriter (TTY) number are included on all printed pamphlets and publications (including letterhead).

• DLI translator database on Lotus Notes also includes those that can communicate using Auslan (for hearing impaired).

Languages Services PolicyOutcome: Language is not a barrier to service for customers with limited English fluency or hearing impairments

• Better Hearing Kits are available in customer service areas in metropolitan and regional offices.

• A Language Skills Register is maintained that lists staff who can speak, read or write in languages other than English, to assist customers in the first instance. Forty-four staff are available to assist in over 20 languages. This assistance does not replace access to the Commonwealth Translating and Interpreting Service.


Community FocusDOLA prides itself on its relationship with the community and during the past year the agency conducted the following programs:

International Women’s DayDOLA celebrated its sixth annual International Women’s Day breakfast in March of this year. Partly sponsored by StateWest Credit Society, the breakfast presented the opportunity for Midland business members and community leaders to socialise with DOLA staff, and listen to keynote speaker Dr Penny Flett. Dr Flett, who is a leading businesswoman and Chief Executive Officer of the Brightwater Care Group, spoke about implementing radical change in an organisation. Her particular case study involved Brightwater and was of keen interest to DOLA in its transition to becoming a statutory authority.

Dr Carl Reed PresentationDr Carl Reed, one of the world’s foremost Geographic Information System (GIS) experts, held a presentation for DOLA staff and GIS specialists in May of this year. Dr Reed, who is Executive Director of the Open GIS Consortium Specification Program in the United States, shared his knowledge of interoperability, which is about increasing access to information that can be shared across all formats and systems. His address emphasised the power of geographic or spatial information, and with around 80% of business and government information having some reference to location, it is an under-utilised vital resource.

Charity SupportDOLA staff generously donate to many charities, with a number of community organisations benefiting: Cerebral Palsy Association of WA; Princess Margaret Hospital for Children Foundation; The Cancer Foundation of Western Australia; Radio Lollipop; and the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Staff also raised funds to sponsor two Sun Bears in Cambodia; and the agency donated maps and reference books to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The Red Cross continues to be actively supported, with DOLA recording 85 blood donations and coming fifth in this year’s Summer Heroes Blood Rush.

VisitorsDOLA hosted a number of high profile international guests during 2002/2003. The Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich MLC accompanied the Acting Consul General from the Republic of Croatia Mr Tihomir Telisman to view the diverse range of products and services offered by DOLA, and meet the teams working behind them. Two officers from the Hong Kong Land Registry Office, Fion Li and Winnie Cheung, also visited DOLA in August, and received a comprehensive overview of DOLA’s world-class land registration systems. Valuation Services also hosted two international visitors, being Professor Mitsuaki Usui and his wife/assistant Setsuko. Professor Usui is Professor of Public Finance and Law at the University of Tokyo and was keen to exchange information about local valuation methodologies.

Donation of Touring MapsThe Education Department was the beneficiary of 1,000 South-West and Batavia Coast Touring Maps, courtesy of DOLA. Rather than being disposed of, these dated maps were recycled and gifted to secondary students for use in their society, environment and geography studies.


Products and Services (by outcomes)

39 - Managing the Government estate Output – Management and use of Government land Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators

48 - Ensuring security of land ownership Output – Land information Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators

58 - Effective and impartial valuation and property information service Outputs – Rating and Taxing Valuations,

Other Valuations and Advisory Services Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators

61 - Access to Government land information Output – Access to Government land information Output Measures and Key Performance Indicators


Desired Outcome – The administration of Government land supports the economic, environmental and social objectives of the State.

One of DOLA’s main roles has been the administration of Western Australia’s Crown land, which comprises over two million square kilometres, or 93% of the State.

The Land Administration Services (LAS) Branch develops and administers policies and strategies to support the land needs of the Western Australian Government and community.

Managing the Government Estate

WA LAND TENURE %

State forests and timber reserves 21.2 1%

Reserves 425.1 16%

Unallocated Crown land (1) 925.7 37%

Pastoral leases 898.7 36%

Other leases 74.3 3%

Private freehold 182.6 7%

TOTAL 2527.6 100%

AREA (000’s km2)

TENURE TYPE %

Aboriginal reserves 202.80 47%

Unmanaged reserves 21.70 6%

National parks and conservation reserves 171.80 40%

Reserves managed by Local Governments 5.00 2%

Other managed reserves 23.70 5%

TOTAL 425.00 100%

AREA (000’s km2)


Public release of Crown Land Administration Practice Manual

Following a review of the processes involved with the administration of the State’s Crown land it was recommended that a Crown Land Administration and Registration Practice Manual be developed. A public release program was scheduled for 2002-2003.

The manual was developed to promote best practice in the administration of Crown land and the conveyancing and registration of Crown land transactions. The manual’s main aim is to provide standards and guidelines to assist staff and customers alike in their dealings with Crown land in Western Australia. The manual also provides a point of reference for the processing of Crown land transactions under the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) and the Transfer of Land Act 1893.

The first edition of the Crown Land Administration and Registration Practice Manual was provided to a sample group of Local Government Authorities for testing in February 2003. The Local Governments were requested to use the manual in their everyday dealings with Crown land and provide feedback to Department of Land Administration (DOLA) on the user-friendliness and general effectiveness of the manual. Testing was completed in May and in general, the feedback received from the Local Governments was extremely positive.

Ongoing legislative changes and enhancements to best practice procedures will mean this manual will continually evolve, improve and therefore require updating. As the manual is available in electronic format, customers and staff who access the manual through the branch web page can be assured that they are always working from the most current version.

The publication is the end result of the combined effort

of many highly experienced staff within DOLA who have provided advice, verification of current practice and procedures and contributed to the overall content. Internal DOLA staff have been using and providing feedback on this manual since August 2002.

Integrated Corridor Rights Legislation

The proposal to develop overarching legislation to support the development of service corridors throughout the State was considered in depth by government stakeholders over the year. Given the peculiarities associated with long linear corridors and difficulty in obtaining inter-agency support to the overarching legislation, the Gas Pipeline Sales Steering Committee recommended that the integrated corridor legislation not proceed and that future corridors be created using the provisions of the LAA.

Depending on stakeholder support, amendments to the LAA may be considered in the future to better support the technicalities invovled with the creation of service

corridors.

Land Administration Services (LAS) Business Planning

The LAS Strategic Business Plan was prepared in response to a need to clearly articulate our business objectives and our future strategies for the effective and efficient management and administration of Government land in Western Australia. The plan addresses the short, medium and long term issues and strategies for LAS, and was prepared via consultation with staff and key stakeholders.

As part of the Skills Management Strategy in the Business Plan, significant progress was made in the development of a competency based training

program for LAS staff. A specialist stream in Public Land Administration will be included in the Public Services Training Package resulting in formal, national recognition of qualifications. This follows a successful application by the LAS Branch to the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia to have qualifications in Public Land Administration form Certificate I through to Diploma, inclusive. A national Public Land Administration Consultative Committee has been established to ensure the initiative is progressed and LAS is represented on that committee.

Review of Public Works Property

The review of the public works properties continued with a view to rationalise the holdings either through disposal or renegotiation of leases.

As part of the rationalisation process, new five-year leases were issued for 29 properties situated in Northbridge.

Native Title Policy Support

Through its Native Title Unit, DOLA provides specialist technical support on land tenure and native title issues relating to the future act processes under the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) for major Government projects and matters of strategic State importance. It liaises closely with the Office of Native Title, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and the Crown Solicitor’s Office. The Unit continued to be directly involved in consultation and negotiation with native title claimants over land matters in accordance with the provisions of the NTA.


Native Title

DOLA issued notices under the NTA and the Land Administration Act (LAA) covering 61 land proposals subject to either the right to negotiate (seven), the right to object and be consulted (33), or procedural rights for the development of public works (21). These included proposals ranging from light industrial, commercial to community purposes.

DOLA also participated and played a key role in the State Negotiation Team, which negotiated an agreement with three native title claimants for heavy industrial land on the Burrup Peninsula in the Pilbara. Through previous involvement, DOLA had established a sound rapport with the three claimant groups and was able to introduce them to the State Negotiating Team.

Also associated with the Burrup heavy industrial land was an infrastructure corridor which was placed under notice in accordance with the NTA and the LAA. One objection was received and DOLA was successful in having that objection withdrawn.

Railway Project Team

The Railway Project Team was created in December 1999 to provide specialised expertise and skills to facilitate the disposal of surplus Western Australian Government Commission (WAGRC) land assets in accordance with Treasury requirements. The team currently consists of five team members including a team leader and is funded by WAGRC.

The team provides tenure solutions including land assembly, negotiation, land development and ensures all relevant legislation and regulations are complied with. WAGRC land assets include surplus housing, leased land, development subdivisions and lands identified in the State agreement with respect to the

transfer of lands to Australian Western Railways as part of the Rail Freight Act 2000.

In the 2002/2003 financial year the Team facilitated the sale of approximately $5 million of surplus land and property assets.

In 2002 the Railway Project Team won the WAGRC Partnership Award which was presented by the Minister for Planning and infrastructure. The Partnership Award was one of the WAGRC awards for excellence and recognises partnerships that provide an invaluable service to the WAGRC.

Central Issuing Office

The Survey Co-ordination team is responsible for coordinating all Crown surveys under the LAA on behalf of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The team also provides a consultation role in respect to outsourced survey services, and is provides survey solutions to meet the growing needs of the community in accordance with best practices and value for money principles.

Surveys and graphics are required to define land boundaries to facilitate the registration of documents in compliance with the requirements of the LAA.

The team is the central liaison between Government agencies with respect to survey matters.

In the 2002/2003 financial year the team managed 460 survey contracts to the value of $1.2 million.

Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) Corridor

DOLA acquired State corridor rights over a widened 100 metre gas transportation corridor between Dampier

and Bullsbrook in August 2002. Under the direction of the Gas Pipeline Sale Steering Committee, DOLA obtained State corridor rights over approximately 180 properties and managed the compensation process for the 50% of properties where compensation had not been agreed to at the time of taking.

The next stage is the acquisition of interests in land for a widened corridor between Kwinana and Bunbury where DOLA will also provide a land acquisition role and deal with outstanding compensation matters following taking of land for State corridor rights.

Work has begun to update the Land Use Guidelines for the DBNGP Corridor, including the issues of third party use and non-gas pipeline related activities. Substantial streamlining of approval processes for works on the Corridor is also likely to be achieved in the near future through a critical process review.

Crown Land Administrators’ Forum

DOLA representatives attended the third Australasian Crown Land Administrators’ Forum in Newcastle, New South Wales, in May 2003.

The forum was attended by representatives from all States and Territories, and New Zealand, and focused on sharing knowledge and experience on common areas of activity. Each jurisdiction discussed a range of current issues, including commercial leasing of vested reserves by management bodies, coastal planning and management; rural leasehold strategies; bushfire management on Crown land; native title, information systems and processes to support more effective delivery of Crown land administration services; and public land administration packages.


Pastoral Lands BoardPastoral leases account for approximately 36 % of Western Australian land. This translates to 527 pastoral leases covering about 95 million hectares and 474 stations.

Percentage of Pastoral Leases Held by Different Interest GroupsIndividuals ..................................54%

Mining Companies......................10%

Other Companies .......................33%

Foreign Ownership .....................3%

The Minister for Lands is responsible for the appointment of members of the Pastoral Lands Board (PLB).

Under section 97(1) of the Land Administration Act 1997, the primary role of the Board is to ensure that pastoral leases are managed in an ecologically sustainable manner and in accordance with lease conditions and relevant legislation. Members of the Board represent pastoral, environmental, ecological, conservation and Aboriginal interests. The Board is required to provide assistance or advice as required by the Minister in relation to the administration of pastoral leases.

DOLA contributes to the activities of the PLB by providing land information expertise to assist the Board’s work, as well as substantial operational support. DOLA also provides the Board with clerical and executive assistance, office accommodation, drafting, conveyancing, information technology, a financial management system for the collection of rents on leases and its land registration system. With the Valuer General’s Office now being part of DOLA, rent assessment is also provided.

Board members who are not employees of Government departments receive a sitting fee of $186 per meeting. The Chairperson receives an honorarium of $56 per hour, up to a maximum of 16 hours per week, for Board business undertaken outside meetings. The Board met ten times in 2002-2003.

Board membership and attendance Meetings attendedMax Cameron (Chairperson) .........................Farmer and Company Director...................................... 10/10Graeme Robertson........................................Director General, Department of Agriculture ................... 7/10Sandra Eckert................................................Legal Officer and appointee of the Chief Executive Officer, DOLA .............................. 8/10Joe de Pledge ...............................................Pastoralist, Mandora Station and member of the Pastoralist and Graziers Association......................... 9/10Susan Bradley ...............................................Pastoral Station Manager, Theda and Doongan Stations ......................................... 6/10Margot Steadman..........................................Pastoralist, Wooramel Station....................................... 10/10David Wilcox..................................................Consultant in natural resource management, formerly Principal Rangeland Management Officer in the Department of Agriculture .......................... 8/10Kevin Walley..................................................Member of the Central Agricultural and Pastoral Aboriginal Corporation and Chairperson of the Bundundea Aboriginal Corporation, Belele and Buttah stations .............................................................. 10/10Charlie Thorn for Graeme Robertson ............Executive Director, Department of Agriculture and appointee of the Director General, Department of Agriculture ............................................... 3/10

Deputy members:Tim D’Arcy for Mr de Pledge ........................................................................................................3 meetingsLindsay Lockyer for Mr Walley ......................................................................................................................Adrian Morrissey for Mrs Steadman.............................................................................................2 meetingsAgnes Forrestor for Mrs Bradley ...................................................................................................................Denise True for Mr Wilcox ............................................................................................................3 meetings


Board Membership as of 1 May 2003:Alan Robson (Chairperson)

Graeme Robertson

Sandra Eckert

Susan Bradley

Adrian Morrissey

Margot Steadman

David Wilcox

Kevin Walley

Deputy Board Members as of 1 May 2003:Jamie (Jack) Burton

Ann Coppin

Tony McPherson

Denise True

Robert Watson

In 2002-2003, two major strategic projects were implemented:

Pastoral Exclusion ProcessUnder the Land Administration Act 1997, land to be excluded from pastoral leases in July 2015 has been identified and pastoral lessees have received notification by the prescribed date. The land is to be excluded for ‘public purposes’, including conservation, townsite expansion and the provision of other public services. A two-year statutory negotiation period between acquiring authorities and affected lessees is now underway.

Pastoral Industry Working GroupsFollowing the Gascoyne Muster in May 2002 five working groups were formed to address issues relevant to the future of the pastoral industry.

• Alternative Models Of Land Tenure

• Pastoralism For Sustainability

• Access To Pastoral Leases

• Aboriginal Access and Living Areas

• Pastoral Industry Economic Monitoring Requirements

The groups have now completed their final reports and recommendations to The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for presentation at ‘The Carnarvon Muster’.

The following approvals were granted in 2002-2003:Permission to sell ....................................27Permission to transfer .............................20Permits ....................................................12Permission to sub-lease ............................2Permission to de-stock ..............................1Permission to establish a domestic goat grazing enterprise...................... 1Default notices issued .............................79

(79 notices issued for non-compliance with Livestock and improvement declarations.)

Strategic Planning for the Pastoral Lands BoardThe PLB Executive Unit has been preparing to transfer to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure on 1 July 2003. The Board’s business plan is now being developed in line with its role in the new organisational structure and with the outcomes of the industry consultation process formalised by the Working Groups.

A Project and Compliance Officer has been appointed and equipped for field work. The Officer’s role will be to investigate specific lease management issues; provide advice to the Board and other stakeholders on pastoral and rangeland issues; and assist in the development of policies to help secure the sustainable future of the pastoral industry.


Mid-WestThe Team has been heavily involved in progressing the provision of a major transport corridor joining Geraldton’s industrial area to the port via a southern route, enabling the railway to be removed from the foreshore. Work continued on land assembly for the Geraldton foreshore redevelopment. This is a long-term project that will involve contributions from the Team, other Government agencies and the City of Geraldton for some years to come. The foreshore redevelopment is linked to the southern transport corridor and the deepening of the Geraldton Port.

The development of Indian Ocean Drive along the coast between Lancelin and Cervantes is a major land assembly project involving a partnership between DOLA and the Department of Defence. Land assembly tasks for this project are nearing completion with final ‘A’ Class reserve amendments scheduled for completion in early 2003/2004.

Work continued on land rationalisation in the Shires of Dandaragan, Coorow, Carnamah and Irwin following the removal of recreational squatter shacks from those Shires.

The release of residential and industrial land in areas of high demand in the Mid-West region including Kalbarri, Ledge Point, Cervantes, Jurien and Merredin continues.

MetropolitanThe Metropolitan Regional Team provided assistance on a range of Government land projects over the year including the finalisation of the Jervoise Bay land assembly project to provide land for an industrial estate and land assembly work at Port Catherine. A complex land exchange proposal for the Perth Airport was progressed and an agreement for the rationalisation of land on the Heathcoate Hospital site was reached.

New procedures were developed for the closure and disposal of pedestrian access ways throughout the metropolitan area and the Team met with all the metropolitan Local Government authorities to explain the new procedural guidelines.

KimberleyThe Kimberley Team negotiated agreement with the Kimberley Land Council for the provision of land in Broome for an Aged Care facility. The team also continues to assist the Office of Native Title with its negotiations in Broome in relation to the Rubibi native title claim.

The Team is working to produce a residential, commercial and light industrial land package to meet future development requirements at Fitzroy Crossing. A similar exercise is also being undertaken by the Team for the provision of residential and light industrial land in Halls Creek.

An expression of interest was released calling for the development of tourist facilities at Lake Argyle. The leasing of land at Lake Argyle for land-based aquaculture is also being progressed by the Team.

The Team continues to be actively involved in the East Kimberley, in extensive negotiations with the Kimberley Land Council and traditional land owners to progress the release of land for residential, light industrial, commercial, agricultural and horticultural developments. Work continues with the Office of Major Projects on the Ord Stage 2 proposal to increase horticultural land throughout the East Kimberley into the Northern Territory.

The Team continues to be actively involved with Management and Community Groups in progressing land development initiatives throughout the region.


South-WestTo assist with the construction of the new Harvey Dam, the Team provided specialist land administration expertise to finalise complex land tenure issues. These included road closure, identification of native title and Aboriginal heritage issues, rationalisation of reserves, negotiating and selling of surplus Crown land and liaison with the Water Corporation and private contractors to identify potential problems and provide solutions to enable the project to be completed in a timely manner.

They also assisted the Department for Planning and Infrastructure by providing solutions to a number of land tenure issues associated with the development of canals and an associated residential subdivision at Dawesville.

The Team continued work to clear legal constraints concerning the Mandurah Marina - Residential and Commercial development, and continued to provide advice to both LandCorp and the private developers on issues impacting the development.

The Team also participated in strategic meetings with members of the Government’s Forest Policy Implementation Office for the provision of land solutions to finalise the sale of the Pemberton Mill Site. The solutions provided included lease management options, amending reserve descriptions, negotiations with the leaseholder on valuations of improvements and options for subdivisional development of the remaining mill houses. The Team was also involved with the provision of land solutions for the Northcliffe and Deanmill millsites.

South-EastThe South-East Team was actively involved in a number of large land assembly projects over the year.

The finalisation of land assembly for stage one of the Kalgoorlie North-West Sector residential development occurred. The land will be sold for development as an important and high quality housing estate.

Residential land packages were assembled in Hyden and Hopetoun and an industrial land package was also created Hopetoun. The land will be sold for subdivisional development to meet existing demand.

The Team finalised an access agreement to enable construction of a gas pipeline from Kambalda to Esperance. Land tenure arrangements were also progressed to enable the expansion of the 12-Mile Windfarm at Esperance for Western Power.

The Team continued to liaise with the stakeholders for the realignment of the proposed Kalgoorlie-Boulder tourist railway loopline.

PilbaraThe long awaited first down stream natural gas processing plant on the Burrup was given all approvals, including the financial close. This first phase of the project came to conclusion on 19 December 2002 with the announcement by the Premier of the green light for the $600 million project that is expected to produce around 2,200 tonnes of ammonia from natural gas each day. The Pilbara Team played a principal part in the success of the project laying down the secure land tenures for the site and the associated infrastructure corridor necessary to secure project finance.

Orders were made and documents lodged to create unencumbered land for the northern part of the State’s north-south infrastructure corridor on the Burrup peninsular.

DOLA’s land tenure negotiations were in their concluding stages in support of the methanol plant on the Burrup proposed by Liquigaz Pty Ltd, a company associated with GTL Resources Pty Ltd.

Formal tenure under the Land Administration Act was successfully negotiated with Duke Energy over their existing privately owned gas fired power station at Port Hedland. The plant was constructed nearly a decade ago by BHP as part of its Pilbara energy project.

The Pilbara Team continued to provide land administration support and services to projects in the region and to assist the Commonwealth with the administration of Crown land in the Indian Ocean Territories.

A milestone occurred in the Shire of Upper Gascoyne in late March when the Pilbara Team lodged the perpetual lease for the Gulungoor Yammatji Aboriginal Corporation’s Living Area near Gascoyne Junction. This was successfully completed with significant contributions by Pilbara staff and support from Legal Services and DOLA’s Native Title Future Act Facilitators.

The draft Land Development Agreement and development leases for the marina development proposed by Coral Coast Marina Developments Pty Ltd for Crown land north of Coral Bay were also finalised.


Outcome – The administration of Government land supports the economic, environmental and social objectives of the State.

Output 1 – Government Land ServicesOutput description: Government land is administered and managed for residential, commercial, industrial, conservation, heritage and other community purposes

Effectiveness Indicator (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):Percent of customers satisfied that the management and use of Government land is supporting the State’s economic, social and cultural objectives.

Target – 70% satisfied. Actual Actual Actual Actual 1998-1999 1999-2000 2001-2002 2002-2003

Satisfied................... 59%.............66% ............73%............ 65%

Neither/Nor .............. 16%.............. 9% ............14%............ 17%

Dissatisfied .............. 21%.............18% ............12%............ 18%

Don’t know............... 4%.............. 7% ............ 1%........... 0%

Sample size.............. 140..............145 ............. 149..............160

Standard error ....... +/-2.1.......... +/-3.9 ..........+/-2.9.......... +/-2.3

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?The Government estate is managed and used for the benefit of the community through the delivery of cost effective land administration services that provide Government land for residential, commercial, industrial, conservation, heritage and community purposes. The extent to which customers are satisfied that the local community’s economic, social and cultural objectives are supported by DOLA’s Government land administration services is a key indicator of DOLA’s effectiveness in meeting this outcome.

How was the indicator derived?The primary users of DOLA’s Government land administration services are other State Government agencies and local governments. A customer survey conducted

by independent consultants asked these customers to rate their satisfaction with DOLA’s land administration services in meeting the community’s economic, social and cultural needs. Local government customers responded in relation to their local communities and Government agencies responded in terms of their agency’s perspective of the State’s community needs.

What does the indicator show?Of the 160 customers surveyed, 65% were satisfied that the outcomes of DOLA’s management and use of Government land met the State’s objectives. While this result is lower than the previous year’s, the number of customers who were ‘very satisfied’ (that is, rated their satisfaction as 8 or more out of 10) has increased from 25% to 35%. This was particularly the case for State Government customers who represent a significant proportion of requests for Government land actions. Fifty-two percent of State Government customers responded as ‘very satisfied’ this year compared with only 15% in the previous year – a significant improvement for this customer segment.

Efficiency Indicator, incorporating output quantity and cost measures (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):

Average cost per Government land action

Actual Actual Actual 1999-2000 2001-2002 2002-2003Number of Government land actions ....................6117............8150 ...........7785Average cost per Government land action ........ $2563..........$1795 .........$2337

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?Government land actions represent the principal outputs of DOLA’s Government land services to the State. They include the actions related to Crown land administration such as land inspections, tenure searches and lease rental re-appraisements. They also include survey contracts and transactions such as creation and cancellation of leases, reserves and roads, the transfer of Crown land into the freehold environment and other registrable transactions required under the Land Administration Act 1997. Therefore, the cost per Government land action is a useful efficiency indicator for this outcome.


How was the indicator derived?This indicator is derived by dividing the total cost of producing Government land actions (including all direct costs and an appropriate share of indirect and overhead recurrent costs) by the number of Government land actions.

A Government land action is counted when:

• A registrable document is created as required under the Land Administration Act 1997 by staff from the Land Administration Services Branch via the Document Processing System and lodged at DOLA’s acceptance counter;

• A tenure search is conducted by staff from the Land Administration Services Branch to enable a specific Government land action to proceed;

• An inspection of Crown land is undertaken by a specialised land inspector from the Land Administration Services Branch;

• A Crown land lease rental is re-appraised by the Land Administration Services Branch;

• A survey contract is issued by the Land Administration Services Branch.

What does the indicator show?This year’s total cost was divided by the Government land actions to arrive at the average cost of $2,337 per Government land action. The actual average unit cost was 30% higher than the target cost of $1795 per Government land action.

While the actual number of Government land actions completed for the year fell 365 short of the 8150 target, the variance represents a 4.5% shortfall, which is not considered significant. The apparent 30% increase in average unit cost can be attributed to a number of extraordinary expenses, which included: a contribution toward reduction of coastal erosion; a contribution to the City of Geraldton for the Geraldton foreshore redevelopment project; a contribution to the Shire of Halls Creek for the management of a portion of land surrendered from Moola Bulla Station for aboriginal use; a payment to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to support the transfer of Land Administration Services (effective from 1 July 2003); and costs associated with the Pastoral Working Groups. These one-off expenses totalled more than $2.5 million.

Quality Measure

Measure Actual Target Actual 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance for Government land actions processes .....Maintained.......Maintained......Maintained

Land Administration Services Branch maintains the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance standard for the management of Government land actions. This is audited every six months by DOLA’s Quality Assurance review agency – Benchmark Pty Ltd. For this financial year, Government land action audits were conducted in November 2002 and April 2003.

The core operations of the Branch are documented and verified through a continuous internal review and audit process to ensure that standards are maintained. In relation to this, 42 internal audits were completed in 2002-2003. This internal review and audit process forms the basis for external certification.

Timeliness Measure

Measure Actual Target Actual 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Government land actions completed within target time ........................................Maintained.......Maintained..... Maintained

A target time of 15 days has been set from the date a Government land action (registrable Document Processing System document) is sent for lodgment to the date it is actually lodged at the Acceptance Section of the Department’s Customer Services Branch. The 2002-2003 target for completing Government land actions was exceeded.


Desired OutcomeThe State’s administrative, commercial and social systems are supported by a land information base and certainty of ownership and other interests in land.

A fundamental requirement in all land dealings is the certainty of land ownership, or tenure, supported by reliable land information. DOLA provides the Western Australian community with a simple, secure system of document registration, which guarantees land ownership, and a wealth of accurate geographic information.

Native Title Determination Layers and Indigenous Land Use AgreementsDOLA, through its SmartPlan digital Public Plan System, investigated the development of electronic layers to reflect Native Title Determination and Indigenous Land Use Agreements. Investigations identified complex mapping and policy issues that will need resolution before a technical solution can be developed.

Quality CertificationIn August 2002, Registration Services Branch was certified to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 standard. With this, the compliance and certification of all branches within the Land Information and Administration Services Directorate was completed.

Community Titles Advisory CommitteeThe Community Titles Advisory Committee was formed in late 1997 to meet the Government’s commitment to the ongoing review of the Strata Titles Act. In March 2002 the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure approved the re-constitution of the Committee for a further two years.

Ensuring Security of Land OwnershipThe Committee continued to assist DOLA with its current review of parts of the Strata Titles Act 1985.

The objectives of the Community Titles Advisory Committee are to consider proposals for legislative change in relation to properties with separate lots and shared services. DOLA provides administrative and operational support to the Committee.

In November 2002 the Committee and DOLA organised a workshop on strata developments which was attended by a wide cross-section of the public and industry groups.

Non-government members of the Committee are paid a sitting fee of $50 per meeting.

During the financial year the Committee considered topics under review as part of the two-year review project being conducted by DOLA. Members of the Community Titles Advisory Committee liaised with the DOLA officer undertaking the review to develop solutions to the problems identified and will be responsible for reviewing the recommendations put forward.

The Committee Members July 2002 to June 2003 were: Meetings attended

Ed McKinnon (Chair) ....................... Land Surveyor and Company Director ............................................... 8/8

Ian MacRae ..................................... Department for Planning and Infrastructure ....................................... 4/4

Replaced by Paul Turner ................. (formerly Ministry for Planning) nominee............................................. 4/4

Robert Kronberger........................... Office of the Strata Title Referee nominee .......................................... 7/8

Cr. Alan Richardson......................... Western Australian Municipal Association nominee ............................ 1/2

Replaced by Terry McCarthy ........... Western Australian Municipal Association nominee ............................ 6/6

Mescal Stephens............................. Office of Water Regulation nominee.................................................... 4/8

Peter Munday .................................. Real Estate Institute of Western Australia nominee ............................ 7/8

Dominic Loiacono............................ Australian Institute of Conveyancers nominee .................................... 1/8

Vernon Butterly ................................ Urban Development Institute of Australia nominee ............................. 3/7

Replaced by Gemma Gallagher ...... Urban Development Institute of Australia nominee ............................. 0/1

David Clark ...................................... Law Society of Western Australia nominee ......................................... 3/8

David Hoops.................................... Institute of Surveyors nominee............................................................ 7/8

Jake Kneebone ............................... Strata Titles Institute of Western Australia nominee ............................ 6/8

Greg Vellacott ................................. Single-Tier nominee ............................................................................ 4/5

Frances Maber ................................ Multi-Tier nominee............................................................................... 6/6

Ruth Geneff ..................................... Multi-Tier nominee............................................................................... 8/8

Charles Noble.................................. Department of Land Administration ..................................................... 8/8

Bruce Roberts ................................. Department of Land Administration representative ............................. 5/8

Eric Horlin (Executive Officer) ......... Department of Land Administration ..................................................... 8/8


International services

DOLA International offers other countries world class technical assistance and advice about land administration and land registration. These activities provide the State with export income, stimulate local business opportunities and encourage trade and cultural exchange. Since its inception in 1992, DOLA International has secured consultancies worth more than $16 million.

In 2002-2003, DOLA’s International team concentrated on the following major projects:

Sri Lanka

DOLA International was successful in winning a new World Bank funded Project, the Sri Lanka Land Titling and Related Services Project Technical Assistance (TA) in partnership with SAGRIC International Pty Ltd, based in South Australia. The TA, which is valued at approximately $2.7 million, commenced in March 2002 and is scheduled for completion in July 2004. The project is being conducted as a World Bank Learning and Innovation Loan with the intent of developing and assessing improved land administration procedures for Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh

DOLA and its partners completed the ADB funded Bangladesh Land Administration Reform Project, which was the third of three phases of a Technical Assistance program carried out by DOLA and its partners. DOLA’s partners on the project were the NSW Land and Property Information Office, Overseas Projects Corporation of Victoria, Bangladesh Engineering & Technological Services, and InfoConsult Bangladesh.

Trinidad and Tobago

DOLA and its partners completed implementation of the Inter-American Development Bank funded Institutional Strengthening of the Registrar General’s Department Project. It was undertaken by DOLA together with the NSW Land Titles International and Overseas Projects Corporation of Victoria.

Sharing our Expertise with the World

Through the international program, DOLA conducted several study tours and visits:

• Two senior managers from the Hong Kong Land Registry Office undertook a two week training program in the operations of a modern titles office in DOLA in August 2002. The training program was based around the land titling operations carried out in the Registration Services Branch.

• A group of five senior managers from the Malaysian Ministry of Lands and Cooperative Development Office (the Director General of Lands and Mines Department) visited DOLA to study Strata Title processes and their implementation in Western Australia. The program was conducted over two weeks in June 2003.

• Under a Memorandum of Understanding that provides for cooperation in the fields of training and research related to land and resources, DOLA and the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources conducted a land administration and mining related study tour for 19 senior members of the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources. The program was conducted over a one week period during December 2002.

These study tours involved 26 overseas visitors studying our world-class land administration systems. A number of other scheduled visits were postponed for SARS related reasons.


Geographic Names CommitteeThe Geographic Names Committee is appointed by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure to provide advice on the naming of townsites, suburbs, localities, roads and other features. It met four times in 2002/2003. Members and their attendance (including attendance by deputy) were:

Andrew Burke...............DOLA (Chairman)....................................................................... 4 meetings

Kevin Trent ...................Main Roads Western Australian ................................................. 4 meetings

Russell Burnett .............Urban Development Inst. Of Aust. (WA Div)............................... 4 meetings

Tony Caravella..............State Records Office .................................................................. 3 meetings

Douglas Brown .............Australia Post ............................................................................. 4 meetings

Brian Dawson ...............Dept of Minerals and Petroleum Resources............................... 4 meetings

Representative .............Aboriginal Affairs Department..................................................... 0 meetings

Janice Goodacre ..........Local Government Association................................................... 3 meetings

Jo Harrison-Ward .........Fire and Emergency Service Authority ....................................... 2 meetings

Brian Goodchild ............DOLA (Secretary) ...................................................................... 4 meetings

The Committee gained a representative from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority. No longer represented are Conservation and Land Management, Planning and Infrastructure, the Department of Geography and the University of Western Australia. Mr Chris Coggin resigned from his position as Director of the State Records Office, and was replaced by the new Director, Mr Tony Caravella. Mr Coggin had served on the Committee for 14 years, and made a valuable contribution to its work.

During the year the Committee defined the names and boundaries for another 106 rural localities in 13 Local Government areas. Major achievements were in the Shire of Lake Grace (20 localities) and Shires of Shark Bay (19), Dandaragan (14) and Dumbleyung (13). 133 of the State’s 144 Local Governments now have approved bounded localities.

Two new metropolitan localities were approved in the City of Armadale. Mt Richon, named after a former vineyard, and Seville Grove, named after an orange variety, were both formerly part of the locality of Armadale. The new locality of Millbridge, formerly part of Eaton in the Shire of Dardanup, was also created. The boundaries of six localities were amended, and the locality of Burns was renamed to Burns Beach and Madora to Madora Bay. 87 parks and reserves were named in the year and one name was changed. Many of the new names are commemorative names honouring community contributions.

The dominant theme adopted for many of the new 997 road names is Australiana, with the principal choices being Australian lakes, rivers, beaches, surfing spots, homesteads and Kimberley coastal names. Other themes for new subdivisions included international cities, Mediterranean composers and European artists.

Geographic Names Committee – Name Approvals

New Amended Deleted

2002/03 (2001/02) 2002/03 (2001/02) 2002/03 (2001/02)Roads 997 (707) 548 (417) nil (nil)

Features 234 (614) 16 (55) 6 (23)


Low Frequency Array (LOFAR)The Mid West was the focus of a team of international scientists looking for a suitable site for a Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope in the region. The Murchison area is on the shortlist of three potential sites for the cutting edge LOFAR radio astronomy facility that is estimated to cost $70 million.

An Australian project team headed by CSIRO and the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Science and Innovation) requested DOLA to source and collate relevant land information datasets that could be used by the evaluation team. Data was collated from four State Government agencies and integrated into a CD packaged Geographic Information System (GIS) with a viewing tool. This CD-ROM was demonstrated to the LOFAR evaluation team at a Geraldton seminar in January 2003. Each scientist was presented with their own copy of the CD and both the data and GIS viewer were praised by the scientists as being of world class status.

Land Claims Mapping UnitDOLA’s Land Claims Mapping Unit have developed a Geographic Information System (GIS) as a tool to help determine the extent of native title within particular claims. The GIS is used in mediation and litigation to establish the status of the land and mining tenure. The driving force behind the exercise was to replace a very cumbersome paper system. Access is provided to the Crown Solicitor’s Offi ce, relevant claimants/claimant groups, legal representatives and registered interested parties.

The GIS has datasets that depict both current and historical land and mining tenure. The system makes it possible to view any of the identifi ed land parcels, as proof of tenure. The resultant dataset shows a complete historic profi le for all current land tenure parcels.

Additional information has been linked to Crown Reserves, in the form of a text fi le giving a brief history of the reserve together with a fi le containing scanned images of all the relevant pages from the State Government Gazette. An image, where possible, is added to the GIS to help identify any buildings or public works that may have some bearing on the establishment of native title.


Geodetic In May 2002, DOLA was involved with a consortia to establish and observe 48 new geodetic survey stations covering the South West Seismic Zone of Western Australia. The consortia included DOLA, Geoscience Australia, Curtin University, University of Western Australia and Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences New Zealand.

Almost all sites were established on granite outcrops in an effort to retain long-term geological stability. The three-week Global Positioning System (GPS) field campaign involved 20 GPS receivers with observation sessions ranging from 7 – 21 days. Geoscience Australia processed the GPS data to derive accurate coordinates for the new stations and the survey has been integrated into the State’s geodetic network.

It is envisaged that the network will be re-observed every two to three years. The survey was linked to Geoscience Australia’s Cities Project which seeks to assess the risk to urban centres from a wide range of natural hazards, including earthquakes. Other partners in the Cities Project are FESA, DPI and the Bureau of Meteorology (Perth Office).

financial year. The data was pre-released to the pastoral industry to assist in the development of station management plans. The Department of Conservation and Land Management is also currently using the data to assist in the planning of its five-year Pilbara Region Biological Survey.

Ashburton – the report on the spread of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) through the Ashburton River catchment is being prepared. Surveys completed in 2001-2002 showed that this exotic grass has spread widely over the previous 25 years, mostly to the benefit of the pastoral industry. The grass has enhanced the livestock carrying capacity of those areas it has colonised, and has generally increased the potential of the pastoral leases where it is found.

Nullarbor – this survey will remain incomplete until the Pilbara report is ready for publication. It is expected that field surveys that were started in September 2001 will recommence in the latter part of this financial year.

Rangeland Surveys A new document - ‘Report On The Facilities And Condition Of The Canning Stock Route From Wiluna To Well 33, August 2002’ - was prepared by the Surveys unit.

The State Rangelands Survey Program continued to provide valuable resource management information to pastoralists. The following projects were undertaken during the year:

Lower Murchison – the survey of five pastoral leases, Kalbarri National Park and Unallocated Crown land with a combined area of about 13,000 square kilometres were completed in April 2003. This survey completed a gap that existed between the rangeland resource surveys in the north and east, and the State soil survey program in the south. Serious erosion and vegetation depletion issues were identified in the vicinity of the Murchison River and recommendations for the future management of these areas will be included in the final report of the project.

Canning Stock Route – a ‘Report On The Facilities And Condition Of The Canning Stock Route From Wiluna To Well 33’ was prepared from information gathered during a field trip in August 2002. As an icon of outback trails, the Canning Stock route is facing increasing pressure from the more than 800 tourists who annually travel along its length. Recommendations were included for consideration to assist with the preservation of the unique heritage and environment of the route.

Pilbara – the printing of the Pilbara Ranges Survey technical report ‘An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Pilbara Region Of Western Australia’ and its sister report entitled ‘The Pastoral Resources And Their Management Of The Pilbara Region Of Western Australia’ were rescheduled for the 2003 – 2004


Outcome – The State’s administrative, commercial and social systems are supported by a land information base and certainty of ownership and other interests in land.

Output – Land InformationOutput Description: Information about land and land ownership is collected, recorded and made available for use by Government, business and the community.

Effectiveness Indicator 1 of 2 and output quality measure (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):Claims against registered interests, as a result of fraud, negligence or errors, settled by the Crown.

Target: Nil Actual Actual Target Actual 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003No of claims settled by theCrown ............................... 0 .......................1 ...................... 0..................... 1

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?The indicator provides a measure of the State’s success in maintaining an accurate land titles register. It shows the settled claims against the State arising from fraud, negligence or errors involving the certainty of land ownership within the State.

How was the indicator derived?

The indicator is derived from a register that records new, current or rejected claims made for monetary compensation against the State concerning registered interests in land.

The following definitions apply:“Fraud” means the illegal activities by a person or persons other than the registered owner or owners to effect changes to the existing interests recorded on a Certificate of Title or other land transaction document.

“Negligence or errors” means the actions or errors attributed to DOLA or to conveyancers, but not detected by DOLA which affect the land register or clients’ ability to successfully complete land transactions.

What does the indicator show?The low number of successful claims indicates that no underlying trend involving fraud, negligence or mistakes is apparent.

Effectiveness Indicator 2 of 2 (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):Extent to which the State Land Information Capture Program (SLICP) is completed according to target.

Percentage of work program completed Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03*

Topographic Data Capture/Revision...............98%...100%.....100% ....96% .....87%

Spatial Upgrade..............................................69%...100%.....100% ....95% .....96%

Ortho-image/mosaic Production.....................98%...100%.....100% ..100% ...100%

Aerial Photography Capture .........................100%.....98%.......82% ....89% ...100%

Property Street Addressing ............................91%.....97%.....100% ....98% ...100%

Locality Boundary Capture .............................50%.....73%.......74% ....92% ...100%

Digital Elevation Model Production................... n/a ....... n/a .........n/a ...... n/a ...100%

Aerotriangulation .............................................. n/a ....... n/a .........n/a ...... n/a ...100%

Road Centreline Maintenance.......................... n/a ....... n/a .........n/a ...... n/a ...100%

Digital Aerial Photography (increase in State coverage) ............................ n/a ....... n/a .........n/a ...... n/a .....80%

Overall Work Program Completion .................. n/a ....... n/a .......92% ....95% .....96%Overall Work Program Completion Target....100%...100%.....100% ..100% ...100%

*This year the SLICP table has been expanded to provide more detail about the component programs involved.

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?The State Land Information Capture Program (SLICP) comprises components of a work program for producing up-to-date, accurate land information data sets to meet customer needs. It is negotiated with the independent Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS), a consortium of government agencies that use the land information. The extent to which the SLICP is delivered is an indicator of the currency of the data and therefore the effectiveness of DOLA’s land information base.


How was the indicator derived?With a specific amount of money available in a year, the SLICP is a calculation of the amount of work able to be completed. The proposed program is then agreed with key WALIS agencies. The various components of the required work are recorded in a job tracking system, including the time taken and the direct cost involved. This year the SLICP table has been expanded to provide more detail about the component programs involved in completing the overall work program.

The percentage completed for each of the component programs is averaged to attain the percentage of overall program completion.

What does this indicator show?Overall 96% of the SLICP has been achieved. Of the ten discrete components of the 2002-2003 SLICP, three have not achieved their individual targets.

Comments on each component follow.

Topographic Data CaptureThe Topographic Data Capture program achieved 87% of an estimated target of 308 large-scale map tiles for the metropolitan area and selected regional centres. Completion of the program was impeded by the inability of the data capture contractor to deliver the full extent of the final scheduled project area in the program year. The outstanding data capture will be incorporated into the 2003-2004 program.

Spatial UpgradeThe Spatial Upgrade Program updates the spatial database for specific areas of the State each year and the entire State will be upgraded over time. During 2002-2003, 96% of the planned work was completed. To June 2003 67% of the State has been upgraded to survey accuracy.

Ortho-image/mosaic ProductionThe Ortho-image/mosaic program achieved 51% more than the estimated 12000 images rectified due to continuing improvements to its own and supporting processes.

Aerial Photography CaptureThe Aerial Photography Program achieved its target of 30,000 frames for 2002-2003.

Property Street AddressingThe Property Street Address program included rural and metropolitan/urban addressing. The program for 2002-2003 maintenance was exceeded by 105% brought about by the introduction of new localities and the consequent change to addresses and a high level of land development activity.

Locality Boundary CaptureLocality boundaries have now been determined for 91% of the State’s Local Governments. Twelve of the 144 Local Governments still require localities to be defined. During 2002/2003 156 new localities were defined in 14 Local Governments. This was 20% above the target.

Digital Elevation Model ProductionA 2002-2003 result of 79% more than estimated was achieved due to Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) generated to support the ortho-image program requiring less operator interaction than fully edited DEMs.

Aerotriangulation AdjustmentThis program provides the fundamental spatial link between aerial photography and ground survey coordinates. The aerotriangulation program achieved 53% more than the estimated 13,000 images due to improved technology and digital image handling. This program supports and influences all other geo-referenced topographic and image data activities.

Road Centreline MaintenanceValidation, maintenance and revision of the Road Centreline database including the addition of new data from lodged surveys and ortho-images is currently being undertaken by DOLA for metropolitan, outer metropolitan and regional areas.

Digital Aerial Photography - Increase In State CoverageAn annual program of digitising new aerial photography supports the initiative for electronic access to land data and customised digital products. A proportion of this program provides digital images for areas of the State not previously available in digital form. The State digital cover increased during 2002-2003 by 4.4% to 32.2%. This increase was 80% of the target.


Efficiency Indicator 1 of 3 incorporating output quantity and cost measures (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):

Average cost per land registration action

Actual Target Actual 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Number of land registrations actions............... 1,815,296....... 1,621,400.....1,892,461

Average cost per land registration action ...........$22.26 ............$27.01 ......... $24.28

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?Land registration actions include a range of activities associated with registered land transactions. The most common include document searches, examination and registration. The last two involve incorporating changes made to a Certificate of Title. Typically, changes concern land ownership details on a title, applications for a new title for subdivisional land development of 10 lots or more, caveats, leases, power of attorney, and other minor adjustments to titles.

The indicator provides a measure of the full cost of recording on Government guaranteed land titles the range of interests, boundaries and ownership relevant to that land. This is a clear indicator of the efficiency with which the land registration system and service is maintained.

How was the indicator derived?The number of transactions is derived from a recording and checking system that reports the number of:• Documents examined for registering against the title; • Certificates of title created; and• Document search requests received.

The cost of registration actions includes all direct costs and an appropriate share of indirect and overhead recurrent costs. The cost of land registration actions is recovered via charges to users for each transaction. Each charge is calculated on a full cost recovery basis.

What does this indicator show?Due to the high levels of property market activity this year, DOLA dealt with record numbers of registration transactions. The indicator shows that because the number of registration actions were 17% higher than the target, and the costs are relatively fixed, the average cost per transaction was 10% lower than anticipated.


Average cost per physical land information data set maintained and developed


Number of physical land information

data sets maintained and developed.....................9 ................... 9.................... 9

Average cost per physical land information

data set maintained and developed ..............$1,654,128 ... $1,661,757.... $1,658,527

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?These nine data sets include information about: • Landscape relief (ie contours); • Cultural, or built environment, and natural features; • Air photography; • Satellite imagery; • Geographic names; • Property street addresses; • Road Centreline (ie position of constructed roads); • Native title claims; and • Baselines/territorial sea limits.

Keeping the nine data sets up-to-date is an essential aspect of maintaining a Government land information base and the costs involved represent a key indicator of efficiency.

How was the indicator derived?The costs for maintaining these data sets includes all direct costs and an appropriate share of indirect and overhead recurrent costs. The total maintenance cost is then averaged across the nine data sets.

What does this indicator show?The average maintenance cost per data set for 2002-2003 is slightly lower than the target figure.



Average cost per land boundary information data set maintained and developed


Number of land boundary information

data sets maintained and developed 3 3 3

Average cost per land boundary information

data set maintained and developed $996,537 $998,140 $1,004,159

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?These three data sets include information about:

• Cadastre;

• Geodetic marks; and

• Administrative boundaries.

Keeping the data sets up-to-date is an essential aspect of maintaining a Government land information base, and the costs involved represent a key indicator of efficiency.

How was the indicator derived?The cost for maintaining each data set includes all direct costs and an appropriate share of indirect and overhead recurrent costs. The total maintenance cost is then averaged across the three data sets.

What does this indicator show?For 2002-2003, the average maintenance cost per data set is only slightly higher (<1%) than the target figure. This result is within the acceptable annual variance range.

Quality Measure

Claims against registered interests, as a result of fraud, negligence or errors, settled by the Crown (Refer to the Effectiveness Indicator above).

Actual Target Actual 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Maintenance of ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance for processes of physical land information data sets maintained and developed. .............................Maintained.....Maintained... Maintained

Maintenance of ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance for processes of land boundary information data sets maintained and developed. ......................... Not maintained .Maintained.....Achieved

Note: In 2001-2002, the maintenance functions of the Spatial Cadastral Database were transferred to the Registration Services Branch. As a result, quality assurance certification for this element lapsed. This was addressed with the achievement of ISO

9001:2000 Quality Assurance certification as noted above.


Timeliness Measures

Actual Target Actual

Measure 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003The time systems providing registration services are available for use ......... 98.6% .............98% ............ 98.5%

The timeliness with which land registers may be accessed, maintained, searched and updated depends on the availability of information systems. DOLA relies on several computer systems to carry out the various land registration actions in an efficient manner. These systems include:

• Document Acceptance System;

• Document Issuing System;

• Image Viewing System;

• Lodgement Processor;

• Customer Accounting / Customer Remote Search System;

• Titles in Progress System; and

• Registrar’s Packets.

Systems are expected to be available during core business hours. For 2002-2003, having systems available for at least 98% of this time was the management target. The actual proportion of time that systems were available exceeded that target.


Measure 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Requests for physical land information data met within target times .............. 99%.............. 95%...............99%

Satisfying requests for physical land information data in a timely fashion is important in supporting the State’s administrative, commercial and social systems. It is reported in terms of meeting agreed delivery times. For 2002-2003 the target was set at 95% of customer requests for physical land information to be met within agreed times. This target was achieved, with 99% of 4,145 customer requests being met on time.


Measure 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Land boundary information added to data sets within target times 98% 95% 96%

Land boundary information data is collected and added to the data sets within an annual program, which has program milestone timelines. For 2002-2003, a target of 95% of information added within set times has been applied to the following critical data: land points; spatial anomalies; audited field books; approved layer polygons; and lodged layer polygons.

The actual result for the year was 96% of program milestones met on time, which exceeded the planned target for the year.


Providing Accurate and Impartial Valuations

Desired Outcome

Independent valuations support Government’s collection of rates and taxes, and management of property assets.Western Australian ratepayers rely on accurate valuations for the provision of a fair, impartial and equitable rating base. The Valuer General and the Valuation Services Directorate provide an independent property valuation and consultancy service to the State Government, Local Governments and statutory authorities. Such valuations are made for a variety of reasons including sale, purchase, lease or compensation, stamp duty assessment, financial asset management and reporting.

Property data verificationThe quality of property data is fundamental to the integrity of gross rental values and sales data. During the year the number of Local Governments assisting the Valuer General in identifying changes to buildings has increased resulting in an improvement in data quality. In addition, the Valuer General has through verification projects and the field work associated with valuation program, improved existing property records. Approximately 60,000 property records have been improved over the year.

Goods And Services Tax (GST) ValuationsWith the implementation of the New Tax System by the Federal Government there has been an increasing need by government agencies to consult the Valuer General for advice on valuations where the use of the Margin Scheme is a significant advantage. When Federal or State Government agencies sell and or develop land complex situations arise as to the

appropriate scenario depending on when and how and in what State the land was when originally purchased. Valuations are generally requested as ‘valuation certificates’ required under GSTR 2000/2001.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)The SLA’s, involving the provision of valuation services to the Indian Ocean Territories with the Water Corporation and the Commonwealth Government, have proven very successful when reviewed and renewed.

Service level protocols were confirmed with the Office of State Revenue as a precursor to the creation of a SLA in 2003/04.

Plant and Equipment ValuersIn response to an increasing need for Plant and Equipment valuers, three valuers moved through varying stages of the qualification process in 2002/03. Due to competitive market conditions, both fully qualified resources were lost to the private sector.

Property Lease RegisterThe Valuer General liaised with a working party of stakeholders in relation to the establishment of a lease register. This initiative awaits the report and recommendations of the committee.

Metropolitan Branch - Rating and taxing valuesThe Metropolitan Branch completed 542,752 unimproved values and 44,102 gross rental values required to maintain the valuation base for the determination of rates and taxes within the Perth metropolitan area.

A total of 1419 objections, appeals and queries against rating and taxing values were processed. 8371 values were made for purposes other than for rating and taxing.

Country Branch - Rating and taxing valuesThe Country Branch made a total of 320,177 unimproved values and 75,606 gross rental values for rating and taxing throughout Western Australia.

Additionally, a total of 773 objections, appeals and queries against rating and taxing values were processed.

A total of 129,729 asset valuations for financial reporting and 23,378 valuations for other purposes were made.

The following 29 local governments, including the Indian Ocean Territories, were subject to General Valuation: City of Albany, Town of Northam, Shires of Ashburton, Bridgetown – Greenbushes, Boyup Brook, Carnamah, Christmas Island, Cocos- Keeling Islands, Coorow, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Dardanup, Denmark, East Pilbara, Gin Gin, Gnowangerup, Harvey, Jerramungup, Koorda, Moora, Mount Marshall, Northam, Shark bay, Trayning, Victoria Plains, Westonia, Wyalkatchem, Yilgarn,

Several major consulting projects commenced. These included the five yearly review under the Land Administration Act of the rentals of all 513 pastoral leases throughout Western Australia. This two year project requires the inspection and analysis of leasehold sales as well as the assessment of rents throughout Western Australia.

The taking of State corridor rights for the Dampier Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline corridor required compensation valuations for 190 affected pastoral and farming properties between the Burrup and Bullsbrook areas.

A project requiring valuations for power easements beneath three 132kva transmission lines over some 200 general farming properties also commenced.

Effective and Impartial Valuation and Property Information Service


Key Performance Indicators and Output Measures

Outcome –Independent valuations support Governments’ collection of rates and taxes, and management of property assets

Output –Valuation Services Output description: An impartial valuation and property information service.

Effectiveness Indicator and output quality measure (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):

International standards for accuracy and uniformity of rating and taxing values are met

Actual Actual Target Actual 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Benchmark against international standards for accuracy using Means Ratio Test:

Gross Rental Value ..............94.14% ......... 92.38%......... 92.5% ........ 93.04% Unimproved Value .........................91.87% ......... 92.69%......... 92.5% ........ 91.76%Coefficient of dispersion to check uniformity of values:

Gross Rental Value.........................5.48% ........... 5.01%........... <7.00.......... 5.69% Unimproved Value ..........................4.64% ........... 4.31%.......... <15.00......... 5.17%

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?State and Local Governments rely on impartial, uniform and accurate property values as a base for levying rates and taxes. Therefore, measuring the uniformity and accuracy of valuations provides a useful indicator of our contribution to their effectiveness in meeting this outcome.

How was this indicator derived?The uniformity and accuracy of Unimproved Values are checked against international ratio standards published by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) in their current ‘Standard on Ratio Studies’. Coefficient Of Dispersion (COD) and Means Ratio Test (MRT) are the key standards. These are used extensively in both Australia and New Zealand. Gross Rental Values are compared against our own Standards developed in 1998 along similar lines to the (IAAO) land standards. Both were adopted as ideal indicators suited to Western Australia.

IAAO Standards state that “the overall level (MRT - accuracy) of appraisal for a jurisdiction.... for vacant land.... should be between 90 percent and 110 percent”, and that the “Coefficient Of Dispersion (COD) for vacant land should be 20 percent or less”. In larger urban jurisdictions dealing with uniform land releases and availability of sales the COD should be <15 percent. Whilst currently there is no international standard for Gross Rental Values, the same accuracy and uniformity measures applying to Unimproved Values have been adopted with tighter targets. The MRT for rentals set by the Valuer General is <7 percent. Excellent results are produced when the percentage measure is much lower than the standard.

What does this indicator show?The results fall well within the international standard set for Unimproved Values and that set by the Valuer General for Gross Rental Values. This shows that the valuations, when measured against the sales and rental evidence are set at a level reasonably close to prevailing market levels and most fall within a narrow value range.


Efficiency Indicator incorporating output quantity and cost measures (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):

Average cost per valuation. Actual Target Actual

Measure 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Number of valuations completed............. 1,371,492..........1,082,053 .......1,145,529

Average cost per valuation .........................$12.16 .............. $14.94 ............ $14.94

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?The number of valuations made and the average cost per valuation provide a reliable measure of overall performance against forecast targets, as well as against previous years’ outcomes. Some variation does occur from year to year due to the cyclical nature of the gross rental valuation program, with 2002-03 being a year of lower mass appraisal activity in the metropolitan area, resulting in higher costs per value than the previous year.

How was this indicator derived?Cost per value refers to the total cost per value of unimproved and gross rental values including general valuations, interim valuations, objections, appeals and queries made during the financial year, and other valuations including all plant and equipment, stamp duty, market, and asset valuations, and property related valuation consultancy services.

The total cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate share of indirect and overhead recurrent costs.

What does this indicator show?The average cost per valuation of $14.94 meets the target of $14.94 per value. It is higher than the previous year due to decreased activity in some lower cost mass appraisal areas, notably gross rental valuations. The number of valuations completed (1,145,529) is 63,476 or 5.9% higher than forecast due to continuing buoyancy in both the property and residential construction markets, as well as the additional work arising from the introduction of the GRV based Emergency Services Levy.

Timeliness Measure


Measure 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Extent to which valuations are

completed within target times or

times agreed with clients:

a) General Valuations1........................... 93% ................. 98% .............. 95.4%

b) Market values, stamp duty values,

plant and equipment values and

consultancy advice2 ................................ na ................... 85% .............. 72.6%

Asset values for the Government

Property Register by 30 June......................99.2%................ 95% ...............100%

The General Valuation percentage completion target of 98% is a new measure where revaluations based on gross rental value and unimproved value have been combined. Whilst the outcome of 95.4% was slightly below the target, the delivery of valuation rolls was made progressively to clients and met expectations.

Asset values for the Government Property Register exceeded expectations whereas the Other Valuations outcome at 72.6% was below the 85% target. Clients seeking market valuations were kept informed of progress and work reprioritised where necessary for urgent requests. Agreement was obtained for later completion for non urgent requests.

The timeliness outcomes are considered on balance to be a satisfactory result, given the effects of a buoyant property market leading to increased demands for valuation services, combining with the loss of experienced valuers to the private sector.

(Footnotes)1 New measure for 2002-03, aggregated measure for 2001-02 was 93% against 95% target 2 New measure for 2002-03.


Access to high quality spatial information is facilitated and coordinated by the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) Office for the benefit of all Western Australians

The use of land information affects almost every aspect of the State’s economy and lifestyle. Through the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS), WA Government agencies share and make available to the private sector and community a large amount of land-related information. Twenty-six Government agencies, as well as Local Governments and businesses, participate in WALIS, whose aim is to build networks of people and technology to share information and improve its usefulness and accessibility. Sharing information reduces costs, avoids duplication and helps build a consistent view of land and geographic information. This helps Government and business deliver better products and services and individuals make better decisions about their future.

WALIS facilitates WA Government input into national policy activities focused on the use of spatial information for natural resource management strategies, counter terrorism and emergency management activities and coordinated activities between Local, State and Federal Government agencies by providing access to spatial information holdings.

Knowledge Exchange and Strategic PlanningWALIS continues to facilitate the broad education of spatial information personnel from government and industry. A seminar was held bringing key national and international speakers to promote the applicability of emerging global technologies and standards to ensure interoperability and online sharing of government information. The seminar discussed why we need standards, identified the international standards making

headlines today, and reviewed the implications for Australia in implementing these standards, as we work towards a national spatial data infrastructure. The presentation also described various real case examples about how such standards are being implemented around the globe.

Policy and Strategic PlanningWALIS, in conjunction with the State Sustainability Policy Unit of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, held a forum on Sustainability entitled ‘Spatially Informing Sustainability in WA’. The information and ideas shared at the forum and gained during follow up interviews early this year were compiled into a report to the Department of Premier and Cabinet. The report also set out high level actions that WALIS will take in support of the WA Sustainability Strategy.

WALIS initiated a partnership with the Social Policy Unit, Department of Premier and Cabinet. This relationship is aimed at facilitating the use of spatial information to address the needs of key projects and initiatives of the government in this area.

The WALIS Program was intensively assessed to determine its present level of effectiveness. This review is a part of the continued effort by the WALIS Office to ensure that WALIS retains relevance and makes a significant contribution in meeting the needs of the public and private sectors, and general community.

A number of key findings were identified. The four acknowledged as most important are:

• that there be a widespread acceptance that WALIS continues, after more than 20 years, to be relevant to current information needs of key community sectors;

• that the WALIS environment retains its national leadership in the spatial information industry;

• that WALIS needs to play a stronger role in whole of

government strategic planning and policy support;

• that the WALIS community wishes to revitalise its vision about achieving high value benefits from facilitating and coordinating access to high quality spatial information.

Data Quality, Infrastructure and AccessWALIS has continued to facilitate the development of a framework to link the spatial information of WALIS members with Government policy directions. Focused reviews have been undertaken to evaluate the needs of organisations involved in emergency management, natural resource management and State sustainability strategies to ensure relevant and reliable information is available through established protocols.

The State Land Information Capture Program (SLICP) continues to ensure that the State can maintain a comprehensive archive of aerial photography over Western Australia.

Interragator and WA Atlas - Strategic WA Government Reference ToolsThe WALIS Interragator Service continues to expand and support the State as a comprehensive index to over 10,000 records of Western Australia’s geographic and land information held by public and private sector organisations. Work has also been undertaken to enhance access to the Interragator catalogue through an online capability.

The WA Atlas provides a general reference mapping service allowing public users to create their own maps from freely accessible Western Australian information. The Atlas also continues to serve as the WA node of the nationally distributed Australian Coastal Atlas. Additional broad scale planning and census information has recently been added to the Atlas along with other government datasets.

Access to Government Land Information


Key Performance Indicators and Output Measures

Outcome* - Access to high quality spatial information is facilitated and coordinated by the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) Office for the benefit of all Western Australians.

Output - Access to Government land or geographic informationOutput Description: Land or geographic information from the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) stakeholder agencies is managed in a coordinated way so that data held by agencies can be integrated and readily accessed to meet government, business and community needs.

Effectiveness Indicator* (audited by the Office of the Auditor General)Useability of WALIS spatial information is determined by user awareness, acceptance and reuse:

• Awareness

Number of first time participants at WALIS functions

Number of repeat participants at WALIS functions

• Acceptance

Number of first time customers accessing spatial information from WALIS community members

• Reuse

Number of return customers accessing spatial information from WALIS community members

Targets are still to be determined.

reference to the total customer base. Customer access will be assessed quarterly and on randomly selected days that represent a five percent sample of those days when a customer could access spatial information.

Initially, the provision of spatial information via the Internet will not form a component of the reporting by WALIS agencies. Nevertheless, information will be solicited by the WALIS Office on the growth in this delivery mode so as to include capture of this data sometime in the future.

Reuse will be measured in terms of the number of existing customers of WALIS spatial data and information custodians. WALIS agencies will be responsible for reporting on the number of customers who return to access spatial information, and the WALIS Office will be responsible for collating these data and presenting it as a part of the overall effectiveness measure.

What does the indicator show?The new effectiveness indicator was not implemented in time to collect data for 2002-2003. However, baseline data will be collected during 2003-2004.

(Footnotes)* The Outcome and Effectiveness Indicator are different from those published in the Budget Statement.

They have been revised in consilation with the Office of the Auditor General.

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?The Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) is an alliance of State Government agencies, Local Government and private organisations that share and make available land-related information to the private sector and the community. The role of the WALIS Office is to facilitate and coordinate this access to high quality spatial information. Effective access can be demonstrated by the useability of spatial information, and this is reflected by user awareness, acceptance and reuse.

How was the indicator derived?This is a new indicator and baseline data will be collected during 2003-04 in the following manner:

Awareness is to be measured in terms of the number of participants, first time and repeat, recorded at WALIS educational and information functions. The WALIS Office will maintain contact information about participants and be responsible for reporting on the numbers of those who come for the first time in any year and those who choose to attend functions again within a given year.

Acceptance is to be measured in terms of the number of new and existing customers of WALIS spatial data and information custodians. Each year selected WALIS agencies will be responsible for reporting on the number of customers who access spatial for the first time, and the WALIS Office will be responsible for collating the data and presenting it as a part of the overall effectiveness indicator.

For each year, the selected agencies will reflect roughly an equivalent percentage of the total customer base for spatial information. Individual WALIS agencies are likely to submit a report only once in every three to five years, a frequency that will be determined with


Efficiency Indicator incorporating output quantity and cost measures (audited by the Office of the Auditor General):

Average cost per Business Plan project.


2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Number of Business Plan projects 14 14 14

Average cost per project $112,286 $110,215 $105,352

Why is this a key indicator of our performance?The WALIS Office is responsible for managing and coordinating the achievement of the Annual Business Plan, which aims to meet the priorities and objectives set out in the WALIS Strategic Directions document. In 2002-2003 the Business Plan comprised 14 key projects. Therefore the average cost per Business Plan project is a useful measure of efficiency.

How was the indicator derived?The 14 Business Plan projects are contained in the Annual Business Plan. The total cost of projects reflects the entire cost of the WALIS Office, and includes all direct costs and an appropriate share of indirect and overhead recurrent costs.

What does the indicator show?For 2002-2003, the average cost per Business Plan project was $105,352, which is 4% less than the target for the year.

Quality Measures Actual Target Actual 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Extent to which performance criteria for Business Plan projects are achieved 64% 75% 74%

Although the achievement of performance criteria varied greatly between projects, the overall program performance was in line with the target. The extent of performance criteria met was affected by strategic level changes to the Business Plan and variability of senior staffing due to external secondments.

Timeliness Measures

Actual Target Actual 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003Percentage of Business Plan completed within agreed timeframes 57% 90% 75%

Administrative and senior staff variability impeded the steady and planned delivery of project deliverables. However, the fall in the timeliness target was not as significant as projected at mid-year. This is because the WALIS Council endorsed revisions to the WALIS Office Business Plan that permitted a better focus on achievable outputs.


Certification of the Key Performance Indicators

I hereby certify that the performance indicators are based on proper records, are relevant and appropriate for assisting users to assess the Department of Land Administration’s performance, and fairly represent the performance of the Department of Land Administration for the financial year ended 30 June 2003.

Grahame Searle

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE(Accountable Officer)

15 August 2003

Certification of Financial Statements

The accompanying financial statements of the Department of Land Administration have been prepared in compliance with the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, from proper accounts and records to present fairly the financial transactions for the financial year ended 30 June 2003, and the financial position as at 30 June 2003.

At the date of signing, we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in the financial statements misleading or inaccurate.

Grahame Searle Murray Smith

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE MANAGER FINANCIAL SERVICES

(Accountable Officer) (Principal Accounting Officer)

15 August 2003 15 August 2003


Financial Statement

66 D L I Contents Year in Review Review of Operations Products and Services Financial Statement Appendices Glossary

2003 2002Note ($'000) ($'000)

Cost of services

Expenses from ordinary activitiesEmployee expenses 4 55,882 52,421 Depreciation and amortisation expenses 5 4,526 4,376 Administration expenses 6 26,289 23,439 Accommodation expenses 7 9,733 8,987 Capital user charge 8 4,221 2,864 Carrying cost of non-current assets disposed 9 21 7

Total cost of services 100,672 92,094

Revenues from ordinary activitiesRevenue from operating activities

User charges and fees 10 55,634 54,475 Net proceeds from the sale of maps and plans 11 1,454 1,606 Proceeds from DOLA International Projects 12 76 492 Other revenue 13 3,612 3,628

Revenue from non-operating activitiesProceeds from disposal of non-current assets 9 6 0

Total revenues from ordinary activities 60,782 60,201

Net cost of services 39,890 31,893

Revenues from State GovernmentOutput Appropriation 14 37,568 33,685 Refund to Consolidated Fund 15 0 (2,553)Resources received free of charge 16 342 333 Liabilities assumed by the Treasurer 17 1,520 1,704 Net assets assumed 18 0 17,926

Total revenues from State Government 39,430 51,095

Change in net assets before restructuring (460) 19,202

Net revenues/(expenses) from restructuring 19 0 7,937

Change in net assets after restructuring (460) 27,139

Net increase/(decrease) in asset revaluation reserve 31 (695) 2,125

Total changes in equity other than those resultingfrom transactions with WA State Government as owners (1,155) 29,264

The Statement of Financial Performance should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Statement of Financial Performance for the year ended 30 June 2003


2003 2002Note ($'000) ($'000)

Current assetsCash assets 20 14,770 13,299 Restricted cash assets 21 1,994 1,722 Inventories - maps 224 225 Receivables 22 6,013 9,538 Amounts receivable for outputs 23 2,070 755 Prepayments 24 831 569 Accrued revenue 25 1,972 686

Total current assets 27,874 26,794

Non-current assetsAmounts receivable for outputs 23 6,836 4,106 Equipment, software and furniture 26(a) 21,052 19,711 Land 27 37,047 37,742

Total non-current assets 64,935 61,559

Total assets 92,809 88,353

Current liabilitiesPayables 28 1,084 898 Provisions 29 7,345 7,594 Other liabilities 30 7,326 4,150

Total current liabilities 15,755 12,642

Non-current liabilitiesProvisions 29 4,736 3,788

Total non-current liabilities 4,736 3,788

Total liabilities 20,491 16,430

Equity 31 Accumulated surplus 42,666 43,126 Contributed equity 13,464 11,914 Asset revaluation reserve 16,188 16,883

Total equity 72,318 71,923

Total liabilities and equity 92,809 88,353

The Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2003


2003 2002Note ($'000) ($'000)

Inflows Inflows(Outflows) (Outflows)

Cash flows from State GovernmentOutput appropriations 32,768 28,825 Refund to Consolidated Fund 0 (2,553)Capital contributions 1,550 11,914 Holding Account drawdowns 755 0

Net cash provided by State Government 35,073 38,186

Utilised as follows:

Cash flows from operating activitiesPayments

Employee costs (47,213) (44,982)Superannuation (6,243) (4,290)Administration (24,324) (18,159)Accommodation (8,902) (8,140)Capital user charge (4,221) (2,864)GST payments on purchases (4,494) (3,634)GST payments to taxation authority 31 (345)Capital transferred to administered - (Minor Works) (252) (432)

ReceiptsUser charges and fees 60,064 46,476 GST receipts on sales 2,526 3,309 GST receipts from taxation authority 1,757 1,625 Other receipts 3,488 6,391

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 32(b) (27,783) (25,045)

Cash flows from investing activitiesProceeds from sale of non-current physical assets 6 0 Purchase of non-current physical assets (5,604) (7,169)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (5,598) (7,169)

Cash flows from Financing activitiesRepayable grant received 51 0

Net cash provided by (used in)financing activities 51 0

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 1,743 5,972

Cash assets at the beginning of the financial year 15,021 8,100

Cash assets from restructuring 0 949

Cash assets at the end of the financial year 32(a) 16,764 15,021

The Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2003


Access to GovernemntLand or Geographic

Output Government Land Services Land Information Information Valuation Services Total2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Cost of ServicesExpenses from ordinary activities

Employee expenses 8,024 8,322 36,009 32,534 536 812 11,313 10,753 55,882 52,421Depreciation and amortisation expense 547 430 3,268 3,035 31 31 680 880 4,526 4,376Administration expenses 6,766 4,059 15,038 15,180 717 556 3,768 3,644 26,289 23,439Accommodation expenses 1,216 1,486 7,534 6,455 172 166 811 880 9,733 8,987 Capital user charge 1,642 1,382 2,021 961 18 7 540 514 4,221 2,864 Carrying cost of non-current assets disposed 1 3 17 4 1 0 2 0 21 7

Total cost of services 18,196 15,682 63,887 58,169 1,475 1,572 17,114 16,671 100,672 92,094

Revenues from ordinary activities Revenues from operating activities

User charges and fees 2,428 57 46,569 46,020 48 0 6,589 8,398 55,634 54,475 Net proceeds from the sale of maps and plans 0 0 1,454 1,606 0 0 0 0 1,454 1,606 Proceeds from DOLA International Projects 0 0 76 492 0 0 0 0 76 492 Other revenues 0 2,726 3,566 707 0 126 46 69 3,612 3,628

Revenues from non-operating activities Proceeds from the disposal of non-current assets 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0

Total revenues from ordinary activities 2,428 2,783 51,671 48,825 48 126 6,635 8,467 60,782 60,201

Net cost of services 15,768 12,899 12,216 9,344 1,427 1,446 10,479 8,204 39,890 31,893

Revenues from State Government Output appropriation 15,362 14,819 10,813 10,464 1,394 1,661 9,999 6,741 37,568 33,685 Refund to Consolidated Fund 0 (2,553) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2,553)Resources received free of charge 0 144 292 155 1 1 49 33 342 333 Liabilities assumed by the Treasurer 218 286 979 1,049 15 27 308 342 1,520 1,704 Net assets assumed 0 17,926 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17,926

Total revenues from State Government 15,580 30,622 12,084 11,668 1,410 1,689 10,356 7,116 39,430 51,095

Change in net assets before restructuring (188) 17,723 (132) 2,324 (17) 243 (123) (1,088) (460) 19,202

Net revenues/(expenses) from restructuring 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,937 0 7,937

Change in net assets after restructuring (188) 17,723 (132) 2,324 (17) 243 (123) 6,849 (460) 27,139

Net increase/(decrease) in asset revaluation reserve (695) 2,125 0 0 0 0 0 0 (695) 2,125

Total changes in equity other than those resulting from transactions with WA State Government as owners (883) 19,848 (132) 2,324 (17) 243 (123) 6,849 (1,155) 29,264

The Output Schedule of Expenses and Revenues should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Output Schedule of Expenses and Revenues for the year ended 30 June 2003


2003 2002 Estimate Actual Variance Estimate Actual Variance ($'000) ($'000) ($'000) ($'000) ($'000) ($'000)

PURCHASE OF OUTPUTS

Item 83 Net amount appropriated to purchase outputs 37,751 37,157 (594) 33,418 33,409 (9)

Amount Authorised by Other Statutes - Transfer of Land Act 1893 0 105 105 0 18 18 - Salaries and Allowances Act 1975 249 306 57 249 258 9

Total appropriations provided to purchase outputs 38,000 37,568 (432) 33,667 33,685 18

CAPITAL

Item 160 Capital Contribution 1,550 1,550 0 5,391 11,914 6,523

GRAND TOTAL OF APPROPRIATIONS 39,550 39,118 (432) 39,058 45,599 6,541

Details of Expenses by OutputsGovernment Land Services 14,628 18,196 3,568 14,622 15,682 1,060 Land Information 61,748 63,887 2,139 56,941 58,169 1,228 Access to Government land or geographic information 1,543 1,475 (68) 1,546 1,572 26 Valuation Services 16,163 17,114 951 15,819 16,671 852

Total Cost of Outputs 94,082 100,672 6,590 88,928 92,094 3,166 Less total revenues from ordinary activities (54,288) (60,782) (6,494) (50,892) (60,201) (9,309)

Net Cost of Outputs 39,794 39,890 96 38,036 31,893 (6,143) Adjustments (1,794) (2,322) (528) (4,369) 1,792 6,161

Total appropriations provided to purchase outputs 38,000 37,568 (432) 33,667 33,685 18

Capital ExpenditurePurchase of non-current physical assets 2,305 5,856 3,551 12,725 7,348 (5,377) Adjustments for other funding sources (755) (4,306) (3,551) (7,334) 4,566 11,900

Capital Contribution (appropriation) 1,550 1,550 0 5,391 11,914 6,523

DETAILS OF REVENUE ESTIMATES

Administered revenue estimates Territorial

Land - leases 2,505 4,286 1,781 2,505 3,824 1,319

Capital - asset sales Town and Suburban lots 5,000 2,002 (2,998) 15,000 17,348 2,348 Crown Grants - land sales 82,486 46,348 (36,138) 91,322 43,724 (47,598)

Departmental Fines & Other 0 29 29 0 45 45

Total administered revenue estimates 89,991 52,665 (37,326) 108,827 64,941 (43,886)

Explanations of variations between the current year actual results and estimates and variations from previous year actuals are set out in Note 44

Summary of Consolidated Fund Appropriations and Revenue Estimates for the year ended 30 June 2003


1. Departmental mission and funding The Department's mission is to contribute to the growth and prosperity of WesternAustralia through innovative land services, a world class land information infrastructureand an effective and impartial valuation and property information service.

The Department is predominantly funded by revenue retained in accordance with adetermination by the Treasurer under Section 23A of the Financial Administration andAudit Act and by annual Parliamentary appropriation from the Consolidated Fund.

The services provided by the Department are on a fee-for-service basis. The fees arecharged on a full cost recovery basis.The financial statements encompass all fundsthrough which the Department controls resources to carry on its functions.

In the process of reporting on the Department as a single entity, all intra-entitytransactions and balances have been eliminated.

2. Significant accounting policies The following accounting policies have been adopted in the preparation of the financialstatements. Unless otherwise stated, these policies are consistent with those adopted inthe previous year

General statement The financial statements constitute a general purpose financial report which has beenprepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Statements of AccountingConcepts and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian AccountingStandards Board, and Urgent Issues Group (UIG) Consensus Views as applied by theTreasurer's Instructions. Several of these are modified by the Treasurer's Instructions tovary the application, disclosure, format and wording. The Financial Administration andAudit Act and the Treasurer's Instructions are legislative provisions governing thepreparation of financial statements and take precedence over Australian AccountingStandards, Statements of Accounting Concepts and other authoritative pronouncementsof the Australian Accounting Standards Board, and UIG Consensus Views. Themodifications are intended to fulfil the requirements of general application to the publicsector, together with the need for greater disclosure and also to satisfy accountabilityrequirements.

If any such modification has a material or significant financial effect upon the reportedresults, details of that modification and where practicable, the resulting financial effectare disclosed in individual notes to these financial statements.

Basis of accountingThe financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian AccountingStandard AAS 29.

The statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting using thehistorical cost convention, with the exception of land which subsequent to initialrecognition, has been measured on the fair value basis (see Notes 2(p) and 27).

Proceeds from the sale of land, special and other leases and fines are reported asadministered transactions in the Schedule of Administered Items at Note 46.

Administered assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues are not integral to theDepartment in carrying out its functions and are disclosed in the notes to the financialstatements, forming part of the general purpose financial report of the Department. Theadministered items are disclosed on the same basis as is described above for thefinancial statements of the Department. The administered assets, liabilities, expensesand revenues are those which the Government requires the Department to administeron its behalf. The assets do not render any service potential or future economic benefitsto the Department, the liabilities do not require the future sacrifice of service potential orfuture economic benefits of the Department, and the expenses and revenues are notattributable to the Department.

As the administered assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues are not recognised in theprincipal financial statements of the Department, the disclosure requirements ofAustralian Accounting Standard AAS 33, Presentation and Disclosure of FinancialInstruments, are not applied to Administered transactions.

(a) Reporting EntityThe financial statements comprise the Department and its Related Body (refer Note 40).Consistent accounting policies have been employed in the preparation and presentationof the financial statements.

(b) Output appropriationsOutput Appropriations are recognised as revenues in the period in which theDepartment gains control of the appropriated funds. The Department gains control ofappropriated funds at the time those funds are deposited into the Department's bankaccount or credited to the holding account held at the Department of Treasury andFinance. (Refer to Note 14 for further information on output appropriations).

(c) Contributed equity Under UIG 38 "Contributions by Owners Made to Wholly-Owned Public Sector Entities"transfers in the nature of equity contributions must be designated by the Government(owners) as contributions by owners (at the time of, or prior to transfer) before suchtransfers can be recognised as equity contributions in the financial statements. Capitalcontributions (appropriations) have been designated as contributions by owners andhave been credited directly to Contributed Equity in the Statement of Financial Position.All other transfers have been recognised in the Statement of Financial Performance.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2003


(d) Net appropriation determination Pursuant to section 23A of the Financial Administration and Audit Act, the netappropriation determination by the Treasurer allows the Department to retain allrecurrent Departmental revenue and Commonwealth Specific Purpose Grants and applythem to the Department's outputs as specified in the annual Budget Statements. Inaccordance with the determination, the Department retained $60.782m (accrual) as at30 June 2003 ($60.201m in 2002).

Retained revenues are disclosed in the Summary of Consolidated Fund Appropriationsand Revenue Estimates.

(e) Grants and other contributions

Grants, donations, gifts and other non-reciprocal contributions are recognised asrevenue when the Department obtains control over the assets comprising thecontributions. Control is normally obtained upon their receipt.

Contributions are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are onlyrecognised when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would bepurchased if not donated.

(f) Revenue recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods and disposal of other assets and the rendering ofservices, is recognised when the Department has passed control of the goods or otherassets or delivery of the service to the customer.

Revenue from the lease of land and rental of buildings is recognised as per the terms ofthe lease agreement.

(g) Acquisitions of assets

The cost method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of assets. Cost is measuredas the fair value of the assets given up or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisitionplus incidental costs directly attributable to the acquisition.

Assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised at theirfair value at the date of acquisition.

(h) Operating account

Amounts appropriated are deposited into the account and any revenues which are thesubject of net appropriation determinations are also deposited into the account.Revenues not subject to net appropriation determinations are credited to theConsolidated Fund. All payments of the Department are made from the operatingaccount.

(I) Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

All non-current assets having a limited useful life are systematically depreciated overtheir useful lives in a manner which reflects the consumption of their future economicbenefits.

Depreciation and amortisation is calculated on the straight line basis, using rates whichare reviewed annually or as set in the terms of the contract. Useful lives for each classof depreciable asset are:

Furniture 11 years

Office equipment (including leasehold improvements) 8 - 15 years

Computer equipment 3 - 5 years

Service delivery software and project costs 1 - 8 years

(j) Employee Benefits

Annual leave

This benefit is recognised by applying estimated future average salary rates over theyear to 30 June 2004, to the amount of unpaid leave owing as at 30 June 2003.Employee benefit on-costs are also included.

Long service leave

An actuary calculated this entitlement as at 30 June 2003. The calculation consideredthe employee's long service leave entitlements at 30 June 2003, estimated future salaryrates, employee benefits on-costs and experience of employee departures and periodsof service. Expected future payments were discounted to their net present value usinginterest rates applicable to Federal government bonds.

Superannuation

Staff may contribute to the Pension Scheme, a defined benefits pension scheme nowclosed to new members, or to the Gold State Superannuation Scheme, a defined benefitlump sum scheme now also closed to new members. All staff who do not contribute toeither of these schemes become non-contributory members of the West StateSuperannuation Scheme, an accumulation fund complying with the CommonwealthGovernment's Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. All of theseschemes are administered by the Government Employees Superannuation Board(GESB).

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2003 continued


The superannuation expense comprises the following elements:

(i) change in the unfunded employer's liability in respect of current employees who aremembers of the Pension Scheme and current employees who accrued a benefit ontransfer from that Scheme to the Gold State Superannuation Scheme; and

(ii) employer contributions paid to the Gold State Superannuation Scheme and theWest State Superannuation Scheme.

The superannuation expense does not include payment of pensions to retirees, as thisdoes not constitute part of the cost of services provided by the Department in thecurrent year.

A revenue "Liabilities assumed by the Treasurer" equivalent to (i) is recognised underRevenues from Government in the Statement of Financial Performance as the unfundedliability that is assumed by the Treasurer. The GESB makes the benefit payments and isrecouped by the Treasurer.

The Department is funded for employer contributions in respect of the Gold StateSuperannuation Scheme and the West State Superannuation Scheme. Thesecontributions were paid to the GESB during the year. The GESB subsequently paid theemployer contributions in respect of the Gold State Superannuation Scheme to theConsolidated Fund.

Employee Benefits on-costs

On-costs of Employers' superannuation contributions and workers' compensationcontributions are included in employee benefit liabilities and costs when the relatedemployee benefits are recognised as liabilities and costs.

(k) Leases

The Department has entered into a number of operating lease arrangements forbuildings, office equipment and vehicleswhere the lessors effectively retain all of therisks and benefits incidental to ownership of the items held under the operating leases.Equal instalments of the lease payments are charged to the Statement of FinancialPerformance over the lease term as this is representative of the pattern of benefits to bederived from the leased property.

(l) Cash

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash assets andrestricted cash assets. These include short-term deposits that are readily convertible tocash on hand and are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

(m) Receivables

Receivables are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlement nomore than 30 days from the date of recognition.

Collectability of receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known tobe uncollectable are written off.

A provision for doubtful debts is raised where some doubts as to collection exist.

Land sales (Administered)Land sold is recognised on signing of the contract of sale where terms of payment are generally 60 days. Some contracts of sale are greater than 60 days attractingpenalty interest rates. These receivables are recognised in the Administered Schedule(Note 46).

(n) Accrued salaries

The accrued salaries suspense account (refer Note 21) consists of amounts paidannually into a suspense account over a period of 10 financial years to largely meet theadditional cash outflow in each eleventh year when 27 pay days occur in that yearinstead of the normal 26. No interest is received on this account.

Accrued salaries (refer Note 30) represent the amount due to staff but unpaid at the endof the financial year, as the end of the last pay period for that financial year does notcoincide with the end of the financial year. Accrued salaries are settled within a few daysof the financial year end. The Department considers the carrying amount of accruedsalaries to be equivalent to the net fair value.

(o) Payables

Payables, including accruals not yet billed, are recognised when the Departmentbecomes obliged to make future payments as a result of a purchase of assets orservices. Payables are generally settled within 30 days.

(p) Land

Land is reported in the Administered Statements (see Note 46 Schedule of AdministeredItems) with the exception of some land under leases (Pastoral and Other) which isreported as controlled at Note 27.

Items which relate directly to land are summarised below:

1) Crown land

Crown land, including land under leases, is administered by the Department under theLand Administration Act, which is valued at fair value (Valuer General's valuation) and isclassified as a non-current assets.



2) Cost of sales

Cost of sales for land is reported as Administered.

i) Developed land - This item is costed at its fair value of undeveloped land plus thedevelopment cost for subdividing into lots available for sale.

ii) Undeveloped Land - This component entails Crown Grants and closed roads whichare costed at sale proceeds and this reflects fair value.

(q) Special and other leases (Administered)

According to Sections 116 and 117 of the Land Act 1933 and Section 79 of the LandAdministration Act 1997, rents in regard to special and other leases, are received inadvance. The lessee often has the opportunity to purchase this land at fair value (ValuerGeneral's valuation). The prospective purchaser can purchase by instalments subject toministerial approval, but must continue to pay rent under the special lease Section117AA of the Land Act 1933, and Section 80 of the Land Administration Act 1997.

These leases are recognised in the Schedule of Administered Items (see Note 46) inaccordance with AAS 29 (Financial Reporting for Government Departments).

(r) Resources received free of charge or for nominal value

Resources received free of charge or for nominal value which can be reliably measuredare recognised as revenues and as assets or expenses as appropriate at fair value.

(s) Revaluation of land and improvements

The annual revaluations of the Department's land and improvements undertaken by theValuer General for the Government Property Register are recognised in the financialstatements at fair value. Fair value has been determined on the basis of current usewhere available, or current market buying values in all other cases. The last valuationwas performed as at 30 June 2003.

(t) Foreign currency translation

Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are translated at the rates in existenceat the dates of the transactions.

(u) Inventory

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assignedby the method most appropriate to each particular class of inventory, with the majoritybeing valued on a first in first out basis.

(v) Joint venture operations

The Department administers a joint venture operation on behalf of the Minister. Interestsin joint venture operations have been reported in the Schedule of Administered Items

(see Note 46) including the Minister's share of assets employed in the joint venture, theshare of liability incurred in relation to the joint venture and the share of any revenuesearned and expenses incurred in relation to the joint venture in their respectiveclassification categories.

(w) Comparative

Comparative figures are, where appropriate, reclassified so as to be comparable withthe figures presented in the current financial year.

(x) Rounding of amounts

Amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars,or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

3. Outputs of the DepartmentInformation about the Department's outputs, and the expenses and revenues which arereliably attributable to those outputs is set out in the Outputs Schedule. Informationabout expenses, revenues, assets and liabilities administered by the Department aregiven in Note 46.

The four outputs of the Department and their objectives as at 30 June 2003 were:

Output 1: Government Land Services

Government land is administered and managed for residential, commercial,industrial, conservation, heritage and other community purposes. (From 1 July 2003,responsibility for this output has been transferred to the Department for Planningand Infrastructure.)

Output 2: Land InformationInformation about land and land ownership is collected, recorded and madeavailable for use by Government, business and the community.

Output 3: Access to Government Land or Geographic InformationLand or geographic information from Western Australian Land Information System(WALIS) stakeholder agencies is managed in a coordinated way so that data heldby agencies can be integrated and readily accessed to meet Government, businessand community needs.

Output 4: Valuation Services An impartial valuation and property information service.



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

4. Employee expenses

Salaries 44,214 40,666 Superannuation 6,243 6,093 Annual Leave 4,423 3,825 Long Service Leave 1,002 1,837

55,882 52,421

5. Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation: Furniture 162 315 Equipment 131 195 Service delivery software and project costs 2,852 2,300 Computer hardware equipment 1,381 1,564

4,526 4,374

Amortisation: Leased equipment 0 2

Total depreciation and amortisation 4,526 4,376

6. Administration expenses

Services and contracts 17,687 17,321 Crown Land Management 2,227 803 Grants & Subsidies 1,750 10 Other staffing costs 1,326 1,046 Communications 715 692 Consumables 608 557 Lease office equipment 551 752 Insurance 79 514 Resources received free of charge 342 333 Doubtful Debts 9 112 Other administration expenses 595 1,299

26,289 23,439



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

7. Accommodation expenses

Accommodation 8,957 8,286 Electricity, gas and water 776 701

9,733 8,987

8. Capital user charge 4,221 2,864

A capital user charge rate of 8% has been set by the Government and represents the opportunity cost of capital invested in the net assets of the Department used in the provision ofoutputs. The charge is calculated on the net assets adjusted to take account of exempt assets. Payments are made to the Department of Treasury and Finance on a quarterly basis.

9. Net loss on disposal of non-current assets

Office and computer hardware equipment Capital cost 1,015 786 Accumulated Depreciation (994) (779)

Carrying value of non-current assets disposed 21 7 Proceeds (6) 0

Net loss on disposal 15 7

10. User charges and fees Land Titles Management

Search 14,811 14,924 Transfer 11,536 10,555 Mortgage 8,302 7,843 Discharge 7,728 7,192 Other 6,414 5,369

48,791 45,883

Valuation Services 6,589 8,399

Land Administration Act fees 102 54

Other services Mapping and survey 152 139

Total user charges and fees 55,634 54,475

11. Net proceeds from the sale of maps and plans

Proceeds from sale 1,972 2,058 Cost of sale (518) (452)

Net proceeds 1,454 1,606



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

12. Proceeds from DOLA International Projects

Proceeds Bangladesh 2 473 Trinidad/Tobago 69 0 Other Projects 5 19

76 492

Funds received under contract by the Department have mostly been from the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the purpose of review and modernisation of land administration systems and from organised Study Tour programs into DOLA.

13. Other revenue

Rental Pastoral leases 1,015 1,004 Buildings 967 1,014

Total rental 1,982 2,018

Land Claims Mapping Unit 732 707 Recovery of costs 324 272 Other 574 631

Total other revenue 3,612 3,628

14. Output Appropriation

Consolidated Fund Recurrent 37,568 33,685

Output appropriations are accrual amounts, reflecting the full cost of outputs delivered. The appropriation revenue comprises a cash component and a receivable (asset). The receivable (holding account) comprises an allocation for depreciation expense for the year and any agreed increase in leave liability during the year. In 2002-03 the receivable related only to depreciation.

15. Refund to Consolidated Fund

Refund of capital 0 (2,553)

16. Resources received free of charge

Administration expenses 342 333

Resources received free of charge have been determined on the basis of the following estimates provided by agencies:

Department of Housing and Works 0 2 Department of Justice 250 239 Office of the Auditor General 92 92

342 333

Where assets or services have been received free of charge or for nominal consideration, the Department recognises revenues equivalent to the fair value of the assets and/or the fair value of those services that can be reliably determined and which would have been purchased if not donated, and those fair values shall be recognised as assets or expenses, as applicable.



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

17. Liabilities assumed by the Treasurer

Superannuation 1,520 1,704

Where a liability has been assumed by the Treasurer or other entity, the department recognises revenues equivalent to the amount of the liability assumed and an expense relating to the nature of the event or events that initially gave rise to the liability.

18. Net assets assumed

Assets assumed 0 18,427 Assets transferred 0 (501)

0 17,926

The net assets assumed is the result of leased land being transferred between DOLA controlled (see Note 27) and DOLA administered (see Note 46).

19. Net revenues from restructuring

Assets transferred to the Department Current 0 3,688 Non-current 0 6,640

0 10,328

Liabilities assumed by the Department Current 0 1,531 Non-current 0 860

0 2,391

Net assets 0 7,937

In 2001/02, net assets assumed were due to the merger with the former Valuer General's Office.

20. Cash assets

International bank accounts 0 1 Cash on hand 62 62 Operating bank account 14,708 13,236

14,770 13,299



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

21. Restricted cash assets

Current Survey lodgement fees (i) 45 26 Other suspense accounts (ii) 278 243

323 269 Non-current Accrued salaries suspense (iii) 1,671 1,453

1,994 1,722

i) Subdivision fees collected on behalf of Department for Planning and Infrastructure.ii) Funds received and awaiting distribution to appropriate accounts.iii) Amount held in the suspense account is only used for the purpose of meeting the 27th pay in a financial year that occurs every 11 years.

22. Receivables

Land titles management fees 1,729 1,482 Valuation Services Fees 2,076 7,228 Map sales 996 570 Rentals 364 358 Goods and services tax 1,099 14 Other 0 141 Less: Provision for doubtful debts (251) (255)

6,013 9,538

23. Amounts receivable for outputs

Current 2,070 755 Non-current 6,836 4,106

8,906 4,861

This asset represents the non-cash component of output appropriations. It is restricted in that it can only be used for asset replacement.

24. Prepayments

Data processing contracts 774 508 Salaries 21 22 Other 36 39

831 569



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

25. Accrued Revenue

Valuation services 1,868 686 Other 104 0

1,972 686

26.a) Equipment, software and furniture

EquipmentAt cost 2,349 2,322 Accumulated depreciation (1,757) (1,700)

592 622

Equipment leasedAt cost 0 45 Accumulated amortisation 0 (45)

0 0

Computer hardware equipment At cost 11,257 11,047 Accumulated depreciation (9,044) (8,577)

2,213 2,470

Computer equipment leasedAt cost 0 73 Accumulated amortisation 0 (73)

0 0

Leasehold Improvements At cost 386 0Accumulated amortisation 0 0

386 0

Total equipment 3,191 3,092

Furniture At cost 1,860 1,862Accumulated depreciation (1,664) (1,505)

Total furniture 196 357

Service delivery software and project costs At cost 29,599 26,109 Accumulated depreciation (17,188) (14,336)

Written down value 12,411 11,773 Work in progress at cost 5,254 4,489

Total service delivery 17,665 16,262

Total equipment, software and furniture 21,052 19,711



b) Reconciliations

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of equipment, software and furniture at the beginning and end of the current financial year are set out below.

Computer hardware Service delivery software2003 Equipment equipment Furniture and project costs Total

$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Carrying amountat start of year 622 2,470 357 11,773 15,222Additions 498 1,135 3 3,490 5,126 Disposals (85) (925) (5) 0 (1,015)Depreciation (131) (1,382) (163) (2,852) (4,528) Accumulateddepreciation disposal 74 915 4 0 993 Carrying amount at end of year 978 2,213 196 12,411 15,798

2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

27. Land

(a) Leased land at valuation 37,047 37,742

Leased land represents Pastoral and Other leases that satisfy the criteria for controlled assets under AAS 29 and SAC 4. Land which does not satisfy this criteria but, for which the Department has immediate responsibility, are reported as Administered assets (see Note 46).

(b) Reconciliations

Reconciliations of the carrying amount of leased land at the beginning and end of the current financial year are set out below.Carrying amount at start of year 37,742 17,691 Assets assumed (see Note 18) 0 18,427 Assets transferred (see Note 18) 0 (501) Net revaluations (see Note 31) (695) 2,125

Carrying amount at end of year 37,047 37,742

28. Payables

Trade 0 204 Government agencies 406 373 Other 678 321

1,084 898



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

29. Provisions

Employee benefitsCurrent liabilities:Annual leave 3,461 2,601

Long service leave 3,884 4,993

7,345 7,594

Non-current liabilities: Long service leave 4,736 3,788

Total employee benefits 12,081 11,382

In determining the Department's leave liability as at 30 June 2003, on-costs totalling $1.233m including employer superannuation contributions and workers compensation have been taken into account in accordance with AAS 30.

30. Other liabilities

Accrued expenses Accommodation 1,758 1,703 Fringe benefits tax 54 50 Severance Payout 1,959 0 Leasehold Improvements 386 0 Relocation costs for Crown land administration 500 0 Other 784 782

5,441 2,535

Salaries and wages 1,465 1,298

6,906 3,833

Accrued salaries are amounts owing for 7 working days from 20 June to 30 June 2003 (6 working days from 21 June to 30 June 2002).

Accrued salaries are settled within a few days of the financial year end.

Unearned revenuePurchase of goods 84 167 Legal services 120 120 Other 216 30

420 317

Total other liabilities 7,326 4,150



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

31. Equity

Equity represents the residual interest in the net assets of the Department. The Government holds the equity interest in the Department on behalf of the community. The asset revaluation reserve represents that portion of equity resulting from the revaluation of non-current assets.

Accumulated surplus/(deficiency)Opening Balance 43,126 15,987 Change in net assets after restructuring (460) 27,139

Closing balance 42,666 43,126

Contributed equity Opening balance 11,914 0 Contributions by owners 1,550 11,914


Capital appropriations, termed Capital Contributions, have been designated as contributions by owners and are credited directly to equity in the Statement of Financial Position.

Asset revaluation reserve (a)Opening Balance 16,883 14,758 Net revaluation increment/(decrement) - leased land (695) 2,125


Total equity 72,318 71,923

(a) The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements on the revaluation of non current assets, as described in significant accounting policy Note 2(s).

32. Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows

(a) Reconciliation of closing cash

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash at bank, amounts in suspense and restricted cash. Cash at the end of thefinancial year as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:

Cash assets 14,770 12,350 Cash assets from restructuring 0 949

Total cash assets (see Note 20) 14,770 13,299 Restricted cash assets (see Note 21) 1,994 1,722

16,764 15,021



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

(b) Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash flows provided by/(used in) operating activities

Net cash (used in) operating activities (Statement of Cash Flows) (27,783) (25,045)

Non-cash items: Depreciation expense (4,526) (4,376)Superannuation expense (1,520) (1,704) Resources received free of charge (342) (333) Doubtful debts expense (9) (112) Net loss on disposal of non-current assets (15) (7) Net adjustment for administered transactions 289 (971)

Increase/(decrease) in assets:

Current inventories (1) (528) Current receivables (3,704) 2,420 Prepayments 262 (445) Accrued revenue 1,286 (113)

(Increase)/decrease in liabilities: Accounts payable (185) (284) Employee benefits 249 (834) Other liabilities (2,972) (532) Financial leases 0 1

Net GST receipts/(payments) 180 956 Change in GST in receivables/payables (1,099) 14

Net cost of services (Statement of Financial Performance) (39,890) (31,893)

33. Resources provided free of chargeDuring the year the following resources in excess of $10,000 were provided to other agencies free of charge for functions outside the normal operations of the Department:

Department of Treasury and Finance 7,357 6,826 Main Roads WA 501 724 Department of the Premier and Cabinet 533 677 Department for Planning and Infrastructure 692 693 Department of Conservation and Land Management 547 631 Western Australian Police Service 291 613 Department of Environment 335 566 Department of Agriculture 602 254 Department of Industry and Resources 759 247 Department of Housing and Works 248 245Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia 513 236 Department of Justice 135 128 Department of Education & Training 178 119 Water & Rivers Commission 398 82 Department of Health 398 58 Western Australian Electoral Commission 25 20 Fisheries Department - ( 2001/02 less than $10,000) 260 0 Landcorp - (2001/02 less than $10,000) 223 0 Public Prosecutions WA - (2001/02 less than $10,000) 17 0 Department for Community Development - (2001/02 less than $10,000) 18 0

14,030 12,119

Resources provided to other agencies which were less than $10,000 per agency. 66 316

Resources provided free of charge to organisations other than departments and statutory authorities: 3,763 4,367

Total resources provided free of charge 17,859 16,802

The above figures are costed on the basis of fee for service.



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

34. Commitments for expenditure

(a) Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure commitments are contracted capital expenditure additional to the amounts reported in the financial statements. These commitments include amounts for office and computer equipment and consultancy and are payable as follows:

Within 1 year 375 1,272

(b) Operating lease expenditure

These commitments are in respect to non cancellable leases contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities. These leases include office accommodation, office equipment and motor vehicles

Within 1 year 7,511 7,355

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 29,842 29,061 Later than 5 years 49,856 48,361

87,209 84,777

(c) Other expenditure commitments

These expenditure commitments relate to general administration expenses and are payable as follows:

Within 1 year 408 1,547

(d) Operating lease receivables

These are operating lease receivables as at the reporting date and include Pastoral leases and Building leases.

Within 1 year 2,116 2,020 Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 7,468 7,874 Later than 5 years 9,849 8,412

19,433 18,306

35. Remuneration of senior officers

Remuneration

The number of senior officers whose total of fees, salaries, superannuation and other benefits for the financial year, fall within the following bands are:

$ $ 2003 2002

100,001 110,000 1 3 110,001 120,000 1 2 120,001 130,000 3 1 140,001 150,000 1 1 180,001 190,000 1 0

The total remuneration of senior officers is: 910 823

The superannuation included here represents the superannuation expense incurred by the Department in respect of senior officers.

Two senior officers are members of the Pension Scheme in 2003 (three senior members in 2002).



36. Financial Instruments

(a) Interest rate risk exposure

The following table details the Department's exposure to interest rate risk as at the operating date. The financial instruments listed are all non interest bearing.

Non Interest Non Interest Financial instruments Bearing Bearing

Total Total 2003 2002

($'000) ($'000)

Financial assets Cash assets 14,770 13,299Restricted cash assets 1,994 1,722Receivables Valuation Services 2,076 7,228

Land tenure 1,729 1,482Map sales 996 570 Other 1,212 258

22,777 24,559

Financial liabilitiesPayables 1,084 898 Provisions 12,081 11,382Unearned revenue 420 317

13,585 12,597

(b) Credit risk exposure

All financial assets are unsecured.

Amounts owing by other government agencies are not considered a credit risk. In respect of other financial assets, the carrying amounts represent the Department's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to those assets

(c) Net fair values

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements are not materially different from their net fair values, determined in accordance with the accounting policies disclosed in Note 2 to the financial statements.

37. Contingent liabilities

In addition to the liabilities incorporated in the financial statements, the Department has the following contingent liabilities:

(i) The Department has pending or potential litigation that may affect the financial position to the value of $1.273m. (iii) Having regard for the large number of native title claims in Western Australia, the Department's role in the administration

of the Crown estate may result in future compensation liability for the State. (iii) There is a pending claim of copyright by land surveyors estimated at $3.2m for the copying of survey plans by the Department.



38. Intellectual property

DOLA's intellectual property consists of software, data, databases, administrative records, publications, products, trademarks and know-how in the categories listed below. At reporting date the intellectual property cannot be reliably measured, and accordingly has not been recognised as an asset in the financial statements:

1) Air Photography 2) Cadastral

* Spatial Cadastral Data Base (SCDB) * Survey Plans * Survey Diagrams * Survey Field books

3) Corporate Computing 4) Crown Land Administration

* Land Stock Register * Document Processing System * Project Management Performance and Tracking (PROMPT) System * Quality Assurance System * Pastoral Lands Information System

5) Desktop Technology6) Geodetic Survey Marks database 7) Geographic Names 8) Government Property Register 9) International 10) Mapping Products (digital and analogue) 11) Publications (including Internet design)12) Tenure

* Tenure Systems * Title and Document Images

13) Topographic * Street Centreline * Property Street Address (PSA)

14) Satellite Imagery 15) Electronic Advice of Sale System16) Land and Property Portal 17) Business Realignment Methodology

39. Events occurring after balance date

There have been no significant events occurring after 30 June 2003, that affect these financial statements.



2003 2002$ $

40. Related body

The Department had one related body during the financial year meeting all operating expenses of:

Pastoral Lands Board 832,256 575,033

41. Affiliated body

The Land Surveyors' Licensing Board is an affiliated body in that it received administrative support and a grant of $10,000 from the Department. The Board is not subject to the operational control of the Department and reports to Parliament separately.

42. Supplementary information

(a) Write offs

Public and other property, revenue and debts due to the State, written off in accordance with Section 45 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act by:

The Accountable Officer 11,521 23,101 The Minister 0 0

0 0

11,521 23,101

(b) Losses through theft, defaults and other causes

Losses of public monies and public and other property through theft or default 0 48 Amount recovered 0 0

0 48

(c) Gifts of Public Property

Gifts of public property provided by the Department 3,073 3,248

43. Trust Accounts

The trust accounts are reported on a cash basis.

Private Trust

(a) Payroll Deductions

The purpose of the trust account is to hold income tax instalments and Government Employees Housing Authority (GEHA) rent contributions, deducted from salaries and wages of employees of the Department of Land Administration Group Payroll.

Opening balance 3 25 Receipts 11,531 10,884 Payments

The Australian Taxation Office (11,515) (10,900)GEHA (6) (6)

Closing balance 13 3



2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

(b) Deposits: Land Applications

The purpose of the trust account is to hold funds in accordance with the provisions of the Land Administration Act and the former Land Act, being deposits received from applicants, pending the issue of licenses or leases.

Opening balance 153 832 Receipts:

Deposits 457 12,492

Payments Refunds (35) (103)

Transfers toConsolidated Fund (275) (13,068)

Closing balance 300 153

(c) War Service Land Settlement

The purpose of the trust fund is to hold funds pending transfer to the Commonwealth Department of Primary Industry - Production Branch.

Opening balance 2 4 Receipts:

Perpetual Lease Rents 374 386 Freehold Option Price 141 199

Payments:

Remittances to the Commonwealth (515) (587)

Closing balance 2 2

Governmental Trust

(d) DBNGP Corridor Trust

The Department administers this Trust Account on behalf of the DBNGP Land Access Minister. The purpose of the trust account is to hold funds received pursuant to section 45(2)of the Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline Act 1997 for application in accordance with section 45(5) of that Act.

Opening balance 36,474 39,073 Receipts:

Fees and charges 1,208 1,526 Payments:

Administration 1,797) (3,015)

Purchase of easement rights (2,505) (1,110)


Suspense

e) Departmental Receipts in Suspense

The purpose of the receipts in suspense is to hold funds pending identification of the purpose for which these monies were received or identification of where those monies are tobe credited or paid, pursuant to Section 9 (2) (c) (iv) of the Financial Administration and Audit Act.

Opening Balance 270 353 Receipts 208 151 Payments (154) (234)

Closing Balance 324 270



44. Explanatory statement

The Summary of Consolidated Fund Appropriations and Revenue Estimates discloses appropriations and other statutes expenditure estimates, the actual expenditures made andrevenue estimates and payments into the Consolidated Fund. Appropriations are on an accrual basis.

The following explanations are provided in accordance with Treasurer's Instruction 945.

Significant variations are considered to be those greater than 10%.

(i) Significant variances between estimates and actual

2003 2003Estimate Actual Variance

$'000 $'000 $'000

1. Total Appropriation to purchase outputsAlthough there was no significant variance in the total appropriation, there was a significant offsetting variance in the expenditure of Output 1.

Output 1 Government Land Services 14,628 18,196 3,568

Expenditure ended $3.568m or 24.4% above the budget estimate, due to several one off expense items for coastal erosion prevention, foreshore reclamation works, the surrender of the Moola Bulla Pastoral Station, and relocation costs related to the transfer of Output 1 to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

2. Retained Revenue 54,288 60,782 6,494

A better than expected result in the areas of searches $1.712m, transfers $2.189, mortgages $0.845m, and discharges $1.102m contributed towards the $7.884m or 14.5% variance to budget.

3. Capital Expenditure

There is no variation in the Capital Contribution.

Purchase of non-current physical assets 2,305 5,856 3,551

Expenditure of $5.856m includes items deferred and funded from the 2001/02 capital works program

4. Administered Revenue

4.1 Land Leases 2,505 4,286 1,781

The estimate for land leases proved conservative with lease rentals realising $1.781m better than budget.

4.2 Town and Suburban lots 5,000 2,002 (2,998)

Sales for Town and Suburban lots were overestimated to the extent of $2.998m.

4.3 Crown Grants - land sales 82,486 46,348 (36,138)

The variation of $36.138m below the estimate is mainly due to lower sales relating to the Department of Education $9.120m, Westrail $9.510m, Department of Agriculture$6.409m and the Recreation Camps and Reserves Board $12m.



(ii) Significant variances between actual and prior year actual

2003 2002Actual Actual Variance

$'000 $'000 $'000

1. Total Appropriation to purchase outputs

Total Appropriation to purchase outputs 37,568 33,685 (3,883)

The variance reflects the lower level of appropriation in 2001/02, under the net appropriation arrangements, as a consequence of higher revenue in that year for Valuation Services.

2. Output Expenditure

Output 1 Government Land Services 18,196 15,682 (2,514)

The variance is due to one off expense items for coastal erosion prevention, foreshore reclamation works, the surrender of the Moola Bulla Pastoral Station and the relocation of Output 1 to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

3. Revenue

There are no significant variations.

4. Capital Expenditure

Capital Contribution 1550 11,914 10,364

The variance is largely due to supplementary funding being provided in 2002 for the Electronic Land Titles (BackCapture) project which is now complete.

Actual capital expenditure decreased from $7.348m in 2002 to $5.856m in 2003. This was due to a lower level of funding provided for the ongoing Asset Replacement Program.

5. Administered Revenue

4.1 Land Leases 4,286 3,824 462

The variance is mainly due to the ongoing reappraisal and review of lease rentals.

4.2 Town and Suburban lots 2,002 17,348 (15,346)

The variance is due to the bulk sale of lots to Land Corp in 2001/02 as part of the Machinery of Government changes.

45. Indian Ocean Territories Service Delivery Arrangement

The provision of services to the Indian Ocean territories are recouped from the Commonwealth government.

2003 2002($'000) ($'000)

Opening balance (103) (143) Receipts 320 171 Payments (97) (131)

Closing balance 120 (103)

2002/03 receipts included an amount of $147,190 for the conversion of the paper title register to digital format. This conversion will take place during 2003/04.

46. Schedule of Administered Items

The Schedule of Administered Items are not controlled by the Department but are administered by it on behalf of the Government

(i) Administered Expenses and Revenues

(ii) Administered Assets and Liabilities



DBNGP Corridor Administered Item Trust Account Land Total

Note 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

(i) Administered expenses and revenues Expenses

Cost of sales Developed land 0 0 6,482 30,497 6,482 30,497Undeveloped land 0 0 40,133 37,268 40,133 37,268Closed roads 0 0 997 707 997 707

Other 1 0 0 411 213 411 213 Payments under the Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline Act 1997 1,502 2,766 0 0 1,502 2,766

Total administered expenses 1,502 2,766 48,023 68,685 49,525 71,451Revenues

Developed land 1 0 0 2,519 22,258 2,519 22,258 Undeveloped land 0 0 44,834 38,107 44,834 38,107 Closed roads 0 0 997 707 997 707 Lease 0 0 4,286 3,824 4,286 3,824 Other 0 0 29 45 29 45 Revenue collected under the Dampier to Bunbury

Pipeline Act 1997 1,222 1,224 0 0 1,222 1,224 Total administered revenues 2 1,222 1,224 52,665 64,941 53,887 66,165

(ii) Administered assets and liabilities AssetsCurrent

Cash 33,380 36,474 300 153 33,680 36,627 Receivables 0 318 13,613 8,050 13,613 8,368 Inventory 0 0 0 0 Other 1 0 0 1,864 1,913 1,864 1,913 Non-current Plant and equipment 18 23 0 0 18 23 Receivables 0 0 8,646 10,077 8,646 10,077 Crown land 4,542 2,030 1,588,698 1,450,686 1,593,240 1,452,716

Total administered assets 37,940 38,845 1,613,121 1,470,879 1,651,061 1,509,724 LiabilitiesCurrent

Unearned revenue 0 332 2,957 3,602 2,957 3,934 Payables 1 247 540 12 5 259 545

Total administered liabilities 247 872 2,969 3,607 3,216 4,479

Schedule of Administered Items For the Year Ended 30 June 2003


Notes

1. In 2001-02 the Minister had a 26% interest in a joint venture with LandCorp and City of Bunbury to develop, subdivide and sell land in Bunbury. The following represents theMinister's interest in the joint venture operation:

2003 2002 $'000 $'000

Revenues 356 2 Expenses 411 104

Net profit (55) (102)

Assets 1,864 1,913 Liabilities 12 5

Net Assets 1,852 1,908

2. Revenues, other than those relating to the DBNGP Corridor Trust Account, are paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Schedule of Administered Items For the Year Ended 30 June 2003


Appendices

95 A – Legislation administered

96 B – DOLA Pricing policies

96 C – Electoral Act compliance

97 D – Waste Paper Recycling

97 E – Energy Smart Government Program

97 F – Sponsorship report

98 G - DOLA and WALIS publications available 2002 - 2003


Appendix A

On 20 May 1986, His Excellency, the Governor in Executive Council, approved the establishment of the Department of Land Administration (DOLA). The Public Service Board determined the effective date of operation as 1 July 1986. The Valuer General’s Office was established in 1979, in accordance with the Valuation of Land Act 1978. On 30 June 2001, the Valuer General’s Office merged with the Department of Land Administration, in accordance with section 65 (2) of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

Legislation administered DOLA is responsible for the administration of numerous Acts of Parliament relating to land. Those most directly affecting the Department’s daily business activities are:

Land Administration Act 1997 – provides for the administration, development and disposition of Crown land; creation and closure of roads; acquisition of land for public works; and full operation of DOLA International.

Transfer of Land Act 1893 – establishes the Torrens System of registering freehold tenure, transactions and interests over land.

Registration of Deeds Act 1856 – outlines a system of registering conveyances, wills and other deeds affecting land for which no Certificate of Title has been issued.

Valuation of Land Act 1978 – established a central valuation authority to record, coordinate and carry out values on property for all rating and taxing purposes within the State.

Strata Titles Act 1985 – facilitates the subdivision of land into spaces for home units, and for the management of strata schemes.

Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline Act 1997 – DOLA assists the DBNGP Land Access Minister in the administration of the Act.

Licensed Surveyors Act 1909 and Regulations – outlines the rules and guidelines for the conduct of authorised surveys.

Standard Survey Marks Act 1924 – outlines rules and guidelines for provision of survey marks.

Legislation affecting Departmental activitiesIn carrying out its business activities, DOLA is affected by more than 100 different Acts administered by other departments or agencies. Some of the most significant of these are:

- Evidence Act 1906

- Freedom of Information Act 1992

- Land Tax Assessment Act 1976

- Library Board of Western Australia Act 1951-1983

- Local Government Act 1995

- Native Title (State Provisions) Act 1999

- Native Title Act (Commonwealth) 1993

- State Trading Concerns Act 1916

- Stamp Act 1921

In the performance of its obligations as a Government department, DOLA complies with the following Acts:

- Anti-Corruption Commission Act 1988-1994

- Disability Services Act 1984

- Electoral Act 1907

- Equal Opportunity Act 1984

- Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985

- Government Employees Superannuation Act 1987

- Industrial Relations Act 1979

- Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993

- Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984

- Public Sector Management Act 1994

- Salaries and Allowances Act 1994

- State Supply Commission Act 1991

- State Records Act 2000

- Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1981

- Workplace Agreements Act 1993

Appendices


Appendix B

DOLA Pricing Policies Under Treasurer’s Instruction 903, section 4(x), DOLA is required to advise of the policies underlying the pricing of its goods and services. The fees and charges DOLA applies to its products and services are determined by:

(a) the application of the principle of recovering the full or partial cost of the product or service (which is determined by whether it is categorised as a ‘State good’ or not); or

(b) the maintenance of parity pricing with similar products in the market place; or

(c) as determined by the suppliers, where DOLA acts as the agent.

For the three major categories of products and services provided by DOLA, the following apply:

• Crown land – the reserve price or sale price of land offered for auction or sale, and rentals of leased land are based on the valuation established by the Valuer General’s Office. Information regarding land prices is contained in the relevant sales brochures or lists of Land for Sale or Lease in WA. These publications are available from DOLA’s Land Administration Services Branch.

• Some Crown land may be sold or leased at reduced or nominal prices, reflecting social benefit issues including closed private streets sold to eliminate nuisances or properties leased to community groups.

• Land registration services – the basis for determining the cost of the service is in accordance with the concepts set out in Section 5 of A User’s Guide to the Consolidated Fund Budget Process available from the Department of the Treasury, and the Government’s Competitive Tendering and Contracting Guidelines.

• The current list of fees for land registration products and services were implemented on 16 July 2001. It was published in the 13 July Government Gazette.

• Mapping products and services – the prices for these are determined by applying the principles that are set out in the previous paragraphs. Prices currently applying to mapping products and services are available from DOLA’s Land Information Products and Services section, Midland.

DOLA has reviewed the pricing of fundamental land information data sets under the State Trading Concerns Act and the WALIS Data Transfer and Pricing Policy.

Appendix C

Expenditure specified under the Electoral Act 1907In accordance with Section 175ZE of the The Electoral Act 1907, DOLA incurred the following expenditure in: • Advertising agencies; • Market research organisations; • Polling organisations; • Direct mail organisations; and • Media advertising organisations.

In relation to particular classes of expenditure, DOLA reports the following:

Advertising agencies – $375,987.68

Advertising for job vacancies, the calling of tenders, and public notices in relation to the sale, lease or development of Crown land as required by the Land Administration Act; and corporate communications.

Marketforce .............................................. $312,206.00WA Newspapers Pty Ltd.................................. $130.10State Law Publisher ..................................... $4,650.15Department of Premier and Cabinet........... $10,358.72Toucan Display Systems ................................. $750.00Photoplay ..................................................... $5,663.05Bulldog Graphics .......................................... $2,830.00TOTAL...................................................... $336 588.02

Market research organisations – $69,911.46Research Solutions ........................................... $69.86Bureau of Tourism ............................................. $45.46

Polling Organisations – Nil

Direct Mail Organisations - $2,177.50Disco Direct Mailing Service............................ $877.50Post Data...................................................... $1,300.00

Media advertising organisations – $32,722.68Media Monitors........................................... $25,764.45Rehame Australia ......................................... $6,958.23

The total amount paid by DOLA for expenditure specified in the Act during 2002-2003 was $441,399.66.


Appendix D

Wastepaper Recycling DOLA’s Contract and Building Services (CABS) collected 23.150 tonnes of waste paper in 2002-2003.

Appendix E

Energy Smart Government Program In accordance with the Energy Smart Government policy DOLA has committed to achieve a 12% reduction in non-transport related energy use by 2006/07 with a 5% reduction targeted for 2002/03.

During the year the following energy saving initiative was undertaken: • DOLA entered into a pilot program with Honeywell for Energy Performance

Contracting, a first for Government in WA. The contract includes four Performance Improvement Measures upon which the financial guarantee of Honeywell in regards to energy expenditure is reliant upon, and where not achieved, Honeywell will have to meet the shortfall.

Energy Smart Government program

BaselineData

2002/2003Actuals

Energy Consumption (MJ) 2489000 2234200 10.24Energy Cost ($) 732548 707889 3.4Greenhouse Gas Emissions (tonnes of CO

2)

6362 5711 10.23

Performance indicators

♦ MJ/sqm

♦ MJ/FTE

1205

30936

964

26352

20

14.82

Appendix F

Sponsorship Report DOLA’s Sponsorship Policy and guidelines for giving and accepting sponsorships were endorsed in April 1998. In accordance with the policy, the following details are reported:

DOLA Sponsorship Received

Organisation Purpose Cash In Kind Total

StateWest Credit .......... DOLA International

Women’s Day Breakfast $1000 ................$1000

StateWest Credit .......... DOLA Fun Run ................... $400...................$400

Total Received.................................................................................... $1,400

International Women’s Day is held annually on 8 March. StateWest Credit’s sponsorship contributed to the cost of hosting the event.

DOLA Sponsorship Given – Nil


Land Acquisitions (May 1999)

Management of the Crown Estate (May 1999)

Pastoral Leases (May 1999)

Reserves (May 1999)

Road Closures and Disposals (May 1999)

Customer Information Bulletin, Number 124-130

Customer Accounting System (CAS) — Conditions of Use, November, 1993

Customer Product Guides

Customer Remote Searching System – Conditions of Use, November 1993

Customer Remote Search System – A Better Way to Access land information, January 2002

Customer Remote Search Internet Guide

Customer Remote Search Users’ Manual

Customer Service Bulletin – New Access Arrangements and Prices for Spatial Cadastral Information and Tenure Information

DOLA Annual Report 1999-2000

DOLA Bulletin, fortnightly staff information bulletin, 26 issues

DOLA Code of Corporate Governance Practice (August 1999)

DOLA General Conditions of Contract

DOLA, Looking After Your Interests in Land (2nd Edition, June 1998; two reprints)

DOLA Products and Services Guide, Second Edition, 1995

DOLA’s Code of Business Conduct (revised June 1998)

DOLA’S Information Statement (revised May 2000)

DOLA International – Partnering Development of Sustainable Land Administration Systems

Draft Data Standards for Some WALIS Data Sets (For Comment), October 1998

EAS2 Users’ Manual

Emergency Services Directory – Perth North Region

Emergency Services Directory – Avon Region

Faxing – The DOLA Way

Fieldbook Presentation of Subdivisions By Early Issue of Title Procedures – Examples of Preferred Practice

Appendix G

DOLA and WALIS Publications Available 2002-2003

DOLA and WALIS publications may be available in one or more of the following formats:• Hard copy• Electronic copy on the DOLA website• Digital copy (CD-Rom)

List of DOLA publications:

A Guide to Strata Titles

Adding a Spouse to Your Land Title – A Guide to Preparing the Documents, March 2002

An Inventory and Condition Survey of the Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find Area, Western Australia

Application and Transfer of Land by Personal Representative – A Guide to Preparing the Documents, March 2002

Business Activity Profile, 12 issues

Central Map Agency, Historical Plans, Exploration Plans, Early Crown Survey Maps, French Exploration Charts

Central Map Agency, Catalogue of Products and Services

Changing Name on Certificates of Title due to Marriage – A Guide to Preparing the Documents, March 2002

Changing Names and Addresses on Certificates of Title – A Guide to Preparing the Documents, May 2000

Changing your Birth Name on Certificates of Title, October 2001

Conveyancing Support Service

Crown Registration Guidelines for Western Australia (1999)

Crown Lands:

Creation of Roads (April 1999)

Crown Land Sales (May 1999)

Crown Easements (May 1999)

Crown Leases (May 1999)


Registrar’s Practice Note, one revision

Remote Sensing Services, AGIMAGE On-farm Use of Satellite Data

Remote Sensing Services, Monitoring and Managing — The Fight Against Fire Using the NOAA-AVHRR Satellite

Remote Sensing Services, Vegetation Watch Project — Questions and Answers

Remote Sensing Services, Services and Products from Earth Observation by Satellite

Remote Searching — DOLA Technology Helping You, December, 1993

Report on Damage Caused by the Flood of the Ashburton River in February 1997

Searching for Land Information

Simple Transfer of Land – A Guide to Preparing the Documents, October 2002

SmartRegister Project Brochures

Guidelines to Using SmartRegister

The Future is SmartRegister

Changes to Customer Remote Search and Search Transmission Centre

Title OrderingState Maps 1:25,000 Topographic 1:50,000 Topographic/Cadastral 1:1,000,000 Road Maps 1: 3,000,000 Road MapsStreetSmart® City and Town Series Maps Albany Avon Arc Broome & Kununurra Bunbury Busselton & Dunsborough Collie Geraldton Kalgoorlie Karratha & Dampier Mandurah Margaret River & Augusta

StreetSmart® Street Directory 2001, 2002, 2003

StreetSmart® Street Express 2000, 2001, 2002

Geographic Name Approvals in Western Australia, two issues

GDA 94 Brochure

Government Land Administration in WA, April 2001

Helpful Hints on Strata Development, August 1995, (Revised)

How to Complete an Historical Search, February, 1995

How to Prepare an Application for New Title to Replace One Lost or Destroyed, October 2002

How to Register a Notification of Change of By-Laws on Strata Plans

How to Register Exemptions from Certain Provisions from Strata Plans Comprising Three to Five Lots

Land Enquiry Centre, Materialise Hardcopy (Report/Plot) Products

Land Enquiry Centre, Microfiche Products

Land for Sale or Lease, 12 issues

LandMarks magazine, four issues

Land Monitor—Monitoring for Management

Land Development Process Using Early Issue Procedure

Land Lingo—A Glossary of Definitions and Terms Used in Land Administration, 3rd Edition, June 1997

Land Titles Registration Practice Manual, Edition 7, February 2001

Land Titles Survey and Plan Practice Manual

Maps and Their Uses Booklet

Native Title in Western Australia, 1995

New Horizons Strategic Plan 2000-2005, March 2000

PanAIRama CDs

Pastoral Lands Board

Destocking of Leases

Management of Goats on Pastoral Leases

Guidelines for the Preparation of a Management Plan

Sale and Transfer of Leases

Standard Conditions for Transfer for a Pastoral Lease

Subleasing of Leases

Principles, Policies and Procedures Geographic Names Committee, February, 1994

Contents | Year in Review | Review of Operations | Products and Services | Financial Statement | Appendices | Glossary1 0 0 | D L I

List of WALIS Publications Guidelines for the WALIS Pricing and Transfer Policy

Information About Your Corner of the World

Introducing the WALIS Council, November 1998

Interrogator, CD-Rom, April 2001

Proceedings of WALIS Forum – 1994 –2000, 2002

WA Atlas Flyer and Postcard

WALIS Pricing and Transfer Policy for Land and Geographic Information held by Western Australian State Government agencies

WALIS Strategic Directions 2000-2001

Travellers Atlas of WA Edition 7

StreetSmart® Touring Maps Pilbara South west corner Southern Forests Batavia Coast Gascoyne Coast Greater South West Kimberley Lower Great Southern Goldfields-Esperance Mid west

StreetSmart® Perth & Environs

StreetSmart® MetroMaps, 18 in series

StreetSmart® Metro Local Government Authority & Locality Boundaries

StreetSmart® City to Bush Series Maps

StreetSmart® Metro Arterial Roads

StreetSmart® Perth CBD

StreetSmart® Fremantle CBD

StreetSmart® Mandurah CBD

StreetSmart® Perth Inner Metro

StreetSmart® Various Town Maps

StreetSmart® Eastern Stirlings Maps

StreetSmart® LAS Regional Boundary Maps

StreetSmart® Local Government Authority Maps with Street Addresses

Strata Titles Manual (1999)

Survey Marks in Pastoral Areas

Survivorship Application Upon Death of a Joint Tenant – A Guide to Preparing the Documents, October 2002

Transfer of Land following Divorce, a guide to preparing the documents, March 2002

Transverse Mercator Project Grids 1995

WASTAC Annual Report 1997, 1998 and 1999

Welcome to Your New Address

Your Guide to Lodging a Caveat under Section 137, May 1997 (Revised)

Contents | Year in Review | Review of Operations | Products and Services | Financial Statement | Appendices | Glossary1 0 1 | D L I

Cadastral data or information – usually refers to survey data relating to land boundaries

Crown estate – (also called Government lands) any parcel of Western Australian land not held in freehold, including reserved and leased land and to three nautical miles from shore.

Crown land – (also called Government land) all land in Western Australia not held in freehold, including coastal waters and the seabed.

Geocentric Datum – a reference surface which has as its origin the Earth’s centre of mass.

Geodetic – related to the measurement of large portions of the earth’s surface that takes into account the curvature, shape and dimensions of the earth.

Geospatial data – land measurements derived from the geodetic control that defines the earth’s surface

Individually rectified – to individually remove the natural distortions in photographs for use in conjunction with other map data.

Seamless mosaic – individual photographs ‘stitched’ together and appearing as a single larger piece

Spatial data – (see also cadastral data and geospatial data) data related to the measurement of land, often refers to land boundary measurements held as cadastral data

Tenure – the manner of holding land, for example freehold or leasehold.

Glossary of Land Terms