PREMIER Colin Barnett has agreed to meet with representatives of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) to discuss a huge increase in pastoral rents.
WA pastoralists are still reeling from the massive rate rises, with some facing hikes of up to 550 per cent on previous figures.
While news of the soaring rental values had been foreshadowed in June this year, the reality has only recently begun to sink in as notices of the rent rises made their way into pastoral homesteads.
Pastoralists have until November 1 to pay half the new rate or accrue a 10 per cent interest penalty.
PGA president Rob Gillam said he would meet with both Mr Barnett and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls in the first week of November to reinforce the unjustness of the rises, and to push for a more equitable pastoral lease rental system based on the "rate in the dollar" criteria as used for vermin and local government rates.
"We discussed this with Mr Grylls earlier this year and he knocked it back, so I am glad they are willing to listen to us again," Mr Gillam said.
The anger over the issue was made loud and clear last week at a PGA Kimberley division meeting at Halls Creek, where more than 30 station owners voted strongly against the new rents.
The Kimberley region faces the most drastic rises in rents.
Read full story in this week's Farm Weekly.
Email a friend