Crown land leases, licences and permits

Leasing of Crown land

A lease grants an exclusive right to occupy a defined area of land.

Crown land is typically leased by the responsible minister, a delegate of the responsible minister, the Governor in Council or a delegated land manager. Who leases the land, for how long and under what terms depends on the relevant legislation and context.

Where land is leased by a delegated land manager, these leases are subject to approval by the responsible Minister or delegate of the responsible Minister.

Leasing policy for Victorian Crown land 2023

The objective of the Leasing policy for Victorian Crown land 2023 is to provide a consistent framework for the leasing of Crown land by formalising 'Crown Land Leasing Principles' at a State-wide level. These principles will guide land managers, existing tenants and prospective tenants, help inform decision-making around leasing and improve community awareness of government policy for the leasing of Crown land. The policy applies to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Forests Act 1958 and the Land Act 1958.

The Leasing Policy for Victorian Crown land 2018 was replaced with the Leasing policy for Victorian Crown land 2023 (2023 Leasing policy) in April 2023.

The 2023 Leasing policy assists in achieving the government’s social, economic, Traditional Owner rights and environmental objectives for the management, access and use of Crown land.

Leasing policy for Victorian Crown land 2023 (PDF, 1.4 MB)

The Crown land leasing guidelines accompany the Leasing Policy for Crown land in Victoria, and provide information about statutory requirements associated with leases under the legislation mentioned above, along with other relevant legislation.

If another body, for example a committee of management manages the Crown land, any proposed lease will need to be supported by them, before we can consider an application.

Tourism leasing in National Parks

This guidance note provides an overview of the principles and procedures that the government will apply when considering a proposal for private investment for appropriate, small scale development inside a national park under a lease of up to 21 years. It accompanies changes to the National Parks Act 1975 to reduce the maximum term of a lease under the general leasing power (section 19G) to 21 years.

Tourism Leases in National Parks Guidance Note (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Tourism Leases in National Parks Guidance Note (DOCX, 2.7 MB)

Licensing of Crown land

A licence is a non-exclusive use of Crown land. Like leases, licences are typically issued by the responsible minister, a delegate of the responsible minister, the Governor in Council or a delegated land manager.

Where land is licenced by a delegated land manager, these licences are subject to approval by the responsible minister or delegate of the responsible minister.

Licences for Crown land can be issued for specified uses under legislation, e.g. agricultural purposes such as grazing, and for other uses that may not be specified explicitly under legislation.

General licence of Crown land

A general licence of Crown land is for non-agricultural purposes which can include uses of gravel extraction, scout/guide hall, water storage and recreation/tourism.

General Crown Land Licences (PDF, 81.8 KB)
General Crown Land Licences (accessible version) (DOCX, 100.8 KB)

Licensing of Unused Roads for agricultural uses

A licence for unused roads is for an owner/occupier of the adjoining private land for agricultural use.

Licensing of Unused Roads for Agricultural Uses (PDF, 94.9 KB)
Licensing of Unused Roads for Agricultural Uses (accessible version) (DOCX, 96.2 KB)

Permits and licensed activities