The Commissioner is based in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Staff of the Commissioner’s Office carry out administrative and inspectorial services under the direction of the Commissioner.
The Commissioner has specific functions, duties and special powers under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945.
The general functions of the Commissioner shall include:
- prevention and mitigation of land degradation
- promotion of soil conservation
- encouragement of landholders and the public generally to utilise land in such a manner as will tend towards the prevention and mitigation of land degradation and the promotion of soil conservation
- education of landholders and the public generally in the objects and practice of soil conservation.
The duties of the Commissioner shall include:
- carrying out of surveys and investigations to ascertain the nature and extent of land degradation throughout WA
- investigation and design of preventive and remedial measures in respect of land degradation
- carrying out of experiments and demonstrations in soil conservation and reclamation
- recording and publishing of the results of such surveys, investigations, designs, experiments and demonstrations
- dissemination of information with regard to land degradation and soil conservation and reclamation
- instruction and supervision of landholders in matters pertaining to soil conservation and reclamation
- advising and assistance of landholders whose land has been affected by land degradation
- coordination, having regard to the purposes of this Act, of the policies and activities of Government departments and public authorities in relation to any of the foregoing matters, and in regard to the alienation, occupation and utilisation of Crown lands or other lands vested in public authorities
- collection of rates and service charges imposed under section 25A
- carrying out of works authorised by this Act.
With the approval of the Minister, the Commissioner may:
- by agreement with the appropriate authorities, bodies or owners conduct experiments and demonstrations pertaining to soil conservation and reclamation on any lands
- employ such workers and other persons as may be required from time to time for the conduct of such experiments and demonstrations
- supervise the use and application by any authority, body or person of grants of money made to such authority, body or person for the carrying out of specific projects in furtherance of the objects of this Act.
The Commissioner is responsible for:
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Access the forms required to submit a Notice of Intent to drain or pump groundwater.View more about Notice of Intent to drain or pump water -
Find out about the process for lodging complaints regarding observed land management in Western Australia.View more about Land management complaints -
Learn about the regulations and applications required for the draining or pumping of water.View more about Land drainage -
Learn about the legal requirements and notifications for landholders undertaking water management earthworks in WA.View more about Conservation earthworks - legal requirements -
Native vegetation on your property can be protected with a voluntary written agreement (covenant).View more about Covenants to protect native vegetation -
Learn about the roles, functions and procedures of land conservation district committees (LCDCs).View more about Land conservation district committees