Crown Land lessees back scheme to keep shacks in the family
Families will be able to save their shacks from wrecking ball after the current lessees dies but while the scheme is being welcomed it also comes with conditions.
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The vast majority of people with “life-tenure” leases for SA holiday shacks have shown interest in keeping them in the family, after new laws mean leases are no longer terminated when the holders die.
The deal currently applies to shacks on crown land, except for those in national parks, but it is likely to also soon be extended to those.
In January, new laws gave families greater certainty of tenure by allowing opportunities for shack lessees to convert their life-tenure leases to freehold or another type of lease.
A formal process opened last month, with 13 lessees already making applications. And 199 out of 214 lessees have at least expressed interest.
The enthusiasm for the scheme means the shacks look set to remain with families for generations to come.
But the generous deal comes at a price, with lessees to be granted guaranteed secure tenure only if their shacks meet planning approval thresholds on safety and amenity, as well as environmental standards.
The largest concentration of shacks on crown land is at Milang, on the west coast of Lake Alexandrina, where there are 73.
There are also 41 shacks at the Glenelg River, 30km southeast of Mount Gambier, within the area of the Donovans township.
Acting Environment Minister John Gardner said he expected more applications to flow through in the next few months.
“The Marshall Liberal Government made a commitment back in 2018 to create new opportunities for families to retain shacks,” he said.
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“Many shacks have been held by the same family for generations, and these people have a strong connection to the local area, as well as a desire to be good environmental stewards.”
The future of an estimated 90 shacks in national parks is still being decided.
But Mr Gardner hinted that a similar process for leaseholders within the parks was being considered.
“The consultation period for shacks in national parks has just been completed and the Parks and Wilderness Council will consider amendments shortly, with an application process to open in the next couple of months,” Mr Gardner said.