❓ Mr. Love questions the government's demolition orders for Breton Bay shacks, contrasting them with the treatment of similar structures elsewhere and highlighting their historical significance. The government defends its actions based on existing legislation and policy regarding unauthorised structures on Crown land.
AnsweredQoN 1700Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the seaside shacks on Crown Land at Breton Bay and the government’s orders to demolish the 76-year-old camps that were built around the time Lancelin was established and about 20 years before Seabird was gazetted, and I ask: (a) Why does the Government allow shacks at Wedge and Grey under Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions licences while treating the Breton Bay shacks as unauthorised and subject to demolition; (b) Given that the Breton Bay shacks were built before the land became Crown Land, were constructed with the permission of the original pastoral leaseholder, and have been assessed as having Grade B – Considerable Significance by an archaeologist, what is the reason the Government is now seeking their removal; and (c) Noting that the Breton Bay shacks have existed since around 1949 and form part of long-standing coastal-community heritage, will the Government consider an alternative outcome that allows the shacks to remain?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Lands
Response time
1 days
(a)-(c) The removal of the six shacks located on unallocated Crown land in the Breton Bay area is consistent with the State Government’s approach to unauthorised coastal structures, in line with the Land Administration Act 1997 and the 2011 parliamentary inquiry into shack sites in Western Australia.
It is noted that unallocated Crown land in Breton Bay has remained in Crown ownership since European settlement.
Following extensive review and consultation, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has issued notices seeking removal of these unauthorised structures. The Heritage Council of Western Australia considered the potential heritage aspects prior to the Department notifying the occupiers.
It is noted that unallocated Crown land in Breton Bay has remained in Crown ownership since European settlement.
Following extensive review and consultation, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has issued notices seeking removal of these unauthorised structures. The Heritage Council of Western Australia considered the potential heritage aspects prior to the Department notifying the occupiers.
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