Nationals Leader Shane Love pledges stronger private property rights, fast-tracked regional development zones

Special activation precincts designed to fast-track major industrial development in regional WA and legislation bolstering protections for private property owners will headline the speech delivered by WA Nationals Leader Shane Love to his party’s State Conference on Saturday. Mr Love will use the opportunity to address hundreds of rank-and-file members to unveil a pair of major policy announcements the Nationals plan to take to the 2025 election. Proclaiming “the very fabric of our Western Australian way of life is under siege” by “a Labor Government hell-bent on gutting our communities”, Mr Love will reveal plans for a Private Property Rights Bill. The promise comes in the wake of the Cook Government’s aborted attempt to drastically overhaul Aboriginal heritage laws, which included imposing onerous new consultation requirements for major development on any property larger than 1100sqm. The Nationals are also opposed to the Cook Government’s phasing out of native logging, sweeping changes to recreational fishing laws and the Albanese Government’s commitment to ending live sheep export. “We understand that our regions are the lifeblood of Western Australia,” excerpts from Mr Love’s speech read. “With the Private Property Rights Bill, we are sending a clear message: We will protect our regions. “We will fortify the industries that sustain our state and nation. We will not just resist the heavy hand of overreach but roll it back, ensuring a future where progress isn’t hampered by the short-sightedness of the WA Labor government.” Modelled in part on NSW’s special activation precincts, Mr Love will also outline plans for a similar concept in country WA. “This ground-breaking model will bring together strategic planning and targeted investment to supercharge job creation and economic growth for our regions to lead the nation,” Mr Love’s speech reads. “These precincts are tailored to amplify the unique strengths and competitive advantages of each area. “They’ll be our growth engines, chosen based on factors like growth prospects for both new and established industries, expected surges in population and job growth and proximity to ongoing or anticipated infrastructure projects.” Each region would be subject to a master planning process – in consultation with industry and the local community – with Mr Love to pledge “significant (government) investments in crucial infrastructure” to facilitate development. “With fast-track planning and robust but workable approvals, investors will see their projects move swiftly from blueprint to reality,” Mr Love’s speech says. “In establishing these special precincts, we are laying the foundation for jobs of the future. “This will be an opportunity for industries from mining to our manufacturing sector and processing of critical minerals to find their home in regional WA. “Compare this with the approach of Labor, which time and again acts as a handbrake on innovation and progress. “Where they see obstacles, we see opportunity. Where they impose restrictions, we want to liberate potential.” Mr Love will also highlight the change in political circumstances – and fortunes – since former Premier Mark McGowan shocked the State with his resignation in May. “In every seat across this State we have tales of resilience, growth, and community spirit – a stark contrast to our opponents, who are not the same opponents we faced in the 2021 State Election,” Mr Love will say. “Their only strength was in their leadership – our strength is in our team and our integrity in pursuing the issues most important to our communities.” The WA Nationals State Conference is being held at the Novotel Vines Resort on Saturday.