Department of Lands and Surveys, Western Australia facts for kids
The Survey Office of Western Australia started way back in 1829. This makes the group that followed it, the Department of Lands and Surveys, one of the oldest government agencies in Western Australia. These agencies have played a big role in how land is managed and recorded across the state.
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Western Australia's Land Agencies
Government agencies are like special teams that help run a state or country. They handle important tasks for everyone. In Western Australia, several agencies have been in charge of land over the years, making sure it's properly measured, recorded, and managed.
The Early Days: Survey Office and DOLS
The very first office dealing with land was the Survey Office, which began in 1829. Its main job was to survey land. Surveying means carefully measuring and mapping out areas of land. This was super important as the state grew, so people knew exactly where their land was.
Later, on 1 January 1890, this work continued under a new name: the Department of Lands and Surveys (often called DOLS). This department was responsible for:
- Surveying new areas of land.
- Managing land records.
- Helping people buy or use land.
DOLS operated for a long time, until 1 July 1986.
Changes and New Names: DOLA and DLI
As technology and the needs of Western Australia changed, so did the way land was managed.
- On 1 July 1986, the Department of Lands and Surveys became the Department of Land Administration (DOLA). This new name showed a shift towards not just surveying, but also administering land. Administering means managing the rules and records for land, like who owns what and what land can be used for. DOLA worked until 1 July 2003.
- Then, on 1 July 2003, it changed again to the Department of Land Information (DLI). This name highlighted the growing importance of information about land. DLI focused on collecting, storing, and sharing all sorts of data about land, from maps to property details. DLI was in charge until 1 January 2007.
Landgate: Today's Land Authority
Since 1 January 2007, the main agency for land information in Western Australia has been Landgate. Its official name is the Western Australian Land Information Authority. Landgate continues the important work of its past agencies, using modern technology to:
- Keep track of land ownership.
- Create and update maps.
- Provide land information to the public and other government groups.
Landgate plays a vital role in making sure land in Western Australia is well-managed and understood.
