FAQ’s

The PGA of WA is an independent, not-for-profit agricultural advocacy organisation representing farmers, pastoralists and regional landholders across Western Australia. The Association works to protect the interests of its members through advocacy, policy engagement and practical assistance on issues affecting agriculture and regional communities.

Membership is open to anyone involved in, or supportive of, Western Australia’s farming and pastoral industries. This includes broadacre farmers, livestock producers, pastoral leaseholders, agribusinesses, professionals working with agriculture, and supporters of regional WA. Membership categories are designed to suit individuals, families, and businesses.

Members receive access to independent advocacy, timely policy updates and support on regulatory, environmental, land tenure, and biosecurity issues. The PGA also provides member communications, representation to government, opportunities to contribute to policy development, and access to events, briefings, and industry information relevant to WA agriculture.

The PGA of WA engages directly on your behalf with State and Federal governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure member concerns are heard. Advocacy includes policy submissions, meetings with decision-makers, public commentary and participation in consultations on legislation, land use, environmental management, and regional development affecting agriculture.

You can apply for membership or find contact details through the PGA of WA website. Enquiries are welcome by phone or email, and prospective members are encouraged to get in touch to discuss the most suitable membership option and how the Association can support their needs.

Common risks include machinery, vehicles, livestock, chemicals, working at heights, and fatigue. Simple steps like guarding machinery, keeping areas tidy, maintaining equipment, and making sure everyone knows the safe way to do jobs can significantly reduce injuries.

Anyone working on your farm should get a basic safety induction. This should cover site rules, emergency procedures, known hazards, and how to safely use any equipment they’ll be working with. Even experienced workers need to understand your farm and your systems.

Clearly separate work areas from living and visitor areas, supervise children at all times, and restrict access to machinery, yards, and chemical storage. Let visitors know where it’s safe to go and remind them that farms are workplaces, not just homes.

Under WA work health and safety laws, you must take reasonable steps to provide a safe workplace. This includes identifying hazards, managing risks, providing safe equipment, giving instructions and training, and ensuring workers and contractors are not put at risk.

Regularly walk around your farm and think about what could go wrong. Talk with workers, ensure that near-misses are reported and addressed and fix issues promptly. Using simple risk assessments before high-risk jobs helps prevent incidents before they happen.

You can manage your property, conduct your farming business, and control who accesses the land, subject to planning requirements and other laws that apply across WA.

In most cases, no. Entering freehold land without consent is trespass. There are limited exceptions, such as entry by emergency services or by authorised officers exercising powers under legislation.

Even where land is privately owned, farmers must comply with a range of state and local requirements. These can include local planning schemes, land clearing controls, environmental protection laws, biosecurity obligations, and animal welfare standards.

Many PGA of WA members diversify their freehold properties through activities such as farm tourism, on‑farm processing, value‑adding, or carbon projects. While diversification is generally permitted, some activities may require planning approval, environmental assessment, or licences before they commence.

A pastoral lease gives you the right to occupy and use Crown land primarily for grazing authorised livestock. The land remains Crown land, but lessees have lawful possession of their lease area and can operate their pastoral business in accordance with lease conditions and relevant legislation.

Pastoral lease land is Crown land, so some public access may occur. Members of the public must not interfere with pastoral operations, stock, improvements, or land condition. Pastoralists can manage or restrict access where it is necessary for safety, land management, or operational reasons.

Pastoral lessees are responsible for managing lease land in a sustainable condition. This includes managing grazing pressure, controlling weeds and feral animals, maintaining improvements, and meeting Pastoral Lands Board compliance and reporting requirements.

Diversification beyond grazing may be possible, but approvals are usually required. Activities such as tourism ventures, carbon projects, horticulture, or renewable energy developments must be consistent with lease conditions and generally require consent from the Pastoral Lands Board and DPLH before proceeding.