There is potential for Government to collect significant revenue through the effective marketing and management of valuable agricultural, commercial and industrial land.

But to achieve this, there needs to be a thorough review of the law, policies and procedures involving the best use of State-owned land and built properties.

This, according to the Fiscal Review Committee in its recently released report.

The committee said it did not have the opportunity to hear from the Department of Lands while collating information and data for the report.

“Government has valuable agricultural, commercial and industrial land, as well as residential properties in various parts of Fiji,” the committee said.

“Effectively marketed and managed (ideally with private sector involvement), these, in the committee’s view, have the potential to raise significant revenue for Government and free up valuable land for commercial development. Where land was originally compulsorily acquired by the State from landowners and is to be put to non-government uses, the Government may be best able to build relationships with landowning and other communities to fairly share the net proceeds of better commercial use of this land.

“This would seem to be the best outcome (given that Government has invested substantially in sub-dividing and in some cases building on the land).

“So there is potential for improved returns to the Government (and indigenous landowners in case of leasehold land) to make better use of their resources for the benefit of everyone, including commercial lessees.

“This, however, would be a project on which the Government needs significant private sector advice on valuation, renovation or development, marketing and property management.”