Addressing the shortage of residential property

The Shire of Litchfield had a problem collecting about $250,000 from unimproved land holdings which were unmaintained and basically had no active ownership. This properties known as "dead man" leases were owned by estates that acquired them in the 1800's from mainly English owners.

Under a change of law, they were able to auction these off, raised 3.5 million (which easily addressed the rates plus interest shortfall) and released 11 rural acreage properties to a market starved of stock.

I wonder if this could be an option for other vacant blocks around Australia? Comments welcome