Community groups who use crown land reserves, including public halls, scouts and guides, the PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and showgrounds management are set to benefit from the announcement of funding for crown reserves improvement. 

Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said applications for a share of $14 million in the NSW Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until July 10.

“Councils, Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land, across the Lismore Electorate are invited to apply to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves,” Mr Franklin said. 

“Crown reserves provide great spaces for the community and include areas like sporting fields, beaches, and some public buildings,” Mr Franklin said.

“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.

“It also funds bushfire management and weed and pest control to keep reserves safe and functional and to protect our environment and native plants and animals.”

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW and the Nationals are investing in the Ballina and Lismore electorates to benefit the whole community.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including local councils, community groups who use Crown land and showgrounds, so I strongly encourage eligible local organisations to apply,” Mr Franklin said.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.

“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.

“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”

For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif