Statewide Crown land funding now open

ALL local councils, community organisations, groups and trusts that manage and use New South Wales Crown land reserves including showgrounds are invited to apply for a funding share of $17 million, with statewide applications open until June 25.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said grants from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are on offer to support projects on Crown reserves that deliver social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits to local communities.

“Crown reserves play a critical role by protecting the environment and providing green open spaces for parks, ovals, walking, cycling and sports and recreation activities to keep communities healthy and happy,” Mrs Pavey said.

“They [Crown reserves] also provide affordable and secure land for a wide range of community-focused organisations including surf life-saving clubs, scouts and girl guide groups, the RSPCA, PCYC and State Emergency Services, among others,” she said.

This year’s fund aims to build resilience and assist communities recover from adverse events like bushfires, floods, drought and COVID-19, with funding available for bushfire, weed and pest management.

Ms Pavey said another focus will be to support projects that contribute to greater energy and water efficiency by encouraging the use of renewable energy and water saving technologies, and environmentally sustainable practices to reduce emissions.

“We are also focusing on projects that can support Aboriginal communities and interests through co-management of Crown land, and greater recognition and education on Indigenous cultural heritage,” said Ms Pavey.

Grant applications are open until June 25, 2021.