The NSW Government has opened applications for $16 million in funding through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to maintain and upgrade public reserves, and eligible Campbeltown organisations are encouraged to apply.

Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren said Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment has opened applications until 17 November 2023.

“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW,” Mr Warren said.

“This year the NSW Government will invest $16 million across the state including $14 million in grants and up to $2 million in loans to benefit Crown land reserves and the community, recreational and tourism facilities on them.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including local councils, community groups and licensed users of Crown land as well as all showgrounds, so I strongly encourage eligible local organisations to apply.

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

“It also funds weed and pest control to protect our environment and native plants and animals.”

The 2023-24 CRIF round is focusing on projects that will have positive community impacts by:

•           Maintaining or increasing public access, amenity and use of a reserve.

•           Supporting social cohesion and participation in community life.

•           Enabling people with accessibility requirements or living with a disability to be included.

•           Delivering a service or infrastructure to enable Aboriginal people to access, care for or protect and manage land.

•           Conserving heritage values and/or natural values of a reserve.

•           Creating employment or business opportunities.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the grants will help ensure local community land continues to prosper into the future.

“Crown reserves support communities by protecting the environment and providing open spaces and facilities for parks, ovals, walking, cycling, camping and other sports and recreation, keeping communities healthy and happy.

“Crown reserves also provide land for community organisations and assets like showgrounds, public halls, scouts and girl guide groups, surf life saving clubs, racecourses and more,” Mr Kamper said.

For further information and to apply for a grant or loan visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif