Organisations Encouraged to Apply for $14 Million Crown Reserves Improvement Fund

Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for a share of $14 million in grants to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves across NSW.

Member for Manly James Griffin said applications for the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until 10 July 2020.

“This fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW, including the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

“This year the NSW Government will invest $14 million across the state to benefit community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown land reserves.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including Northern Beaches Council and community groups who use Crown land, and I 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.

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.

“The fund also upgrades facilities on Crown land used by organisations at the heart of our communities, like surf life saving clubs, scouts and girl guide groups, public halls, the RSPCA and PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service.”

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