The NSW Government has opened applications for $10 million in community grants to help maintain and improve Crown land reserves, building better communities across the state.
This year’s CRIF general grants are targeting well-patronised reserves with projects that have high community impact. The program will offer minimum grants of $100,000 for projects and maximum grants of $1 million.
Crown reserves provide land for recreational areas and infrastructure like sports-fields, local parks, walking tracks and campgrounds. They also provide land for community organisations and facilities such as public halls, showgrounds, racecourses, scout halls, and surf lifesaving clubs.
Eligible applicants include Crown land managers including local councils, community organisations, and user groups that are licensed to use Crown reserves across NSW, including showgrounds on Crown land.
Grants will be made available to maintain and upgrade reserves and the facilities on them. Funding will also be available to manage feral pests and noxious weeds on reserves to keep them in good shape for community use and to protect native plants and animals.
Project applications will be assessed on criteria including social, economic, cultural or environmental benefits, including supporting public access, amenity and use of reserves, social cohesion, participation in community life, conserving heritage or natural values, creating employment or business opportunities, and enabling Aboriginal people to manage and care for land.
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Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund plays a vital role by maintaining and upgrading public reserves for the benefit of local communities right across our state.
“We are very grateful to the dedicated volunteers, community groups and local councils who help manage reserves and I strongly encourage them to apply for CRIF grants to support their great work.”
