The NSW Government is calling on the community to have its say on how to manage vast Crown Land assets now and into the future, with the draft State Strategic Plan released for public feedback.
Crown Land is used for a wide variety of purposes including farms, parks, reserves, national parks, roads and cemeteries, campgrounds, community halls, industrial sites, and long term affordable lease accommodation for community organisations such as surf lifesaving clubs, showgrounds, Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Police Citizens Youth Clubs, scout and girl guide halls and men’s sheds.
Minister for Water Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said that it was the first time in NSW that a strategic plan for Crown Land was being developed to take future management of these areas through to 2030.
“Crown Land is the people’s land and we want to make sure that we are using that land in the people’s best interests,” she said.
“We want to unlock the potential of this land, we want it to be vibrant and we want it to be part of our communities.
“For example, one proposal is to work with local councils and other land managers in urban areas to publish maps identifying Crown land that can provide more opportunities for shared accessible green and open public space.
“The strategic plan will focus on four key areas to enable jobs by exploring exciting new economic and commercial opportunities in rural and regional NSW, expanding green space for sustainable quality of life and climate change resilience.
“Another priority in the strategic plan is growing community connections and opportunities,” Minister Pavey said.
“Crown Land can also support sustainable farming and grazing land.
“We will also work with Aboriginal communities to realise the potential of their land rights, for example, through land transfers and empowering aboriginal groups to manage and actively develop Crown Land.
“Better use of Crown Land can also improve environmental outcomes, so this can be a win-win.
“It is important land, but we don’t want it to be stagnant, we want it to be vibrant and we want it to be part of our communities.”
Crown Land is about 42 percent of NSW, 34 million hectares, and about 85 percent of that is used for grazing, cropping, mining and renewable energy generation.
Under the Crown Land Management Act 2016, the NSW Government is required to create a State Strategic Plan for Crown Land.
Feedback on the draft State Strategic Plan for Crown Land can be provided until midnight on Thursday, August 20.
Link: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/lands/public/on-exhibition/draft-state-strategic-plan-for-crown-land
Sue Murray