The NSW Government is calling on the community to have their say on how to manage the State's vast Crown land assets now and into the future, with the draft State Strategic Plan released for public feedback today.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said there are over 34 million hectares of Crown land in NSW covering 42 per cent of the State, and the Government is committed to ensuring it is used to benefit local communities.
"Crown land is community land, this draft strategic plan aims to make more Crown land available for activities that generate economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits", Mrs Pavey said.
"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.
"Crown land leases can support farming, grazing and long-term affordable lease accommodation for community organisations like surf lifesaving clubs, showgrounds, the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Police Citizens Youth Clubs, scout and girl guide halls, and men's sheds."
The plan's four key priorities are:
- enabling jobs growth and sustainable economic progress in regional and rural NSW;
- expanding green space, sustainable quality of life and climate change resilience;
- strengthening and supporting evolving community connections; and
- working with Aboriginal communities to realise the potential of their land rights.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the draft State Strategic Plan is a first for the State, and will ensure the people of NSW get the greatest benefit from the Crown land reserves we have at our fingertips.
"As our towns and cities continue to grow Crown land will have an increasingly important role in providing quality public open space and active transport connections, better linking our communities together," Mr Stokes said.
The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback and participate in consultation activities from Thursday, 9 July 2020 to 20 August 2020.
The draft State Strategic Plan for Crown Lands can be viewed at www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/ssp
