Some of the state’s most significant public assets will be transformed into iconic tourism destinations under a historic agreement with Destination NSW and Crown Lands.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed today by the Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres to transform Crown reserves, some of the State’s most iconic and beautiful public spaces, into tourism hubs.
The agreement marks the launch of NSW’s first ever State Strategic Plan for Crown Land to activate Crown land to grow tourism, support community groups, boost regional economies, advance Aboriginal interests, provide more green open space, and protect the environment.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said there are around 34 million hectares of Crown Land in NSW covering 42 per cent of the State, and the 10 year Crown land 2031 strategy will ensure the land is put to its best use to benefit communities.
“Crown land is community land, we want our communities to unlock its full potential to support not only the local economy, but also its heritage and cultural opportunities, while keeping it in public ownership,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Crown land supports showgrounds, racecourses, public marine assets, and organisations like our surf lifesaving clubs, scout and girl guide halls, men’s sheds, and the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Police Citizens Youth Clubs.
“The plan focuses on using Crown land to bring communities together through its use by local government, community and not-for-profit organisations.”
Crown land 2031 is an important step as it provides a strategy to manage Crown land better than ever.
Through better access to quality green, open, public space to urban pocket parks to regional bushland, Crown land can support quality of life, attract visitors and provide habitats for wildlife.
The NSW Government also partner with Aboriginal groups to advance Indigenous interests through land rights and native title and to protect sensitive cultural and environmental sites.
Action Plans will be developed to implement Crown land 2031 to diversify the use of Crown land and expand its public value right across NSW.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said today’s agreement provides a great opportunity to harness the wonderful attractions that reside within crown lands.
“People know just how lucky we are to live in NSW, from the city, the coast, to western parts of the state – each community is vastly different, with its own unique characteristics,” Mr Ayres said.
“The plan will encourage the use of Crown land to facilitate investment and business, jobs and economic growth.”
Member for Myall Lakes said it was great to have the launch of the State Strategic Plan here in Forster, it is a fantastic day for his community. The State Strategic Plan will create jobs and more tourism opportunities within Myall Lakes.
“Crown Lands are multiuse hubs which bring community groups together. I am excited to see how this will grow and provide opportunities to our Crown Land and bring an extra economic boost to our region,” Mr Bromhead said.
