Crown Land Manager Newsletter – August 2025

Message from the Deputy Secretary

In my last message I acknowledged the significant challenges Crown land managers – and the agency – were facing during and after Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which was shortly followed by the east coast low and related flooding. The response and recovery efforts for both events demonstrated the benefits of collaboration and co-operation. Our shared capability in the emergency management space is maturing and will continue to be a priority for Crown Lands moving forward.

I’m pleased to announce the funding round outcomes of the 2024/25 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) have been finalised, with funding of 98 projects on Crown land totalling over $11 million.

CRIF supports a wide range of community groups and organisations that manage and maintain Crown reserves, including sporting clubs, showgrounds, community halls, local councils and other reserves like the Old Bega Hospital (pictured above), that continues to be a meeting place for a variety of community groups from across the Bega Valley.

I’m also pleased to share that the Department is sponsoring two awards at the 2025 NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards. Nominations are open until 10 September, and I encourage land managers to consider nominating for the Crown Land Management Excellence Award. This award category recognises a volunteer land manager board that has demonstrated outstanding service by improving a Crown reserve for their community, read on to find out more.

As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment and support.

Melanie Hawyes
Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands and Public Spaces

CRIF 2024–2025 funding round outcomes

The 2024–25 CRIF offered funding for 98 projects across NSW, totalling $11,183,932, to maintain reserves and upgrade facilities on Crown land. The funding will continue to benefit communities, boost the local economy and contribute to the cultural and recreational life of the people in NSW.

Summary of approved project offerings by Reserve Type for 2024-25.

For more information on CRIF, including executed agreements and projects, visit Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Nominations open for Community Achievement Awards

We are sponsoring two Crown land management award categories at the 2025 NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards (CAA).

Nominations for the Crown Land Management Excellence Award category are now open to Statutory Land Managers. This Award recognises a volunteer Crown land manager board that has demonstrated outstanding service by improving a Crown reserve over the past 18 months for the benefit of their community.

Nominations are open until 10 September, with finalists announced in October and winners announced on 29 November at the CAA gala presentation event in Sydney.

For more information on the awards criteria and to nominate someone, visit Awards Australia.

Crown land at Pilot Hill handed over to Yaegl People

Last month, the Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (pictured above) were officially appointed as Crown land manager of the 6.6 hectare Pilot Hill reserve in Yamba. The appointment marks a significant step forward in supporting the local Aboriginal community’s aspirations for this culturally significant area.

As land managers, the corporation can strengthen cultural, social and economic outcomes for the community, including using one of two historic cottages as a base for its land management and for training and education about Yaegl country. The corporation will continue holiday letting for the second cottage and explore other cultural tourism opportunities.

Annual Fire Safety Statements

Crown land managers (CLMs) may be required to prepare and submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS), if contacted by their local council. AFSS are only required where buildings require essential fire safety measures, e.g., public buildings, childcare centres, aged care centres, buildings for commercial use.

Under section 89(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021, the owner of a building to which an essential fire safety measure applies, must provide the council with an AFSS annually. This requirement applies to CLMs managing buildings on Crown land.

If you don’t meet the deadline in section 89(2), it’s an offence under section 89(3) of the same regulation. Lindsay Taylor Lawyers have recently published advice, clarifying to councils that Crown land is no longer exempt from prosecution for failing to submit an AFSS.

If your council contacts you regarding fire safety compliance, submit your AFSS promptly. This is a legal requirement and a critical measure to ensure public safety. Your council will be able to assist you in explaining the purpose and process for AFSS.

Farewell to Crown lands regional staff

Maurice Cenzato recently retired after nearly 30 years with Crown Lands, based in the Dubbo office. Maurice was a Senior Property Management Officer and played a huge role in many projects during his time and had extensive historic knowledge of Crown land across the Far West region.

Michelle Read also retired in July after almost 20 years with Crown Lands based in the Tamworth office. Michelle was a Group Leader and a cornerstone of our Land & Asset Management team in the North West.

Many CLMs located in the Far West and North West regions may have crossed paths with Maurice and Michelle over the years. We thank them both for their contribution over their many years with Crown Lands and for providing support to land managers and communities in regional NSW.

Reserve manager website brings new design features

In late May 2025, the Reserve Manager website was enhanced and merged with the Crown Lands corporate website.

You can now enjoy more streamlined content, improved navigation, and a mobile-friendly experience.

Remember to update your browser favourites, as redirects on the old website will expire.

Educational resources

• Understanding Crown Reserve Assets: 3 videos on asset management on Crown land including: identifying built, natural and cultural assets and the steps to develop and maintain an asset register.
• Introduction to insurance: information on the types of insurance CLMs must maintain over the reserves they manage.
• Understanding Native Title: offers a unique perspective on native title viewed through a window onto the pre-colonial and post-colonial Australian landscape

Professional development

The Centre for Volunteering (The Centre) is a not-for-profit organisation with over 50 years’ experience providing leadership on volunteering in NSW.

The Centre offers professional development opportunities for volunteer organisations such as Crown land manager boards. A free webinar is recommended: Becoming an Inclusive Volunteer Involving Organisation available on 3 September, 1 October and 5 November, 12 pm to 1 pm.

Contact

If you have any questions, feedback or stories to share, including photos of recent community events on Crown reserves, email [email protected]