Draft plan sets out future for Candelo Common

The Candelo community is invited to help shape the future of Candelo Common, with the draft Common Management Plan now open for public feedback.

Commons are a distinctive form of Crown land, created for use by registered local residents. Historically, they provided land for people living in towns to graze household animals, like a milking cow or a horse used to pull a carriage.

As the needs of communities have changed, commons have evolved to support other uses including recreation and environmental protection. The 76.38-hectare Candelo Common in the Bega Valley is now getting its first Common Management Plan, which will guide how the common is used and managed.

The draft plan covers grazing, conservation, recreation, bushfire management, weeds, maintenance and community purposes.  

The draft plan will be on public exhibition from 9 am Thursday 5 November 2026 to 5 pm Wednesday 2 December 2026 (AEDT).

Locals can learn more at a community information session at Candelo Town Hall on Thursday 12 November, with welcome and registration from 4 pm, followed by an information session from 4.30 pm to 6 pm.

The meeting will explain the draft plan, answer questions and outline how to make a submission. Feedback received during the exhibition will help inform the plan.

To make a submission visit Draft Common Management Plan for Candelo Common.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

"Commons are a fascinating part of the story of Crown land in NSW, created around the needs of local communities and able to evolve as those needs change.

"What might once have provided somewhere for local people to graze animals can today bring together grazing, recreation, conservation and other community needs.

"Candelo Common is a great example of why planning for these places' matters. There are different uses and values to balance, and the Common Management Plan provides a framework for doing that.

"This is the community's opportunity to look at what is proposed for Candelo Common and help inform the plan that will guide its future."