Crown Lands

Crown Reserves Improvement Fund

Reserve Manager

 

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown reserves.

The funding aims to benefit the community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund is a self-sustaining program that is supported by income generated from interest income on loans, leases and licences on Crown land, and levies from the operation of coastal Crown caravan parks.

2024–25 Funding round outcomes

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 2024–25 offered funding for 98 projects totalling $11,183,932 to maintain and upgrade facilities and reserves on government–owned land. The funding provided will continue to benefit our community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our region.

Summary of approved project offerings for 2024–25

Recommended projects by reserve typeNumber of grantsValue of grants% Value
Local parks and reserves90$9,086,99181%
Showgrounds4$1,071,58410%
State parks4$1,025,3579%
Total successful98$11,183,932100%

Find more details of executed agreements as of 30 June 2025 in Crown Reserves Improvement fund 2024–25 Approved Accepted Projects (XLSX, 978 KB).

2024–25 Guidance documentation

Final project reports

Crown land managers must submit a final project report within 2 months of the project’s completion:

Final project reports from 2023–24 onwards are completed via SmartyGrants. Login and click on your application number under 'My Submissions' to view, enter and submit your final project report.

Submit your final project report 2023–24 onwards

If you require assistance submitting your report, contact the Funding Team on 1300 886 235 (option 5) or [email protected]

Submit your final project report prior to 2023–24

2023–24 Funding round outcomes

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 2023–24 offered funding for 144 projects totalling $14.578 million to maintain and upgrade facilities and reserves on Government-owned land. The funding provided will continue to benefit our community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our region.

Summary of approved project offerings for 2023–24

Recommended projects by reserve typeNumber of grantsValue of grants% Value
Local parks and reserves127$11,837,72081%
Showgrounds6$1,807,66112%
Commons7$698,6555%
State parks4$233,6692%
Total successful144$14,577,705100%

Find more details of executed agreements as of 30 June 2024 in Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 2023-24 Approved Accepted Projects (XLSX, 681 KB).

2022–23 Funding round outcomes

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 2022–23 offered funding for 267 projects totalling $17.947 million to maintain and upgrade facilities and reserves on Government-owned land. The funding provided will continue to benefit our community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our region.

Summary of approved project offerings for 2022–23

Reserve typeNumber of projectsProject value
Caravan parks2$631,419
Commons7$238,120
Local parks and reserves210$10,549,062
Showgrounds45$5,853,964
State parks3$674,883
Total successful267$17,947,447

Find more details of executed agreements as of 1 March 2023 in Crown Reserves Improvement Fund FY2022-23 Outcomes as of 19 Jun 2023 (XLSX, 660 KB).

Price increases affecting projects

The Department is aware that the current environment of global material shortages and price increases is affecting some Crown land manager's ability to complete Crown Reserves Improvement Fund projects.

Depending on the size and nature of your Crown Reserves Improvement Fund project, here are some options for you to consider:

  • De-scoping the project, removing elements that will not alter the fundamental amenity of the project.
  • Phasing the project over multiple years and applying for more funding to complete the project in the future.
  • Seeking alternative top-up funding from another grant program.
  • Running community fundraising events and/or crowd funding.
  • Seeking cash or in-kind support from local councils.

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