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
The 2024–25 funding round will offer around $10 million in grants to the highest priority projects. We give priority to those applications that best address the assessment criteria and meet all eligibility criteria, as detailed in the guidelines link below. There will be no loans offered in this year’s funding round.
Though the 2024–25 annual funding round is for general, pest and weed projects, please note that this year’s general project grant round is targeting highly used reserves with projects that will have a significant community impact.
This funding round is now closed for assessment.
We will announce successful applicants in May 2025.
Key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday 21 October 2024 | Applications open 9 am |
| Friday 22 November 2024 | Applications close 4:59 pm AEST |
| November 2024 to April 2025 | Eligibility, assessment and approval process |
| May 2025 | Announcement of successful projects |
| May 2025 to June 2025 | Outcome advice sent out with funding deeds. Grant acceptances and payment processing |
2024–25 Guidance documentation
- The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Guidelines (PDF, 567 KB) outline the application process and the program objectives. It is essential that you read the guidelines before applying an application.
- Refer to the frequently asked questions (PDF, 98 KB) about this year's funding round.
- You must agree to the terms and conditions (PDF, 90 KB) of the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund before applying.
- Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the funding.
- Non-council Crown land managers (excluding commons) must have submitted their 2023–24 Annual Report to the Department by the round closing date through the Reserve Manager Portal.
- The Procurement Guidelines (PDF, 87 KB) provide information on acceptable procurement practices when spending public money.
- Acknowledgement of NSW Government funding is a condition of the funding. Refer to the NSW Government Funding Acknowledgement Guidelines to help you decide the best acknowledgement for your project.
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. |
If you require assistance submitting your report, contact the Funding Team on 1300 886 235 (option 5) or [email protected] |
2023–24 Funding round outcomes
We have now advised all successful Crown land managers and unsuccessful applicants.
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.
| Recommended projects by reserve type | Number of grants | Value of grants | % Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local parks and reserves | 127 | $11,837,720 | 81% |
| Showgrounds | 6 | $1,807,661 | 12% |
| Commons | 7 | $698,655 | 5% |
| State parks | 4 | $233,669 | 2% |
| Total successful | 144 | $14,577,705 | 100% |
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
We have now advised all successful Crown land managers and unsuccessful applicants.
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.
| Reserve type | Number of projects | Project value |
|---|---|---|
| Caravan parks | 2 | $631,419 |
| Commons | 7 | $238,120 |
| Local parks and reserves | 210 | $10,549,062 |
| Showgrounds | 45 | $5,853,964 |
| State parks | 3 | $674,883 |
| Total successful | 267 | $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.