Crown land 2031 State Strategic Plan (PDF, 3.7 MB) vision for NSW is that our community has high aspirations to protect environmental assets, improve and expand green space, and build resilience to climate change. Our remediation projects aim to restore and rehabilitate degraded or damaged Crown land sites, addressing contamination and restoring natural built and structural features to make them suitable for community use and enjoyment.
Current projects
During the 2022-23 financial year, Crown Lands checked the condition of sites they manage directly. Sixty of these sites were found to be in poor or very poor condition.
This project aims to open opportunities for future community use of Crown land. By clearing these sites, we can create spaces that can be repurposed for various community projects, potentially boosting local economies and creating green spaces that help both the environment and the community.
Summary
- Location: Various sites across NSW, including Awaba, Bunnan, Coonabarabran, Salisbury, Maryvale, Windeyer, and Gunnedah.
- Project investment: $830,000 excl. GST
- Dates: Late 2024 to June 2025
- Times of work: Weekdays 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Traffic and pedestrian changes
- Noise levels: High at times
What we will be doing
From late 2024 you may notice us:
- Conducting environmental and risk material inspections and surveys
- Safely disconnecting and capping all services connected to the structures
- Demolishing and removing unsafe structures, improving the streetscape, and making areas safer and more pleasing to look at
- After demolition, leveling the sites and adding 10mm topsoil/fill to support natural regrowth.
Individual site information:
- Site: 2 Adelaide Street, Awaba, NSW 2283
- Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including the access ramp and railings, the covered concrete area, retaining walls, footpaths, and concrete stairs.
- Site: 12 High Street, Bunnan, NSW 2337
- Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including all footings and slabs, outdoor undercover area, water tank and water tank stand, septic tank, and all other structures/items found on site.
- Site: 1 Dawson Street, Coonabarabran, NSW 2357
- Action: We will remove the concrete block structure located at the rear of the property, ensuring the site is cleared and safe.
- Site: 2237 Salisbury Road, Salisbury
- Action: We will remove the existing main structure, 5 outbuildings, and associated structures. This includes concrete slabs, water tanks, and footpaths. We will also remove timber fencing at the front and right of the property.
- Site: 79 Twiggs Road, Maryvale
- Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including the concrete footpath. The works do not include the Rural Fire Service (RFS) building, storage shed, tank at the rear of the site, or the reserve fencing.
- Site: 136 Clarkes Creek Road, Windeyer
- Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including water tanks and stands.
- Site: 117 – 133 Hunts Road, Gunnedah
- Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including tank bases and slabs.
What you can expect
- Opportunities for future community use of Crown land
- Prevention of illegal access and occupation of the sites
- Creation of green spaces that help both the environment and the community.
Keeping up to date with our work
We will update this page as the project progresses.
To speak to an officer
Visit the Contact us page and quote "7 Crown land sites demolition and rehabilitation".
Summary
- Location: Old Ferry Road, Illawong
- Dates: mid-2024 to early 2026
- Times of work: Weekdays 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Traffic and pedestrian changes: Will remain closed until remediation completed.
What we will be doing
From mid-2024 you may notice:
- Demolition (completed)
- We have completed the demolition of 5 unsafe structures from Crown land, including clearing hazardous materials, old vehicles and overgrown weeds.
- Rehabilitation (mid-2025 to early 2026):
- Comprehensive site recovery to make the area safe and ready for everyone to enjoy.
What you can expect
- Access to the area will be impacted until hazardous materials, including asbestos, have been removed. Please do not enter the site.
- Long-term plan is for the community to benefit from a revitalised Georges River foreshore to enjoy a more scenic and functional riverfront, ideal for relaxation and activities. The remediation works will also improve the condition of Georges River National Park.
Keeping up to date with our work
We will update this page as the project progresses.
To speak to an officer
Visit the contact us page and quote "Illawong Cottages Removal" for any inquiries or further information.
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Summary
- Location: Moonee Beach
- Project investment: $125,000 excluding GST
- Dates: April 2024 to March 2025
What we will be doing
- We have submitted a Development Application (DA) to Coffs Harbour Council to demolish the Moonee Beach Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge is old and unsafe because its piers are eroded and damaged by worms. Engineers have checked it and said it can't be repaired.
- We are working with the Local Aboriginal Land Council, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and Coffs Harbour City Council to make sure the area is safe and to plan for future pedestrian access. Most of the bridge is over Crown waterway, with small parts managed by Crown reserve and the nearby National Park.
- We are also discussing plans for a new pedestrian bridge, but this will depend on funding and development consent.
What you can expect
- No walking or climbing on the bridge. The existing bridge will remain closed for the safety of the community.
- No crossing the sand bar at Moonee Creek and Sugar Mill Creek as it is dangerous and there is risk of oyster cuts and potential drowning. The area also has Aboriginal middens, ancient shell deposits, that hold great value to the local Indigenous community which could be impacted by indiscriminate crossing of the waterway.
- Use of the alternate route to the reserve including the Rutile Trail, Sapphire Beach to access Green Bluff and Moonee Beach Nature Reserve.
Keeping up to date with our work
We will update this page as the project progresses.
To speak to an officer:
Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Moonee Beach Pedestrian Bridge project.
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The Wee Jasper Dip Caves include 5 parallel and interconnected caves with multiple entrances. The main walk-in entrance is geologically unstable, and tests have confirmed the presence of asbestos contamination.
Geological instability of the main entrance increases the risk of rock fall and landslips which could result in injury or death. Breathing asbestos fibres increases the risk of serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Keep yourself safe and do not use the main entrance leading into the Dip Caves.
Summary
- Location: Wee Jasper Reserves, Wee Jasper
- Dates: ongoing
- Pedestrian changes: no entry to the site as there are safety risks
What we will be doing
- Assessing options that could safely permit the reopening of the main entrance to the Dip Caves for a range of users and interest groups.
- Engaging with the community, stakeholders, and interest groups to support decision-making.
- Considering remedial strategies that are sensitive to the requirements of the vulnerable Bent-winged Bat population and address public safety needs.
- Undertaking further studies to inform any proposed works to stabilise the main entrance and / or remove contamination.
- Implementing remedial works as required.
What you can expect
- Temporary fencing has been installed to restrict access to this site. The main walk-in entrance to the Dip Caves remains closed.
- Temporary fencing at other entrances is to prevent accidental falls into the caves. These access points are not currently closed to the public.
- Fencing measures will remain in place until further investigations can be completed. This is for the safety of our crew, users, and pedestrians.
Keeping up to date with our work
We will update this page as the project progresses.
To speak to an officer
Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Wee Jasper Dip Caves remediation project.
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Completed projects
Summary
- Location: Spring Hill, Wollongong, NSW
- Project investment: $170,000 excluding GST
- Dates: May 2024 to July 2024
What was done
- Demolished existing structures.
- Recycled salvageable items, such as scrap metal.
- Disposed of non-recyclable waste at an authorised landfill.
What was gained
- Reduced the risk of public harm through injury and remediated the site to its original natural state.
- Improved visual attractiveness of the area.
To speak to an officer:
Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Spring Hill Crown land clean-up project.
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In February 2021, the NSW Government launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign to lease, restore, and reactivate 4 cabins at Atherton Drive, Urunga.
The EOI process was aimed at testing the market’s interest in rehabilitating and repurposing the cabins under a lease arrangement to improve visitor amenity and activate the Atherton Drive foreshore recreation area. The EOI closed on 23 April 2021.
After consideration of all submissions, none were found to meet the evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria included economic viability, contribution to visitor amenity, and the proposed planning approval pathway. All applicants have been advised of the outcome.
Summary
- Location: Atherton Drive, Urunga
- Project investment: $340,000 excluding GST
- Dates: November 2023 to June 2024
What was done
- Demolished several structurally unstable cabins along the Kalang River foreshore due to risks of asbestos, other hazardous materials, and concerns of arson, squatting, and anti-social behaviour.
- Removed all demolished materials and waste and conducted tests for any remaining environmental contaminants.
- Remediated the soil and replaced the top layer with new clean fill to ensure the area is safe for future use.
What was gained
- The removal of the cabins provided enhanced public access to the Kalang riverfront, improving access and visual appeal for recreation, including picnicking, sightseeing, and fishing for the local community and visitors to the neighbouring golf course and holiday park.
- The removal had no impact on the 3 currently tenanted cabins. These tenants, holding licences with Crown Lands, continued to use the cabins, which are non-transferable.
- Implemented all safety precautions in the demolition process for contractors, the community, and the environment. Ensured restricted access to the sites due to safety and health risks.
To speak to an officer:
Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Atherton Drive cabins demolition project.
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Summary
- Location: Crown Reserve off Crawford St at Bulahdelah
- Project investment: $50,000
- Dates: December 2023 to June 2024
What was done
- Installed warning signs and padlocks to ensure the safety of the community.
- Removed flood-damaged fencing and completed general site upkeep, including clearing debris and trimming vegetation.
What was gained
- Prohibited access to the former houseboat wharf, which was in disrepair and unsafe.
- Investigated planning pathways for the removal of the damaged wharf and stabilisation of the bank.
To speak to an officer:
Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Bulahdelah Wharf Risk Management.
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Crown land reserved for regeneration is located west of Cobar and was previously a Council waste facility for over 100 years.
The site is approximately 6,350 hectares in size and is actively used by the community as part of the reserve network surrounding Cobar.
Summary
- Investment: $429,919 including GST
- Project timeframe: March 2023 to October 2023
- Location: Kaloogleguy Reserve, Barrier Highway, Cobar
What was done
- Installation of a perimeter fence, gate, and signs around a section of Kaloogleguy Reserve as part of a staged plan to clean up asbestos contamination on the site.
- Vegetation cleared along the surveyed fencing line.
- Installation of 8 kilometres of 6-strand agricultural fence along the surveyed alignment.
- Installation of warning signage along the fence line as required by EPA (Environmental Protection Authority).
- Installation of 19 gates on existing tracks for fire management access.
What was gained
- Eliminated safety risks as fencing excludes the public from accessing the affected parts of the reserve.
- Enabled access for fire management activities.
To speak to an officer
Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Fencing at Kaloogleguy Reserve project.
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