The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has launched a community consultation program on the management of the State’s Crown land.
In a first for NSW, the Department has produced a draft State Strategic Plan for the Crown land and released it for public comment
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said there were over 34 million hectares of Crown land in NSW, covering 42 per cent of the State.
“Crown land is community land,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This draft strategic plan aims to make more Crown land available for activities that generate economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits,” she said.
“For example, one proposal is to work with local Councils and other land managers in urban areas to publish maps identifying Crown land that can provide more opportunities for shared accessible green and open public space.
Mrs Pavey said Crown land leases could support farming, grazing and long-term affordable lease accommodation as well as assisting community organisations like surf lifesaving clubs, showgrounds, the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Police Citizens Youth Clubs, scout and girl guide halls, and men’s sheds.
She said the four key points of the plan were enabling jobs growth and sustainable economic progress; expanding green space, sustainable quality of life and climate change resilience; strengthening and supporting evolving community connections; and working with Aboriginal communities to realise the potential of their land rights.
DPIE’s 71-page draft State Strategic Plan, as well as information on how to lodge a comment, can be accessed at this PS News link.
