$13.5 Million Fund Opens for Community Crown Land Upgrades
Funding boost aims to strengthen treasured community spaces.
Community organisations, councils and Crown reserve managers across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys are being encouraged to apply for a share of up to $13.5 million through the NSW Government’s 2026–27 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, with applications now officially open.
State Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said the annual funding program provides significant support to improve and maintain community facilities located on Crown land, helping preserve important public assets for future generations.
Mr Williamson said many of the region’s most valued facilities, including public halls, showgrounds, parks, sporting grounds and recreational reserves, are situated on Crown land and play an essential role in the daily life of local communities.
“These facilities bring communities together, support local events, recreation, tourism and contribute significantly to community wellbeing,” Mr Williamson said.
He encouraged eligible Crown land managers, councils, showground trusts, community organisations and reserve managers to consider applying for funding to enhance local infrastructure.
The 2026–27 program features two funding streams designed to support a broad range of projects.
The General Projects Stream offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million for projects delivering significant community benefits. Funding can be used to upgrade or improve community facilities, helping ensure they remain safe, functional and accessible for years to come.
A second funding stream provides grants of up to $200,000 to assist reserve managers in meeting their biosecurity responsibilities through pest and weed management initiatives. These projects are designed to protect the environmental health of Crown land while reducing the spread of invasive species.
Mr Williamson said previous funding rounds had delivered substantial improvements to community assets throughout both the Clarence and Richmond Valleys.
“Over the years we have seen funding support important upgrades to local showgrounds, public halls, parks, reserves and community facilities right across our region,” he said.
“These projects not only improve local infrastructure but help ensure these important community assets remain available for future generations to enjoy.”
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund has become an important source of financial assistance for regional communities, enabling volunteer organisations and local reserve managers to undertake projects that may otherwise be beyond their financial capacity.
Applications for the 2026–27 funding round close at 5pm on Friday, 24 July 2026. Eligible applicants can access program guidelines, eligibility requirements and application forms through the NSW Crown Lands website.
