Minister for Lands and Water, Niall Blair, has today released the NSW Government’s response to the public submissions to the Crown Lands White Paper – a major milestone to better manage the state’s Crown Land.
“We are determined to see local decisions are made over local land – and to make sure Crown Lands are managed and protected so they can continue to be the back bone of many of our regional communities, and to provide valued facilities in our towns and cities,” Mr Blair said.
“This reform is about local communities – that’s why the Government’s response has relied heavily on this important feedback – to pave the way to see this reform become legislation in 2016.
“Let’s not forget that Crown Lands are our showgrounds, our racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs and halls – the very heart of our communities – it’s important these vital assets are managed well to build for the future of our communities.”
As part of this reform process four councils have developed and tested a new process to better manage local land.
Corowa Shire, Tamworth Regional, Tweed Shire and Warringah councils took part and used key criteria and principles for identifying local land and a proposed model for local land transfers.
“This pilot was a huge success and will pave the way for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make sure our local communities are making the decisions about how our local land is used and managed, Mr Blair said.
626 submissions were to the White Paper and will be used to develop the new Crown lands legislation.
The new legislation will see eight acts simplified into one single Act.
The Government’s response is available at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au.
