The NSW Government program offers grants of $100,000 to $1 million per project.

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This year’s CRIF general grants are targeting well-patronised reserves with projects that have high community impact.

Crown reserves provide land for recreational areas and infrastructure like sports-fields, local parks, walking tracks and campgrounds.

They also provide land for community organisations and facilities such as public halls, showgrounds, racecourses, scout halls, and surf lifesaving clubs.

Eligible applicants include Crown land managers, such as local councils, community organisations, showgrounds, and other user groups that are licensed to use Crown reserves across NSW.

Grants will be made available to maintain and upgrade reserves and the facilities they offer.

Funding will also be available to manage feral pests and noxious weeds on reserves to keep them in good shape for community use and to protect native plants and animals.

Project applications will be assessed on criteria including social, economic, cultural or environmental benefits, including supporting public access, amenity and use of reserves, social cohesion, participation in community life, conserving heritage or natural values, creating employment or business opportunities, and enabling Aboriginal people to manage and care for land.

Successful applicants will be notified between May and June 2025.

Grant recipients

Bellingen Shire Council has recently been informed of its success in the 2023-4 CRIF round for its project to upgrade Mylestom tidal pool and Alma Doepel Park.

Almost a quarter of a million dollars ($246,575) is being injected into North Beach Reserve to address safety and maintenance concerns.

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, said this funding will benefit the Mylestom community by enhancing the cultural, sporting and recreational uses of this much-loved space.

“Investing in necessary improvements for the Mylestom tidal pool means our community has an asset they can be proud of and be able to use with minimal risk of injury,” he said.

“The upgrades will improve the overall structural stability and minimise trip hazards from splinters and exposed screws, while the new railings and bollards will formalise areas within the Reserve to prevent erosion and damage to vegetation through unauthorised activities.”

Bellingen Shire Council was also successful with an application for weed control and maintenance across Bellingen, Raleigh and Urunga, worth $51,833.

City of Coffs Harbour was also successful in its application for the construction of a permanent shade structure adjacent to the beach access ramp at Woolgoolga Beach reserve, worth $44,095.

By Andrea FERRARI