Newcastle region reserves secure over $1.4 million

Media release | 11 February 2021

Crown land reserves across the Newcastle area have secured more than $1.4 million in funding for a range of local improvement projects and community facilities.

Member of the Legislative Council, Taylor Martin, said the funding is being provided by the NSW Government under its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

“In total, $1,478,109 has been secured for regional projects this year under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund program to maintain and upgrade local reserves as well as facilities located on them,” Mr Martin said.

“This funding will see infrastructure upgrades to buildings, security enhancements as well as maintenance of reserves through noxious weed and pest control.”

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government is providing $51.7 million from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund this year to support 705 maintenance and upgrade projects on Crown reserves across the State.

“This year’s fund has received a $40 million boost to support communities that have been impacted by bushfires and COVID-19, to fund infrastructure improvements and support jobs for local trades and materials suppliers,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Protecting and enhancing Crown land reserves is essential for the well-being of communities and our environment, and to support recreation, tourism, business, and local economies.”

Newcastle area projects being funded include:

• $286,505 to construct two waterless composting toilet blocks at the Belmont Wetlands State Park to provide much needed amenities to cater for visitors to the park.
• $44,000 to repair the foundations of the Pelican Boat Base where Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie berths its rescue vessels so it can continue to support emergency services on our local waterways.
• $9,642 to control weeds in the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area under the management of Crown Lands.
• $157,769 for improvements to the Kirinari Hostel in Garden Suburb including repairing and replacing damaged guttering and downpipes, and constructing retaining walls as well as pathways to improve access.
• $63,360 to control weeds at Flaggy Creek near Charlestown to reduce impacts on bank stability, support drainage and improve the catchment environment.
• $15,900 to replace the flooring in the main hall at PCYC Lake Macquarie to benefit a variety of users.
• $83,724 for the renovation of an area into a safe and functional workspace at the Delando Street Complex.
• $14,000 to repair storm damaged internal paintwork at the Lambton Mechanics Institute.
• $330,000 for the restoration of the chapel and installations of toilet amenities at Sandgate Cemetery.
• $256,600 to repair and upgrade three heritage buildings at The Lock-Up.
• $148,572 for the installation of a drainage system at the Broadmeadow Community Centre.
• $25,244 for electrical upgrades, ceiling insulation, kitchen and cladding upgrades at the Mayfield (Lambton) Girl Guides.
• $20,000 for the installation of security fencing at the Waratah Community Reserve.
• $13,806 to replace the flooring at PCYC Newcastle.
• $8,987 for the installation of rain catchment roof, guttering and water tanks at Newcastle City Archers in Waratah West.