Residents of Warrumbungle Shire Council are being called on for community feedback of its Draft Crown Reserves Generic Plan of Management following changes to The Crown Lands Management Act.

 All NSW Councils have now been handed the care and control of physical management and maintenance of Crown Reserves, which includes the responsibility to categorise and prepare Plans of Management for their current and future uses.

With the abolishment of the previous Reserve Trusts, The Crown Land Management Act 2016 has made important changes which will see individual councils manage certain Crown Reserves directly.

Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish.

“This draft Crown Reserves Generic Plan of Management consolidates the management of multiple Crown Reserves into a single, accessible document,” according to Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish.

“These Reserves are now classified as community land under the Local Government Act 1993 and include areas dedicated for community and public purposes right across our Shire.”

Binnaway Len Guy Park - Image courtesy Warrumbungle Shire Council

Council has placed its Draft Crown Reserves Generic Plan of Management on public exhibition to allow the community to view, read, understand and provide feedback on the plan, following the Minister’s consent and approval by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to do so. 

“Engaging with our community is vital in shaping how we manage our shared spaces,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish.

“The Draft Crown Reserves Generic Plan of Management represents a significant step in our transition to more effective management of Crown lands. We encourage all residents to review the plan and provide their feedback.”

The areas of Coolah, Coonabarabran, Leadville, Dunedoo, Baradine, Neilrex, Merrygoen, Mendooran, Ulamambri and Greenbah have all been taken into account and objectives put in place.

Nicole Benson Director Technical Services Warrumbungle Shire Council.

The Plan was adopted by Council at their meeting on Thursday and will be placed on the website, according to Nicole Benson Director Technical Services Warrumbungle Shire Council. 

"Council has not yet identified which projects will be undertaken as a priority. Works identified within the PoM will compete against other projects within Council’s Delivery Program and subsequent Operational Plans for resources. Other sources of funds include developer contributions and/or grant funding and these will be sought where applicable," said Ms Benson.

Coonabarabran - Image courtesy Visit NSW

“Warrumbungle Shire has 56 Crown reserves in this Plan under its care as Crown Land Manager. This is in addition to Council-owned parcels of community land which Council manages on behalf of the community,” according to the Planning document.

Residents are able to submit written feedback via the “Have Your Say” tab on Council’s website. The Council is committed to transparency and welcomes all voices in this crucial planning process. https://www.warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au/