Clarence and Richmond Valley community groups that use Crown land should consider putting their hat in the ring for a share of $16 million in a newly opened round of grants for repairs, maintenance and improvements on state-owned reserves.

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson said the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides funding to look after and improve community, recreational and tourism facilities on publicly owned property.

“Typical beneficiaries include public halls, showgrounds (including freehold), parks and reserves, commons and other Crown reserves,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s really important these community assets are maintained as they are both social and economic focal points for everyone whether it be attending meetings or going to social activities like the local show or sporting game.

“Thanks for the former Coalition Government, several projects were completed through the Fund including upgrades to Casino, Grafton and Maclean showgrounds, the Casino Community Men’s Shed, Glenreagh Recreation Reserve, Copmanhurst, Lawrence, Bentley and Ellangowan public halls, Hawthorne Park in South Grafton along with many more public reserves across the Richmond and Clarence valleys.”

Grant applications are open to Crown land managers including local councils, community organisations and user groups that are licensed to use Crown reserves, as well as commons and showgrounds on freehold land.

Applications close on Friday, 17 November. For more information visit www.reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au.