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The Hon. HENRY TSANG: My question is for the Minister for Lands. What is the Government doing to improve the Crown reserve system in New South Wales?
The Hon. TONY KELLY: As part of its plan for New South Wales's future, the Iemma Government is committed to improving sporting, recreational and tourist facilities on Crown lands for public use and enjoyment. A key objective of the State Plan was the aim to get more people using parks, sporting and recreational facilities. Part of this strategy is to deliver funding to ensure Crown reserves are maintained and improved for the public.
I am pleased to inform the House that the Iemma Government has provided $12.3 million this year to assist a variety of Crown reserves across New South Wales. Funding for the upkeep of these reserves is made available through the Public Reserves Management Fund. The funds are used for a range of purposes, including upgrading walking tracks, building new recreational amenities or accommodation, buying equipment and general maintenance.
Crown land reserves are a wonderful resource for the people of New South Wales. The Crown reserve system in New South Wales is an integral part of our way of life. From public reserves and caravan parks, to community halls and beaches, they provide the facilities, recreational opportunities, and the open space that many of us simply take for granted. Some of the highlights of this year's Public Reserves Management Fund budget include: $5.6 million for caravan park improvements; $4.3 million for improvements to State parks and iconic Crown reserves, to be allocated over four years; 1.25 million for reserves, local parks and walking tracks; and $502,000 for showground maintenance and improvements.
The Iemma Government focuses much of the grant money to our community reserve trusts, many of which are managed by volunteers. The Crown reserve system is greatly indebted to the tireless effort and dedication of over 3,500 volunteers managing some 769 reserves across the State. We are indeed very grateful to those who selflessly give up much of their time to perform this valuable community work—many of them for many, many years. The Iemma Government is backing their efforts with the support and funding they need to get on-ground works and improvements to the reserves under their control. In addition to the volunteers, the Iemma Government is working with councils across the State to improve high profile reserves such as the State's minor ports. This strategic, co-operative approach by the Iemma Government is also seen in recent initiatives to establish a number of regional Crown reserves in areas including Coffs Harbour, Shoalhaven, Albury, Port Stephens and the Tweed.
As part of its 10-year plan for the State, the Iemma Government continues to invest in our Crown reserve system. From supporting our volunteer trusts, to working with local councils, the Government is ensuring that the funding and resources are there to help improve and maintain our reserves across the State. Over the past decade millions of dollars have been directed to our trusts to get important on-ground works completed on Crown reserves. That has delivered a range of better facilities—from restored community halls and better kitchen facilities, to children's playgrounds and grandstands. The Iemma Government wants to build on that and continue to work with the community in maintaining and improving reserves. The greatest threat to that is the Opposition. With the Peter meter clicking over $25 billion, and counting, programs like the Public Reserves Management Fund would be stripped and diverted to pay for the Coalition's costly promises, if ever it came to office.