CROWN
The Crown is State Parliament. Existing crown land covers the remaining part of the state which has not been sold, dedicated or permanently committed by the Crown.
Many areas of crown land are under the direct control of local councils or other public authorities.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Crown Lands Office will assist with research into land holdings, land settlements, family purposes, valuation, history of properties, centenaries etc. Copies of old maps and plans can be purchased from the department.
ASSESSMENT PLANNING PROCESS
The Process is a study to assess crown lands capability for different purposes and to form a guide to possible use of the land should specific demands arrive. The aim of the Process is to conserve natural resources in the public interest and of importance to rural Australia.
LANDSAT
The Crown Lands Office distributes photos produced by the satellite mapping and photo program. Landsat can pinpoint certain land use areas or a specific disease in crops for example, wheat.
LAND OFFICES
Land offices are the local, decentralised offices of the Department in NSW. There are 15 in the country and 7 in the Western Division.
LEASES
Applications for leases and extension of leases are lodged, processed and determined at the local Land Offices. The payment of rent can be made at these offices.
MAP PRODUCTION
The Crown Lands Office cooperates with the Central Mapping Authority (CMA) in the production of various types of maps.
PARISH MAPS
Parish maps form the basis for recording and disposing of crown lands. They can be viewed or bought at Head Office or local Land Office. See example above.
RESUMPTIONS
The Crown Lands Office has the power to resume land for crown purposes. Resumption proposals go before the Local Land Board (LLB), a semi judicial tribunal comprising a chairman and 2 local citizens. Compensation for land resumed is determined by the LLB and subject to appeal to the court.
ROAD OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
DOL administers the Public Roads Act which primarily regulates the provision of land for the opening of new roads and the closing of unwanted ones and the disposal of surplus roads. Proposals are dealt with in local Land Offices and compensation is granted to the affected owner for road openings.
SAND AND GRAVEL REMOVAL
The removal of material such as sand and gravel from crown land is usually under Permissive Occupancies or Quarry Licenses. Royalty is paid to the Crown on the volume of material removed. Land administered by the WLC is the same.
SHOWGROUNDS AND RACECOURSES
Most showgrounds and racecourses in NSW are situated on dedicated or reserved crown land under the control of council or a private trust. The trusts are usually associated with local agriculture, horticultural and pastoral societies. There is a limited allocation each year for the development of showgrounds, administered under the Showgrounds Assistance Scheme. The Department encourages multi use showgrounds for sporting activities, functions, entertainment, conventions etc.
SURVEYING
The surveying of Crown land is carried out from local Land Offices.
TRAVELLING STOCK RESERVES (TSRs)
TSRs as well as camping reserves are for the moving of stock and overnight camping. Direct control is usually by the local Pasture Protection Board which issues permits for the movement of stock. TSRs are used for relief grazing during periods of drought.
TRUSTEES
Trustees are appointed for many crown reserves. In some cases they are the local council and in others, a private trust being either an organisation or a group of locals.
WALKING TRACKS
In recent years a number of walking tracks have been established in recreational and historical areas of NSW. Some 30 tracks, some surrounding urban regions and linking historic sites have been established. Other tracks are attractive bushland and riverside settings.