Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced over $770,000 in funding to improve Crown Land reserves and community facilities in the Cootamundra electorate.

Ms Cooke said the funding, being provided under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF), will be a great asset to each community involved in this round.

“Crown reserves play an important role in business, tourism, recreation, well-being, and the biodiversity of the state,” Ms Cooke said.

“Crown reserves provide land for recreation, community organisations and facilities, and protect our environment including habitat for native plants and animals.

“I know how important the improvement and upkeep of these areas is for our communities, which is why I’m thrilled to have secured this funding for five projects across the electorate for everything from weed control to facility upgrades,” she said.

Ms Cooke said maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves means residents have access to quality spaces for sports, fitness, and recreation.

“These projects will contribute to the cultural, sporting, and recreational life of our communities with the potential to provide stimulus to local economies and jobs creation,” Ms Cooke said.

Crown Lands projects in the Cootamundra electorate receiving funding include:

•    $651,550 towards the redevelopment of Taylor Park in Grenfell.
•    $52,658 for the control of invasive weeds in the Narrandera Shire.
•    $40,987 for security upgrades at the Narrandera Racecourse.
•    $24,105 for the control of invasive weeds in the Junee Shire.
•    $4,000 for electrical upgrades at the Bendick Murrell Recreation Reserve.