9 April, 2019

This year Crown Lands will strengthen support to Crown land managers (CLMs) with the launch of a Reserve Manager’s Portal, a dedicated CLM website and an interactive induction program.

We will be undertaking information sessions during the latter half of 2019 across NSW to showcase these online tools, as well cover other topics to support CLMs, to build on the sessions held in late 2018. A showground forum is also planned for late 2019.

In this edition we:

• Chat to members of the Moonbi Recreation Reserve Hall on the Lachlan River about some creative fundraising tips
• Profile Daryl Lawrence, Group Leader Property Management at Orange
• Provide some information on handling difficult board members and managing conflicts of interest.

Extension of transition period for corporate reserve trust

In recognition of the complexity of change, the period for corporations to operate as managers of transitional reserve trusts under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 has been extended for a further twelve-month period through a new regulation.  This means that, for corporations only, the transitional reserve trust layer will stay in place until 1 July 2020. This extension will ease the time pressure for corporations, ensuring sustainable and compliant operational arrangements are in place.

It is important to note that this change only relates to the business and operational arrangements for corporate Crown land managers. From 1 July 2018 Crown land managers have been operating reserves in accordance with the new Act. The extension of the transition period for corporate entities does not impact this requirement.

The extension does not apply to councils, with council transitional reserve trusts to be abolished on 1 July 2019 as previously notified.

Crown Reserves in facts and figures

Ever wondered how many Crown reserves are similar to yours?

From surf clubs to racecourses, Crown reserves are a diverse range of assets across NSW. Below is an overview of the main types of Crown reserves.

New interactive online induction program coming soon

A new CLM induction program is being developed to welcome new board members and provide essential information to assist in this important role.

The new interactive 30-minute induction program provides an overview of CLM role and responsibilities, expected standards of behaviour and ways to stay connected and informed.

All recommended board members will be required to complete the CLM induction program prior to their appointment being finalised. This requirement also applies to reappointed members if more than five years has lapsed since you last completed the induction.

The new program will be available on the Reserve manager website.

Managing conflicts of interest

A conflict of interest can cause tension within a board.

CLMs should not participate in activities that involve a conflict of interest between their personal interests and their duties and obligations to the Crown reserve.

All individuals in undertaking their duties have a responsibility to:

• recognise when a private or professional interest may improperly influence or appear to influence the performance of official duties and responsibilities
• recognise that potential conflicts of interest can arise every day and it is important to deal with them appropriately and in a timely manner
• declare to the board/executive if there is a potential or actual conflict of interest when conducting Crown reserve business, and note that a conflict has been identified in the meeting minutes or record in the administrative records
• avoid receiving or offering any gift, gratuity or hospitality relating to duties associated with the Crown reserve, as this could be perceived to influence decisions or actions. It is reasonable to accept items or activities of small value, for example, an invitation to a morning tea or receiving flowers.

For more information on managing conflicts of interest

Moonbi Recreation Reserve Hall — the centre of a small community

Situated between Condobolin and Forbes in Central West NSW, Moonbi Recreation Reserve Hall is the only meeting place for the small number of farming people in the area and the main venue for all manner of community functions, from birthday parties through to RFS demonstrations. And, for the past 60 years, it has been the Santa for generations. Read more.

Meet Daryl Lawrence, Group Leader Property Management

Based in Orange in the Central West, Daryl and his team of five look after all things relating to Crown land in the area. Their main activities include support for CLMs, leases and licences, road closures/access and development proposals. Daryl says, 'We help a lot of CLMs with advice on managing their reserves or granting licences for events, as well as their applications for funding ...'. Read more.

Dealing with challenging board members

Being a member of a CLM board can be a very rewarding experience. However, there may be times that some CLMs experience difficult situations with a board member, and resolving these matters can seem daunting.

There is a wealth of information online to guide CLMs on what to do in these circumstances. One example is an article on ourcommunity.com.au — it covers the typical case study types and offers short term treatment solutions.

Department staff can also provide assistance in dealing with conflict resolution. Contact us.

Share your stories

Sharing stories is a great way to learn from each other and recognise the hard work and dedication of reserve managers. If you would like to share your story, contact us.