Grants for Gilgandra and Lightning Ridge

6th July 2026

Four local projects worth nearly $800,000 will go ahead following successful applications for state government grants, according to the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.
The funding is from the 2025-26 annual round of the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, which is dedicated to improving Crown land across the state. This year’s grant recipients in Barwon include:
Community facilities and upgrades
• $493,350 to upgrade the Hunter Park Precinct in Gilgandra, including accessible pathways, landscaping and beautification
• $150,000 to transform the Wandella Shearing Shed into a community arts, culture, tourism, education and research hub at the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve
Environmental and land management
• $106,146 for a Hudson Pear and invasive cactus containment program at the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve
• $42,614 for pest management across Lightning Ridge and surrounding opal fields
Mr Butler says Crown reserves are an important part of community life across Barwon, supporting recreation, local events and everyday community use.
“These grants will fund upgrades to local recreation spaces like Hunter Park Precinct in Gilgandra, as well as work to support community use of the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve and improve land management across the surrounding opal fields,” said Mr Butler.
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund annual funding round is a NSW Government grants program administered by Crown Lands within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The Fund is self-sustaining and supported by revenue generated from Crown land, including leases, licences and other income streams.
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper says the projects are about making sure Crown Land continues to deliver for communities.