Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle today announced more than $177,000 in grants to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and community facilities across the region. 

Blue Mountains electorate projects being funded include: 

• $157,312 to improve access to the former Leura Baths Kiosk* site at Leura Park Reserve by installing an accessible entrance and toilet, widened doorways and external paving. The prominent landmark and state heritage building on the Grand Cliff View walking track offers a spectacular and unique view of the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.  The site is historically significant as one of the area’s earliest scenic sites and one of only two remaining early 20th century kiosks and refreshment rooms in the Upper Mountains.  

• $20,317 to control noxious weeds on Crown reserves at Knapsack Park and adjoining reserves north of Old Bathurst Road on the eastern escarpment. The work will target weeds including lantana, African olive, privet, balloon vine and morning glory to protect threatened vegetation including Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest and Shale Sandstone Transition Forest, as well as koala refuge habitat and the cultural significance of the reserves. 

The grants are being provided by Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF). 

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said: 

“It’s fantastic that $177,629 has been allocated to protect and enhance our Crown reserves which play a critical role supporting recreation and the environment as well as Blue Mountains tourism. 

“The Blue Mountains receives about 4 million visitors a year, with the Leura and Katoomba precinct and Leura Park Reserve attracting about 40 per cent, so enhancing accessibility for people with mobility issues is a great project.”   

“Noxious weeds can ruin land and harm native plants and animals so it is important we have weed control programs on our reserves.” 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“The grants to maintain and improve reserves in the Blue Mountains are part of $11.18 million that is being offered by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund statewide to support community-focused projects. 

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and these projects will keep our public reserves safe and healthy and support industry and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of communities to benefit many thousands of people.”  

*Knapsack Park is at 163 Old Bathurst Road/ Knapsack Park. 

Site of the former Leura Falls Kiosk is Sequoia Restaurant 

The Crown Land manager for both these sites is Blue Mountains City Council.