Crown land transfer in Orange is the largest in NSW's history

In a first-of-its-kind agreement, the Crown land transfer in Orange is the largest in NSW's history.

Under the agreement, the LALC will take ownership of 86 hectares which includes part of the original nine-hole golf course at Bloomfield, the driving range, the Bloomfield hall, the Agricultural Research Station on Forest Road and Orange's racecourse at Towac Park.

It will also control the south western corner of the Moulder Park velodrome block fronting Warrendine and Sale Streets.

Under the terms of the transfers, the LALC is free to sell or develop its parcels as it wishes, subject to the usual planning and environmental controls.

It also means the land becomes private property and public access can be restricted.

However, Crown land transferred to OCC will be classified as community land, which means it cannot be sold and must remain available to the community.

OCC's parcels include Waratah Sports Ground, the Orange Botanical Gardens, Wentworth Golf Course, the Showground, the part of Bloomfield golf course which is earmarked for the $25 million sports precinct, Spring Hill recreation ground and the Paterson Memorial Park. Its allocation also includes other parks and reserves.

Orange is the first of eight councils involved in the voluntary program with Blayney and Cabonne in differing stages of negotiations.

OLALC CEO Annette Steele said the land transfers support self-determination by allowing the Aboriginal community to make decisions on economic and social growth and the protection of culturally significant land.

"This land will create business opportunities to increase Aboriginal employment and allow Aboriginal people to participate equally and equitably in the growth of Orange, which will build greater inclusiveness for the whole community," Ms Steele said.

"It will also allow us to pursue other priorities, like an Aboriginal regional tourism plan, and a program for young girls modelled on the Ngurang-gu Yalbilinya program which is achieving great educational outcomes for young boys in Orange."

Orange City Council Mayor Reg Kidd said the landmark agreement secures community land for recreation, cuts red tape and makes land available for employment generating ventures.

"The transfer of the northern nine holes of the former Bloomfield Country Club Golf Course will streamline the process for the development of the $25m Orange Regional Sports Precinct, which is funded by the NSW Government," Cr Kidd said.

"Significant economic opportunities will be opened up in South Orange with the transfer of land to assist activation of the Orange Health and Innovation Precinct."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: