VPRS 19937 Crown Reserve Files

Full description

This series comprises files documenting the identification, reservation, use, and form of management for land reserved from sale or set aside for special purposes by the Crown. 

The different types of Crown land reserves include: 

• public halls
• recreation reserves
• rail trails
• coastal reserves
• caravan and camping parks
• nature/conservation reserves.

The Sale of Crown Lands Act 1860 provided that the Governor-in-Council was able to reserve lands permanently or temporarily for a wide variety of public purposes. This meant that the land was reserved from sale, leasing, or licensing, and from the provisions of the Mines Act. Legislation relating to Crown reserves remained under the Land Act until the passing of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Proclamation of, alterations to, and any revocations of reserves were to be published in the Government Gazette. 

As at 2025, the principal legislation governing the reservation and management of Crown land reserves in Victoria remains the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and the Land Act 1958. The State Government is primarily responsible for the management of reserved Crown land, however this responsibility may be delegated under the CLR Act. Many Crown land reserves are managed directly by local government entities and committees of management or private entities under leases or licences.

The files have remained active throughout legislative and policy changes to the crown land function in Victoria. The files contain correspondence relating to the management of the reserve, maps or plans of the reserve, and documentation relating to proclamation or changes to the reserve area. 

Many of the files in this series are for land parcels which have continued to be used for the purpose which they were originally proclaimed by the Crown.

For records of the appointment of committees of management to manage Crown land reserves, see VPRS 19936 Committee of Management Files.