The agreement marked the launch of the State's first Strategic Plan for Crown Lands to grow tourism, support community groups, boost regional economies, advance Aboriginal interests, provide more green open space and protect the environment.

"Some of the State's most iconic and beautiful public land is Crown land, including coastal areas, waterways and community infrastructure like showgrounds, caravan parks and surf life saving clubs," Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said.

"Crown land is community land, we want our communities to unlock its full potential to support not only the local economy but also its heritage and cultural opportunities while keeping it in public ownership.

"Crown land supports showgrounds, racecourses, public marine assets and organisations like our surf life saving clubs, scout and girl guide halls, men's sheds and the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Police Citizens Youth Club."

Many of those organisations attended the historic signing, held at the Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club at Forster, on the Mid North Coast.

Acknowledging Mrs Pavey, DPIE Crown Land commissioner, Richard Bush said: "Nothing happens without great leadership."

Prof Bush described Mrs Pavey as a visionary and the driving force behind the project.

"We have taken a position which will take NSW into the future; this is an ambitious plan, it is a wonderful plan; it is a balanced plan.'

"There isn't a touch point that Crown land does not have in our lives."