Catchment action plans are strategic, statutory plans under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 that provide a framework for natural resource management in a catchment. Catchment action plans include general principles for biodiversity, land and water management.

Each catchment management authority is to prepare a catchment action plan in partnership with regional community and government agencies.  Catchment action plans guide natural resource management investment in the 13 catchment regions across NSW. They bring together government priorities, best available science and the values of catchment communities into a strategic plan for making improvements in NSW's natural resources.

The CAP sets the direction from 2006 to 2016 for investment in natural resource management. The CAP outlines a number of Catchment and Management Targets to improve our natural assets. The CAP sets clear targets and a timetable for the CMA's action and investment and is designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the catchment and the community.

The CAP targets are the basis for deciding where this money is invested. The CAP provides strong direction and guidance for the development of plans covering the following areas:

- water management
- regional vegetation management
- floodplain management
- regional action plans
- property management
- local Environment Plans

The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) is required under section 13 (1) (b) of the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 to recommend the approval of catchment action plans of catchment management authorities (CMAs) that are consistent with the state-wide standard and targets adopted by the NSW Government.

reCAP the first issue on the CAP Upgrades provided by the Department of Primary Industries