Catchment Management Authorities in NSW, together with their local communities, are well recognised for the achievements they have made in protecting and improving natural landscapes across the State.

As Minister for Primary Industries, I am proud that these regional organisations have motivated, supported, encouraged and funded local communities to deliver more than 13,000 important projects, both big and small, to NSW.  Against the backdrop of the worst drought in  living memory, as well as other serious natural events, the achievements of the Catchment Management Authorities in NSW since their inception in 2003 have been both impressive and ground-breaking.

The Catchment Management Authorities have used their skills and knowledge of local areas, issues and resources to produce projects in just about every corner of the State. At the time of releasing the Catchment Action Plans in 2005, it was widely acknowledged that regular reviews were necessary to incorporate the growing knowledge of the Catchment’s natural, social and cultural resources.

This review of the Catchment Action Plans has provided an opportunity to cast a critical eye over the objectives, investment priorities and targets outlined as well as a chance to outline new approaches to setting priorities for investment in natural resources.  The Catchment Action Plans have been developed in consultation with local communities, Councils, and Government Agencies, using the latest scientific knowledge from the NSW Government.

This is a plan that outlines the shared vision for the sustainable management of the Catchment’s natural resources. I understand that the successful implementation of the Catchment Action Plan is dependent on the good relations between government agencies, industry and the wider community.

We all have a role to play in the sustainable and productive management of the Catchment’s resources and I hope that this Catchment Action Plan will ensure positive and practical outcomes for the years ahead.

The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP
Minister for Primary Industries