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The Role of Catchment Management Authorities


The CMAs are responsible for managing natural resources at the catchment scale. Key roles include preparing Catchment Action Plans (CAPs) and managing incentive programs to implement the plans. The preparation of CAPs involves integrating previous work with the latest information and science and with local knowledge.

The CMAs investment strategies will deliver $436 million from the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) and the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) to on-ground works around the State. The strategies will aim to meet the standards and targets set by the NSW Natural Resources Commission and the funding requirements of both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The CMAs will also be responsible for administering and managing native vegetation consents under the Native Vegetation Act 2003, including Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs) for land clearing consents.

The specific functions of CMAs are described in Section 15 of the CMA Act and can be broadly described under the following five sub-headings.

Planning and investment

  • Develop and implement CAPs, investment strategies and annual implementation plans.
  • Make decisions on NAP/NHT expenditure.
  • Manage NAP/NHT contracts.
  • Provide financial assistance for catchment activities.
  • Deliver incentives through PVPs and other mechanisms.
  • Provide advice to local government and State Government agencies on the impact of environmental planning instruments on natural resources.

    Native vegetation

  • Administer and manage PVPs.
  • Administer and manage native vegetation consents under the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
  • Monitor landholders who meet the contractual obligations of a PVP (providing the obligations of the PVP are met, CMAs will not have a compliance or prosecutor role in vegetation clearing).

    • Water

  • Manage environmental water licences and water conservation trusts.
  • Help communities make decisions on water management.

    • On-ground works

  • Undertake or facilitate on-ground NRM works for the purposes of catchment activities, e.g. river rehabilitation, native vegetation management and salinity mitigation programs.
  • Manage soil conservation and erosion mitigation projects.
  • Help landholders undertake works to improve catchment health.

    • Community engagement

  • Help landholders undertake works or try new land management practices to improve catchment health.
  • Provide technical advice and support on vegetation management issues.
  • Consult Aboriginal communities on CAPs, natural resource programs and investment strategies.
  • Provide community information and support.
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