What is a Catchment Action Plan?
NRC's role
Progress of Catchment Action Plan reviews
Catchment Action Plan recommendations and approvals

The NRC has recommended and the Government has approved all 13 catchment action plans being implemented across NSW.

What is a Catchment Action Plan?
The Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 requires each Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to prepare a Catchment Action Plan in partnership with its community and government agencies.	A Catchment Action Plan must include the results that are expected to be achieved and time frames for achieving them, and the priorities for funding or carrying out of catchment activities in the CMA area .

NRC's role

One of the NRC’s specific functions is to recommend the approval of Catchment Action Plans that are consistent with the state-wide Standard and targets adopted by the Government.

Progress of Catchment Action Plan reviews

The NRC has reviewed and recommended all 13 Catchment Action Plans to the Government for approval. The Government has approved all of these Catchment Action Plans for implementation. These Catchment Action Plans are available from each CMA’s website.

As a part of the adaptive management process, CMAs are periodically reviewing and updating their Catchment Action Plans. The NRC is currently developing its process for reviewing these updated Catchment Action Plans.

In September 2006, the NRC also provided to the Government a consolidated report Progress of Catchment Action Plans. This report explains the ‘big picture’ context in which the Catchment Action Plans were prepared, and provides an overview of the NRC’s assessment of them, the key areas for improvement and the assistance required from government agencies.

Catchment Action Plan recommendations and approvals

Click to expand ▼

CMA
NRC recommendation
Government conditions of approval

CMA	Recommendation	Government conditions of approval
Border Rivers Gwydir	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning develop and implement a risk management strategy develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategy. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets apply the Standard to develop a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting continue to develop business systems to support strategic planning and help staff apply all components of the Standard continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Central West	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning apply the Standard to develop a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting, at all levels of the CMA continue to implement and refine the annual NRM Review Process develop and implement an organisational risk framework to ensure a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks continue to develop and implement the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting program. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Hawkesbury Nepean	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: apply the standard to continue to develop processes for transparent decision makingand priority-setting, at all levels of the CMA continue to develop and implement processes for accessing best available knowledge from a broad range of sources and to systematically identify and fill knowledge gaps continue to develop and implement the 'Collaboration Strategy', including mechanisms to assess costs, benefits and risks of partnerships and a stakeholder analysis continue to develop the 'Risk Management Strategy' and ensure that this strategy provides a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks at all levels within the CMA develop and implement the CMA's proposed 'Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy' to further refine and improve targets set baselines and monitor achievements of their catchment targets, taking Into consideration the ‘NSW Natural Resource Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Strategy' maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the State-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the State-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Hunter Central Rivers	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning develop its proposed risk management plan and ensure that this plan addresses strategic and organisational risk complete its proposed monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan to effectively implement the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Framework it has developed in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources [now part of the Department of Climate Change and Environment]. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Lachlan	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning develop and implement an overarching risk strategy for the CMA develop and implement its proposed Lachlan Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets apply the Standard to develop and implement a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting develop and implement its proposed operations manual to integrate the CMA’s policies and procedures for implementing the Standard continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Lower Murray Darling	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: demonstrate the CMA Board is applying and refining its 'Strategic Planning Framework' to develop and approve high quality strategic plans continue to develop and implement processes for transparent decision-making and priority-setting at all levels of the CMA that are consistent with the standard develop a process for systematically considering potential collaborators, and the costs and benefits of collaboration with existing and potential partners develop an overarching 'Risk Management Strategy' that ensures it consistently identifies, prioritises, manages and reviews risks at all levels of its operations continue to implement its processes for gathering best available knowledge and identifying and filling knowledge gaps to inform decision-making and priority-setting at all organisational levels in the CMA work with the Department of Environment and Climate Change on the actions set out in the CAP to further develop biodiversity targets set baselines and monitor achievement of their catchment targets, taking into consideration the 'NSW Natural Resource Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy' maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the State-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the State-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Murray	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: continue to develop and implement transparent decision-making and priority-setting systems continue to develop and implement the 'Community Participation Strategy', including mechanisms to assess costs, benefits and risks of partnerships and a stakeholder analysis continue to develop and implement a comprehensive 'Risk Management Strategy' for identifying, assessing and managing risks at all levels within their organisation continue to develop the 'Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Implementation Plan' set baselines and monitor achievement of their catchment targets, taking into consideration the 'NSW Natural Resource Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy' strengthen relationships with 'Land and Water Management Plan' implementation authorities to ensure that activities align with CAP targets maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the State-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the State-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Murrumbidgee	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: apply the standard to develop a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting continue to develop and implement a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks at all levels of the organisation continue to develop and implement the CMA's 'Monitoring and Evaluation Plan' set baselines and monitor achievement of their catchment targets, taking into consideration the 'NSW Natural Resource Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy' continue to develop business systems to support strategic planning and help staff apply all components of the standard maintain and enhance links between CMAs and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the State-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the State-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Namoi	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning continue to develop and implement its Engagement Strategy continue to develop and implement its Operations Risk Assessment Procedure continue to develop and implement its Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Manual and Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Northern Rivers	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning complete the development of its Business System, NRM System, and Vegetation Management System complete the development of its Program and Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Systems. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets review its Risk Strategy and project planning templates to ensure it has a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks develop and implement its foreshadowed Community Engagement and Support Strategy apply the Standard to develop a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting clarify how the CMA considered each of the JSC’s Investor Preferences when developing the targets continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Southern Rivers	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning complete the development of its proposed Project Management System, and ensure that this system incorporates tools and processes to help CMA staff apply all components of the Standard, particularly determination of scale and information management develop and implement its proposed Risk Management Plan to ensure it has a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks develop and implement its proposed Engagement and Partnership Strategy complete the development of its proposed Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Plan. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets apply the Standard to develop a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting clarify how the CMA considered each of the JSC’s Investor Preferences when developing the CAP, especially those related to national priorities continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.
Sydney Metropolitan	NRC recommendation	(Editorial and administrative) (Editorial and administrative) (Editorial and administrative) (Editorial and administrative) The CMA must continue to maintain and enhance links between the CMA and Local Government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning. During implementation of the CAP, the CMA must undertake the following activities as a priority: advancing its processes for transparent decision-making, at all levels of the CMA that complies with the 'Standard'. undertaking "high level stakeholder engagement to refine investment priorities and to maximise commitment to agreed region-wide targets and collaborative actions." completing and implementing the Stakeholder Liaison Strategy, particularly focussed at the essential partners identified in the CAP, and include the key principles of this Strategy in the CAP. completing and implementing the Community Consultation Strategy. continuing its plans to undertake a risk audit at the operational level, and to complete and implement the Risk Management Strategy to ensure a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks. completing and implementing the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy including the Adaptive Management Strategy.
Western	NRC recommendation	The CMA is required to undertake the following activities as a priority: maintain and enhance links between the CMA and local government as a key part of supporting the integration of natural resource management and local planning develop and implement a robust overarching business system to coordinate the processes the CMA is currently using or developing, and increase its ability to comply with the Standard complete the development of its processes for gathering knowledge and ensure that these processes identify and fill knowledge gaps and inform decision-making and priority-setting ensure that checklists and protocols being developed by the CMA for assessing opportunities for collaboration assess the costs and benefits and identify the risks of these opportunities develop and implement its proposed Risk Strategy and ensure that this strategy provides a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing and managing risks at all levels within the CMA complete the development and implementation of its proposed Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Plan. CAP implementation will be complemented by the recently approved NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy, which will assist CMAs in setting baselines and monitoring achievement of their catchment targets apply the Standard to develop a framework for transparent decision-making and investment priority-setting clarify how the CMA considered each of the JSC’s Investor Preferences when developing the CAP, especially those related to the management of wetlands and threatened species continue to work towards demonstrating how catchment targets are promoting and making progress towards the achievement of the state-wide targets as the CAP is implemented. This is a critical obligation for the CMA as a partner in the achievement of the state-wide natural resource targets in the State Plan.