The Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 requires each Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to prepare a CAP that provides a strategic framework for natural resource management in the catchment and direction for future investments.
CMAs' CAPs are required to be consistent with the Government adopted Standard and state-wide targets for natural resource management.
One of the NRC’s core functions is to review the CAPs and advise the Government on whether these should be approved.
The NRC is also required to audit the effectiveness of the implementation of CAPs in achieving compliance with the Standard and targets.
Some Australian and NSW Government agencies have additional requirements that needed to be considered before CAPs were approved. By collaborating with these agencies, the NRC consolidated their requirements within its review so that there is a single CAP review process.
The single CAP review process helps to avoid duplication of effort by CMAs as well as agencies. This process consists of five key stages:
- All needs identified
- Systems reviews
- Follow up support for CMAs
- CAP review
- Advice to Australian and NSW Governments
Further reviews of CAPs will occur periodically.
>> Fact sheet - Process to review Catchment Action Plans
The NRC has recommended all 13 CAPs to the Government.
In September 2006, the NRC also provided a consolidated report on the progress of CAPs - their place in current and future NRM in NSW. This report explains the ‘big picture’ context in which the CAPs 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.
After receiving the NRC’s recommendation, the Government assesses the CAP for approval. The Government has currently approved 12 CAPs.
The table below shows progress of the NRC’s review of CAPs and Government approvals.
| CMA |
Link to CAP |
Date CAP received |
NRC CAP review status |
Government approval status |
| Border Rivers Gwydir |
Click here |
2 Feb 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Central West |
Click here |
2 Feb 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Hawkesbury Nepean |
Click here |
11 Jan 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Hunter Central Rivers |
Click here |
29 Mar 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Lachlan |
Click here |
10 Mar 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Lower Murray Darling |
Click here |
1 Mar 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Murray |
Click here |
21 Apr 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Murrumbidgee |
Click here |
2 Mar 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Namoi |
Click here |
28 Feb 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Northern Rivers |
Click here |
19 Dec 05 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Southern Rivers |
Click here |
30 Dec 05 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
| Sydney Metro |
Click here |
7 Apr 08 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approval awaited |
| Western |
Click here |
1 Mar 06 |
Recommendation sent to Ministers |
Approved with conditions |
In recommending each CAP for approval, the NRC identified a number of actions each CMA needed to complete. These actions informed the Government conditions of CAP approvals (outlined below). The NRC also requested that each CMA regularly send the NRC a letter explaining their progress in completing each of these actions. These letters should also outline general improvements in the Board’s strategic planning and management systems. CMAs can use the gap analysis checklist to self assess strategic progress and priority areas for development.
The Government has issued specific conditions of approval for each CAP and the table below summarises those conditions.
For the 12 approved CAPs the timing for submission of a revised CAP will depend on the progress made by a CMA in implementing its CAP and will be advised by the Minister, but is likely to be no earlier than June 2009.
| CMA |
Government conditions of approval |
| Border Rivers Gwydir |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
|
| Western |
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.
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