southern blueprint publication - archived...

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

This Catchment Blueprint is part of meeting the challenge of finding new ways to manage the naturalresources of New South Wales.

This is one of 21 catchment blueprints covering the whole of the State. The blueprints are 10-year plansfor integrated catchment management. They represent a major step forward in our quest for balancednatural resource management in the rural, coastal and urban catchments of New South Wales. Buildingon the valuable work of the former catchment management committees, the blueprints contain specificand measurable targets to be achieved in a set period of time, and the management actions required inmeeting these targets.

Catchment blueprints are “whole-of-government” plans which have been developed through acommunity/government partnership. They set overarching natural resource priorities, consistent withNSW and Commonwealth Government policy. Other natural resource management plans, such asregional vegetation management plans and water management plans, will have regard to the blueprints.

The blueprint management actions are not compulsory because the blueprints are advisory, notregulatory, plans. Their influence will be in setting the direction for managing the native vegetation,biodiversity, water sources and soils in our catchments. They also provide investment guidance, as themanagement actions represent the community’s preferred investment priorities.

Many people have contributed to developing the blueprints. First and foremost, I thank the chairpersonsand members of the 18 catchment management boards, the Hunter Catchment Management Trust, theCoxs River and Wollondilly Catchment Management Committees and the Hawkesbury-Nepean LocalGovernment Advisory Group for their commitment and hard work. It has been a great effort frompeople with wide-ranging backgrounds and views on natural resource management, includingIndigenous people, working in a spirit of seeking consensus.

I also thank the individuals, groups and organisations who made contributions in various ways,particularly those who took the trouble to make a submission during the public exhibition of the draftblueprints in March/April 2002. The boards, Trust, committees and Advisory Group carefullyconsidered all submissions in revising the draft blueprints to produce this present version. Iacknowledge the support provided by many staff of the Department of Land and Water Conservationand other NSW Government natural resource management agencies.

The NSW Government endorsed the catchment blueprints in late 2002. However, the work is far fromfinished. It is now time to put the blueprints into action. The next step is to develop blueprint investmentstrategies that will contain more detail on the management actions, partnerships and funds required forimplementation. In addition, the blueprints will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the targets andmanagement actions remain adequate and appropriate.

I commend this Catchment Blueprint to you. I urge you, your group or organisation to consider howyou may participate in its implementation. I suggest that through the Department of Land and WaterConservation you make contact with the catchment management board or trust covering your area todiscuss your potential involvement.

Working together, we can improve the way we manage the natural resources that are so vital for thefuture of our State.

The Hon John Aquilina MPMinister for Land and Water ConservationFebruary 2003

SOUTHERNCATCHMENTBLUEPRINT

An IntegratedCatchmentManagement Planfor the SouthernCatchment 2002

Published by NSW Department of Land and Water ConservationFebruary 2003ISBN 0 7347 5345 4www.dlwc.nsw.gov.au

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ContentsPage

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................5

Profile of the Southern Catchment ..............................................................................................................................................8

First Order Objectives and Targets...........................................................................................................................................11

Water Program............................................................................................................................................................................13

Coasts, Lakes and Estuaries Program.......................................................................................................................................19

Sustainable Land Use Program..................................................................................................................................................24

Biodiversity Program ..................................................................................................................................................................28

Developed Environment program..............................................................................................................................................35

Board and Community Partnership Program ..........................................................................................................................37

Outcomes Analysis ......................................................................................................................................................................42

Glossary........................................................................................................................................................................................44

Acronyms .....................................................................................................................................................................................48

Appendix 1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................49

Appendix 2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................50

Appendix 3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................51

Appendix 4 ...................................................................................................................................................................................56

Appendix 5 ...................................................................................................................................................................................58

The title of the Plan is the �Integrated Catchment Management Plan for the Southern Catchment2002�, also known as the �Southern Catchment Blueprint�. The Southern Catchment Blueprinthas been prepared by the Southern Catchment Management Board (under the CatchmentManagement Act 1989) to provide clear direction for action and investment. The blueprintcommences in 2002/03 and has a term of 10 years. The area of operation of the CatchmentBlueprint is shown by the map in the blueprint. In formulating the Catchment Blueprint, dueregard has been given to Government policy and to the provisions of any environmental planninginstrument under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that applies to landwithin the area of operation of the Catchment Blueprint.

Further information is available on the Southern Catchment Management Board web-site atwww.cmb.org.au/southern. or by contacting the Board at PO Box 42 NOWRA NSW 2540 orphone 02 4423 0122.

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IntroductionThe Southern Catchment Management Board was established to develop the Southern CatchmentBlueprint. The Blueprint advises the government and community of priorities and strategies for naturalresource and environmental management in the Southern Catchment for a period of 10 years. Thecatchment includes the Hacking, Illawarra, Shoalhaven and smaller coastal catchments north of Durrasextending three nautical miles out to sea.

It is intended that this Blueprint will be adopted by the NSW government and provide the basis ofgovernment priorities. The Blueprint will also serve as a basis for funding allocation to implement workswithin the catchment.

There are many important matters that a regional strategy is not able to address, such as nationalconcerns for fish stocks, climate change and community and council actions for dealing with local issues.This Blueprint is designed to provide a regional approach to natural resource management and to work inconjunction with initiatives developed at international, national or local levels.

Board Membership

The Board is made up of community, local and state government representatives. The membership atthe date of this Blueprint consists of:

Name Membership CategoryMr Paul Martin (Chairperson) Nature conservationCr Kerrie Christian (Deputy Chairperson) Local governmentCr Josie Young Local governmentCr Ken McDonell Local governmentCr Jim Sturgiss Local governmentMr Tim Tapsell Nature conservationMs Lisa Miller Nature conservationMr Graeme Wickham Nature conservationMr Ken Knights Natural resource userMr Paul Shanahan Natural resource userMr Bill Mowbray Natural resource userMr Kevin Cooper Natural resource userMr Bill Barnetson Natural resource userMs Rhonda Brown AboriginalMr Gary Caines AboriginalMr Axel Tennie State governmentMr Trevor Jones State governmentMr Chris Harvey State governmentMr Ian Pulsford State government

A plan created by the community

The Blueprint is the result of extensive community consultation. Over 200 issues were identified byreviewing local government and other reports and by contact with 500 stakeholders and interest groups.Public meetings were held and workshops conducted involving local government, community and stateagencies as well as technical experts. A number of meetings were held with Aboriginal groups. TheBlueprint represents what was learned through these processes and through regular meetings with localand state government agencies. Working groups comprising technical experts, local and stategovernment and private stakeholders, developed many of the actions. Drafts of the objectives, targetsand Blueprint were exhibited to the community and reviewed in the light of their responses. The Board isconfident that this Blueprint honestly reflects the issues and priorities highlighted through this extensiveconsultation process.

In developing this Blueprint due consideration has been given to existing natural resource managementstrategies plans of international, national, regional and local levels (refer to flow chart Appendix 1, page49). These include the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia�s Biological Diversity, National

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Water Quality Management Strategy, National Species Recovery Plans, National Threat AbatementPlans, National Weeds Strategy, Water Sharing Plans, State Biodiversity Strategy, Recovery and ThreatAbatement plans, other NSW strategies and plans, and Local Government plans. The Blueprint providesa vehicle for implementing elements of these strategies and plans at the catchment scale.

The Blueprint is intended to be the foundation for a long-term natural resource management program. Itwill be refined as we learn more about better natural resource management through research andimplementation of actions. The emphasis of implementation will shift increasingly towards �on-ground�actions as a sound basis for these works is developed. The Board is confident that it has developed apractical and achievable, though challenging, program. The ultimate outcome will be a community-wideshift towards practices and attitudes that are sustainable. In the meantime acceptance of the Blueprint,voluntary participation and community education, the flow of resources into programs and theachievement of measurable targets will establish interim benchmarks of our progress towards this highideal.

Guiding principles

Sustainability of natural resource use is no small challenge. It requires significant change in how weproduce, consume and share resources. It requires that we manage resources efficiently, judiciously andfairly.

In this regard the Board adopted six basic principles that guided the development of the Blueprint. Thesesame principles also establish the framework for the Blueprint�s implementation. They are:1. Encouraging behaviours that reduce the pressure on our natural resources. The Board believes the

approach must be equitable and innovative to bring about new attitudes and practices. Mechanismsfor change should demonstrate a strong preference for incentives, education and compensationrather than rules and sanctions.

2. Natural resource management planning must light a path towards reconciliation between Aboriginalvalues and those of other Australians.

3. Strategies should reflect a serious attempt to listen to and take into account, all interests.4. Overlapping programs, confusion and insufficient funding of programs all result in wasted efforts. The

Board is committed to reduce this waste.5. Management should be based on objective analysis and the success of plans and programs should

be objectively measured against clear targets.6. Strategies must not only prevent deterioration of our natural resources, but also provide positive

examples of innovative development techniques that result in sustainable resource use.

How this Blueprint will make a difference

In the past, a great deal of effort and attention has been placed on developing plans and strategies andnot enough on the outcomes that need to be achieved. Major change and improvement in the way we allwork together is essential if the Blueprint�s targets are to be reached. Challenges ahead include:• Local governments, environmental care groups, government agencies, landholders, businesses and

individuals need to work in partnership to develop integrated programs to maintain and improve thehealth and productivity of natural resources.

• Government agencies (both state and federal) need to be more willing to work in strong partnershipsbased on trust and respect to maximise the effective use of scarce funds.

• Businesses need to be more willing to be involved in equitably sharing and protecting naturalresources.

The challenge of sustainability places a great responsibility on both private and public resource users andlandholders. Leadership by all government bodies through good management of public resources will bevital for generating momentum for improved land management.

The Board recognises the important role of the community in implementing many of the essential actions.Better resourcing is part of the solution. This Blueprint provides a way forward through cooperation andjoint action that builds on the achievements of existing programs. All levels of government � federal,

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state and local � will make strategic investments in natural resource management by using this Blueprintas a guide for funding priorities.

This Blueprint establishes the focus for investment over the next ten years to:• Protect environmental flows, secure water user rights, improve water quality and create healthy rivers

supporting stable riparian communities and habitats.• Encourage sustainable land use practices that prevent soil erosion, control weed invasion, avoid

disturbing acid sulfate soils and reduce occurrences of soil acidification and dryland salinity.• Ensure healthy coastal and estuarine environments.• Support the creation of sustainable urban and residential environments where water sensitive urban

design and total water cycle principles are strongly emphasised.• Protect the high biodiversity values within the catchment and improve the condition of lower value

areas.• Protect the cultural values and sites of Aboriginal people and provide better access to natural

resources that offer them suitable economic opportunities.• Provide opportunities, information and resources that empower the community to be a more active

partner in natural resource management.

The Blueprint points out a clear path to achieving a sustainable approach to natural resourcemanagement in the Southern Catchment. The Board is focused upon securing the commitment toachieve the objectives and targets of the Blueprint. It is in all our interests to make the actions within thisBlueprint move off the paper and into the fields, lakes, estuaries and urban areas of the SouthernCatchment. We look forward to reporting back to the community on the real progress towards asustainable future of productive resource use and enjoyment of our unique environment.

Understanding priorities

The priorities within the Blueprint reflect comparable project management priorities. They signal that a�higher� priority action should commence before a �lower� one within the same rank order, (ie you cannotreally compare type 1 priorities directly with type 2, 3, or 4 etc). They do so on the basis of an assumedaccess to resources. If resources are not available or become more freely available for particular actionsthan the Board expects, then these project priorities will be adjusted. Obviously other things may alsochange priorities eg fires, floods, community actions.

The Blueprint actions have been ranked by the Board and can reflect that:• One action should precede another but is not being necessarily more important.• One outcome is more important for environmental, social or economic reasons but may not be

necessarily more urgent.• For a particular source of funds (such as tied grants), one action is more likely to receive support in

preference to another. This may reflect for example, that some actions can be funded through aspecified grant and other actions will be resourced from existing programs.

Priorities for actions can also reflect the extent to which the community supports the action, or how wellthe action fits within existing work plans. The Board may, from time to time, use all of these as relevantbases for determining priorities. The Board will also, from time to time review these priorities in light ofpossible changes to circumstances surrounding their original determination.

As part of its Investment Strategy for the Catchment the Board will publish grant funding priorities for thevarious state and federal programs. The Board will also negotiate funding support with agencies, localgovernment and others to implement those parts of the work program that can be carried out withoutgrant funds.

Refer to Appendix 5 on page 58 for a priority listing of the management actions.

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Profile of the Southern CatchmentThe Southern Catchment covers over 900,000 hectares of land and extends three nautical milesoffshore. It embraces the coastal catchments from the Hacking in the north to the Illawarra, Shoalhavenand North Durras in the south. It includes the urban centres of Sutherland, Wollongong, Shellharbour,Kiama, Nowra, Ulladulla and Braidwood. The catchment has:

• A population of around 380,000, which approximately doubles in summer due to a high level oftourism in the Catchment.

• A diversity of landscapes including grasslands forests, escarpments with high rainfall and coastalareas with many bays, lakes and estuaries.

• Substantial state forests, national parks and nature reserves, a marine park, Commonwealth Territoryand Crown lands and reserves.

• Industrial areas, cities and ports, marine industries and heavily used boating and recreational areas.

• Eight Local governments � Sutherland, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Tallaganda,Mulwaree and Wingecaribee.

• A comprehensive suite of local, state and federal government policies and regulations.

• Numerous stakeholder and non-government organisations, advisory bodies and other reference anddecision making groups.

• A wide variety of ways in which the natural resources of the Catchment are used including:• grazing, dairy farming, horticulture and hobby farms;• tourism and recreation;• commercial fishing and aquaculture;• urban and rural residential developments;• aboriginal, cultural and economic uses;• manufacturing industries including iron, steel, dairy, starch and paper processing;• water harvesting for domestic and industrial use;• forestry;• surface and underground mines;• rock, sand and gravel extraction.

The Catchment has growing pressures on its natural assets. Many activities in the Catchment will needto be sensibly managed if the benefits of its rich natural resources are to be maintained for futuregenerations. The Southern Catchment Blueprint provides a practical means for addressing many of thechallenges of sustainable resource use identified by the community and local government.

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First Order Objectives and TargetsThe Blueprint has been written in a format set by the NSW State Government. It has five first orderobjectives that reflect the community�s values and desires for the condition of the Catchment�s naturalresources. These objectives set the priorities and strategic intent of the Blueprint and have guided theBoard in the development of targets and actions.

The five first order objectives are to have:• Rivers, streams and wetlands with healthy, vegetated riparian corridors and stable riverbanks and

beds that support good water quality, provision of habitat and sustainable production.• Healthy coastlines and estuaries with non-polluted waters, diverse aquatic ecosystems, foreshore

vegetation and ample opportunities for sustainable public enjoyment.• Sustainable primary production and use of lands within their capability.• Protection of native biological diversity and maintenance of the integrity of ecological processes and

systems.• Healthy urban environments which provide for a sustainable balance between natural systems and

social, cultural and economic interests.

Catchment and management targets are used to determine whether the first order objectives are beingmet.

Catchment target: an acceptable condition of natural resources at a specified point in time that:a) provides a broad indicator of catchment health, andb) is specific, measurable, achievable and relevant.

Management target: the level of action needed to achieve a catchment target within a specified time,being action that is specific, measurable, achievable and relevant.

The projects to achieve the catchment and management targets are presented in �Action Plan� tables,which follow. The management actions specify who does what; by when; and with whose help orsupport.

The �lead organisation/s� is/are responsible and accountable for the implementation of themanagement action including initiating, coordinating and reporting on the management action. Theyundertake the project management in addition to any individual responsibilities that result from being partof the project team. �Responsibility� can mean a wide range of involvement, from providing extensiveinformation through to simple on-ground work. The nature of the responsibility will vary with the actionspecified.

�Supporting organisation/s� is/are all other organisations nominated as being involved in theimplementation of the management action. All actions require the involvement of the community � ruraland urban landholders, individuals and groups to assist in the implementation of actions.

The �timeframes� for completing specific actions are set within the 10 year operating period of theBlueprint until November 2012. Some actions, however, will be ongoing and extend beyond the durationof the Blueprint.

The �status� of each action identifies whether the action is:• already existing and requires no further resources to complete;• existing but requires further resources and/or modifications and is therefore called enhanced;• or a new action.

The �targets addressed� indicate whether an action also addresses another management target in thesame and/or another first order objective program.

The �indicative cost (New $ req)� shows the additional monetary resources required in carrying out themanagement action over the life of the action and/or the Blueprint.

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Water Program

First Order Objective: Rivers, streams and wetlands with healthy, vegetated riparian corridors and stableriverbanks and beds that support good water quality, provision of habitat and sustainable production.

Many of our catchments are in good condition. Many are also protected within National Park or Sydney Catchment Authority lands. The NSW StressedRiver Assessment however has identified some rivers in the Catchment as �stressed�, in part due to extraction demands. Other issues, such as watercontamination and the state of the riverbanks or riverbeds are also sources of stress. The Shoalhaven/Illawarra Water Management Committee (SIWMC)has the task of developing water management plans. The Board is working closely with the Committee to ensure that these plans are rolled outprogressively within the Board Catchment.

Catchment target

By November 2012, each priority stream within the Southern Catchment will meet river flow objectives and waterquality objectives for at least 80% of the time.

Benefit statement

This program will deliver:

Environmental• Reduced riverbed and riverbank erosion and subsequent sedimentation which reduces water quality and smothers aquatic habitats.• Improved water quality.• Vegetated riparian corridors providing water and biodiversity benefits.• Secure environmental flows to protect river health.Social• Protection of the recreational and lifestyle value of waterways.• Maintenance of waterways for future generations.• Better understanding by the community of best practices for sustainable management of waterways.• Recognition of Aboriginal cultural sites and values.• Improved health and safety conditions for users of water.Economic• Secure rights for water users.• Sustainable fisheries resources.• Protection of the environmental resources that underpin sustainable tourism and natural resource businesses.

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• Avoiding the loss of land and damage to assets from riverbed and riverbank erosion.• Provide landholders with new economic opportunities through delivering environmental services.

Management targets

1. By 2007, water sharing plans for Kangaroo River, Shoalhaven River Scheme, Minnamurra River and Broughton Mill Creek will be completed inaccordance with the Water Management Act 2000 and the Interim River Flow Objectives.

2. By 2012, water quality in all waterways will meet ANZECC 2000 guidelines for the main environmental values for at least 80% of the time.3. By 2012, the unit of water consumption will have reduced below 2002 levels.4. From 2002, the length/area of riverine corridors and wetlands protected and/or rehabilitated will increase.

Projects and actions

W1 By 2007, water sharing plans for Kangaroo River, Shoalhaven River Scheme, Minnamurra River and Broughton Mill Creek will be completed inaccordance with the Water Management Act 2000 and the Interim River Flow Objectives.

Priority Status Targetsaddressed

Action Timeframes Lead organisation/s Supporting organisation/s Indicative cost(New $ req.)

11 Enhanced W1W3

W1.1 Develop and implement watersharing plans for:

1. Kangaroo River2. Shoalhaven River Scheme3. Minnamurra River4. Broughton Mill Creek

11/02 � 11/0301/03 � 01/0507/04 � 06/0604/05 � 06/06

SIWMC DLWC,EPA,NSW Fisheries,Local government,NSW Agriculture,SCA,Hawkesbury NepeanRiver ManagementForum

$200, 000

50 New W1W3

W1.2 Develop and implement genericwater sharing provisions for all other subcatchments.

07/03 � 06/06 SIWMC DLWC,EPA,NSW Fisheries,Local government,NSW Agriculture,SCA

Nil

12 Enhanced W1BCIBC2

W1.3 Ensure that waterway and wetlandmanagement plans reflect Aboriginalcultural and access interests.

11/02 � 11/12 DLWC Aboriginal communities,NPWS

Nil

21 Enhanced W1W2W3W4L1L2

W1.4 Implement the Shoalhaven RiverJoint Statement of Intent based on therecommendations of the Healthy RiversCommission Report into the ShoalhavenRiver.

11/02-06/06 SIWMC,RTA,DLWC,PlanningNSW,EPA,DLG

Tallaganda Council,Shoalhaven Council,NSW Fisheries,Landholders,NSW Agriculture

$1. 500, 000l

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W2 By 2012, water quality in all waterways will meet ANZECC 2000 guidelines for the main environmental values for at least 80% of the time.Priority Status Targets

addressedAction Timeframes Lead organisation/s Supporting organisation/s Indicative cost

(New $ req.)22 New W2 W2.1 Implement water management

programs, for improved water quality inpriority sub-catchments

1. Kangaroo River2. Lake Illawarra3. Minnamurra River4. Crooked River5. Werri Lagoon

12/02-11/1212/02-11/1207/03-11/1207/05-11/1207/05-11/12

SIWMC DLWC,EPA,NSW Fisheries,Local government,NSW Agriculture,SCA,Sydney Water,Lake Illawarra Authority,Aboriginal communities

$2, 000, 000

59 Enhanced W2 W2.2 Ensure existing reticulated sewagetreatment systems are performing to bestmanagement practice standards.

07/04-11/12 Local government,Sydney Water,EPA

DLWC,SCA

$200, 000, 000

28 Enhanced W2 W2.3 Support the provision of the mostappropriate sewage treatment systems tohigh priority areas.

11/02-06/07 Local government,Sydney Water

DLWC,EPA,SCA

$120, 000, 000

29 Enhanced W2 W2.4 Develop and implement optimal on-site sewerage management strategies forall unsewered areas.

11/02-06/10 Local government DLWC,SCA

$500, 000

35 Enhanced W2BC2BC3

W2.5 Support the implementation of on-farm agricultural effluent managementsystems for intensive agriculture throughprograms such as Waterwise Programand �Introduction to irrigationmanagement� course.

11/02-12/12 NSW Agriculture DLWC,EPA

$500, 000

36 Enhanced W2W4

W2.6 Review existing urban stormwatermanagement plans to identify priorityactions and investment options forregional implementation.

11/02 � 06/05 EPA Local government,Sydney Water,DLWC

$1, 000, 000

42 New W1W2W3W4LIL2

W2.7 Implement Sydney Drinking WaterRegional Plan � Sustaining theCatchments.

12/02 � 11/12 SCA EPA,Local government,SCA,NSW Fisheries,DLWC,Landholders,PlanningNSW

2, 000, 000

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W2 By 2012, water quality in all waterways will meet ANZECC 2000 guidelines for the main environmental values for at least 80% of the timePriority Status Targets


(New $ req.)57 New W2

W4BC2BC3

W2.8 Implement an integrated waterquality monitoring program, whichincludes river health, for priority sub-catchments.

12/03-11/12 DLWC EPA,Local government,SCA,Sydney Water,Community,Education institutions,NSW Fisheries

$250, 000

W3 By 2012, the unit of water consumption will have reduced below 2002 levelsPriority Status Targets


(New $ req.)60 Enhanced W3

BC2BC3

W3.1 Support the implementation of waterconservation and efficiency practicesthrough education, incentive programsand government planning instruments.

07/04 - 11/12 Local government,Sydney Water

DLWC,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups,Building industry,SCA,IPART

$400, 000

W4 By 2012, the length/area of riverine corridors and wetlands protected and/or rehabilitated will increase.Priority Status Targets



W4L1L2B1B2B3BC2BC3

W4.1 Identify priority waterways andwetlands and develop and implementmanagement and investment strategies toprotect and/or rehabilitate riverinecorridors and wetlands.

12/02-11/12 DLWC NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,Local government,SCA,PlanningNSW

$1, 000, 000

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W4L1L2B1B2B3BC2BC3

W4.2 Develop market based mechanismsthat encourage and remuneratelandholders to deliver environmentalservices, using the Upper ShoalhavenCatchment as a pilot for implementation.

06/03-12/08 DLWC SCA,NSW Fisheries,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups

Nil

61 Enhanced W2W4L1L2B1B2B3BC2BC3

W4.3 Implement a voluntary incentiveprogram for the protection and/orrehabilitation of prioritised riverinecorridors and wetlands.

12/03-11/12 DLWC Local government,Environmental caregroups,Landholders,SCA,NSW Fisheries

$5, 000, 000


W4.4 Implement best managementpractices for managing riverine corridorsand wetlands through education, incentiveprogram and government planninginstruments.

12/03-11/12 DLWC,Local government

SCA,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups,Landholders

$100, 000

44 Enhanced W4B4BC3BC4

W4.5 Negotiate and implement programsfor the management of key threateningprocesses and pest species in riverinecorridors and wetlands.

11/02-11/12 NSW Fisheries DLWC,Local government,NPWS,RTA,NSW Agriculture,Sydney Water

$550, 000

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B4W4.6 Develop and implement a strategyto improve fish passage for prioritybarriers including:• Tallowa Dam• Hacking River Weirs• Mullet Creek Weir• Kangaroo River Gauging Weir• Crookhaven Creek Floodgates• Burrier Weir• Tapitallee Creek Weir

07/03-06/06 NSW Fisheries DLWC,NPWS,Local government,SCA,RTA

$20, 000, 000+

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Coasts, Lakes and Estuaries Program

First Order Objective: Healthy coastlines and estuaries with non-polluted waters, diverse aquatic ecosystems,foreshore vegetation and ample opportunities for sustainable public enjoyment.

Our coasts, lakes and estuaries are central to many social and economic opportunities in the Catchment largely because of their ecological values. Theyinclude dune systems, beaches, estuarine wetlands, salt marshes, seagrasses, littoral rainforest, intertidal rock platforms, headlands, coastal lakes andriver entrances. It is only in recent times that the impacts and pressures on our coastal resources have become clear. The most obvious impacts are onforeshore and aquatic habitats and in the increasing conflicts between various uses. Protecting our coasts, lakes, wetlands and estuaries is important forenvironmental, social and economic reasons.

Local government estuary and coastal management committees have been established for many of our coasts, lakes, wetlands and estuaries. The workprogram set out below is focused on strengthening and supporting these committees. The actions will ensure that:• committees have access to high quality, expert, scientific advice which guides them towards the sustainable use of the resources that they are

managing,• the range of policies and other instruments which are intended to shape management of these resources are readily understood,• the views and interests of Aboriginal communities are taken fully into account and• there is regular and objective review of the success of management outcomes.

In this way, we can be sure that our coasts, lakes, wetlands and estuaries will be managed sustainably, protecting their health and productivity.

This program will ensure that as pressures on these sensitive areas increase, care will be taken to provide access that is fair as well as sustainable. It isintended that, where applicable, the recommendations of the Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiry on Coastal Lakes will be merged into the Blueprint�sprogram once a Cabinet decision is clarified. Support for coasts and estuaries on-ground works will also be achieved through the Blueprint�s biodiversity,sustainable land use and Board and community partnership programs.

Catchment target

By 2011, the condition of coasts, lakes, wetlands and estuaries in the Southern Catchment will be maintained or improved from current classifications asassigned by the National Land and Water Resources Audit and the NSW Comprehensive Coastal Assessment.

Benefit statement


Environmental• Reduced coastal and foreshore erosion.

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• Protection of aquatic and foreshore habitats and wetlands to protect diversity and health of native species including fish and birds.• Reduced marine contamination.• Maintain and improve marine health by providing a vegetated foreshore.• Reduced impacts from marine pests and other threatening processes.Social• Protected recreational and lifestyle values of coasts, lakes, wetlands and estuaries.• Maintain the integrity of coasts, lakes and estuaries for future generations.• Better understanding by the community of best practices for sustainable management of coasts, lakes and estuaries.• Recognition of Aboriginal cultural sites, values and interests.• Improved health conditions of coasts, lakes, wetlands and estuaries.Economic• Sustainable fisheries resources.• Protection of sustainable tourism and natural resource use opportunities.• Protection of assets threatened by coastal processes.

Management targets

1. By 2012, coastal zone management plans will be developed for all priority estuarine and coastal environments.2. From 2002, the development of all coastal zone management plans shall involve participation of Aboriginal communities and reflect local Aboriginal

community values and interests.3. From 2002, implement the priority actions of coastal zone management plans and other on-ground works that protect and rehabilitate coastal and

estuarine environments.4. By 2004, a baseline monitoring system will be established to determine the health of marine ecosystems, coastal lakes, wetlands and estuaries.5. By 2012, high conservation value marine areas shall be protected or managed to conserve their aquatic biodiversity.


C1 By 2012, coastal zone management plans will be developed for all priority estuarine and coastal environments.Priority Status Targets

addressedAction Timeframes Lead organisation/s Supporting organisation/s Indicative

cost (New $req.)

8 New C1BC1BC2

C1.1 Establish a regional technical advisorypanel to provide expert scientific advice tolocal government and communitycommittees including:• Biodiversity issues such as fish habitat,• Aboriginal cultural sites and facilitation

of resource access,

12/02 - 04/03 DLWC NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA,Waterways Authority,Local government,Academic institutions,Aboriginal communities

Nil

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C1 By 2012, coastal zone management plans will be developed for all priority estuarine and coastal environments.Priority Status Targets

addressedAction Timeframes Lead organisation/s Supporting organisation/s Indicative

cost (New $req.)

• Protection of recreational opportunitiesand

• Lake entrance management.13 Enhanced C1

C4C1.2 Ensure that coastal zonemanagement plans have been developedfor all priority coastal and estuarine areas inaccordance with the NSW Coastal ZoneManagement Manual and whereappropriate the NSW Coastal DuneManagement Manual.

12/02-12/12 Local government NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA,Waterways Authority,DLWC

$2, 000, 000

45 New C1C3

C1.3 Using Port Hacking as a pilot, developan integrated management and investmentmodel encompassing all agenciesresponsible for the management of coastaland estuarine areas, to ensure the deliveryof on ground outcomes.

01/03-01/04 Port HackingManagement Panel

DLWC,Sutherland Council,Waterways Authority,NSW Fisheries

Nil

9 New C1 C1.4 Implement the Jervis Bay IntegratedManagement Strategy, encompassing theactions and investments of all agenciesresponsible for natural resourcemanagement in the Jervis Bay area.

11/02 � 12/12 Jervis Bay Inter-governmentCoordinating Committee

NPWS,Environment Australia,Department of Defence,Navy,DLWC,Jervis Bay Marine Park,Shoalhaven Council,State Forests,Premiers Department,PlanningNSW,NSW Fisheries

$1.500, 000

14 Enhance C1C3

C1.5 Integrate the objectives of coastalzone management plans, NSW CoastalPolicy and the NSW Cabinet decision onthe Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiry onCoastal Lakes into government planninginstruments.

11/02 - 12/12 Local government DLWC,NSW Coastal Council,PlanningNSW,NSW Fisheries,EPA,NPWS

Nil

23 Enhanced C1BC2

C1.6 Ensure that coast and estuarymanagement committees understand andtheir decisions reflect, relevant federal,state and local government policies andplans.

12/02 - 11/12 DLWC Local government,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA,Waterways Authority

Nil

22

C2 From 2002, the development of all coastal zone management plans shall involve participation of Aboriginal communities and reflect local Aboriginalcommunity values and interests.


Action Timeframes Lead organisation/s Supporting organisation/s Indicativecost (New $req.)

30 Enhanced C2BC1

C2.1 Negotiate arrangements, within astatewide context, to recognise Aboriginaltraditional harvesting and access practicesin waterways, coastal lakes, estuaries andmarine waters.

11/02-12/05 NSW Fisheries Aboriginal communities,NPWS

Nil

31 Enhanced C2BC1

C2.2 Ensure that coastal zonemanagement plans reflect Aboriginalcultural and access interests.

11/02-11/12 DLWC Aboriginal communities,NSW Fisheries,Local government

Nil

C3 From 2002, implement the priority actions of coastal zone management plans and other on-ground works that protect and rehabilitate coastal And estuarine environments.



52 New C3C4C5

C3.1 Review existing coastal zonemanagement plans to identify priorityactions and investment options for regionalimplementation.

07/03-11/12 DLWC Local government,NSW Fisheries,Waterways Authority,NPWS

Nil

37 Enhanced C3BC1BC2BC3

C3.2 Implement and report on priorityactions of coastal zone management plans.

12/02-11/12 Local government DLWC,NSW Fisheries,Waterways Authority,Environmental caregroups,NPWS,EPA

$45, 000, 000

38 Enhanced C3L1B4

C3.3 Negotiate and implement strategiesfor the management of key threateningprocesses in marine, estuarine and coastalenvironments and the control of pestspecies, starting with Caulerpa taxifolia.

11/02-11/12 NSW Fisheries DLWC,NPWS,Waterways Authority,Local government,Marine Parks Authority

$5, 000, 000

23

C4 By 2004, a baseline monitoring system will be established to determine the health of marine ecosystems, coastal lakes, wetlands and estuaries.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)46 New C1

C4C4.1 Establish a baseline and review theenvironmental status of all coastal lakesand estuaries using the locally modifiedEcosystem Integrity Index (EII) and thefindings of the Healthy RiversCommission�s Coastal Lakes Inquiry.

11/02 - 12/03 DLWC NPWS,Waterways Authority,NSW Fisheries,EPA

Nil

47 New C1C4BC3

C4.2 Implement a coordinated monitoringand public reporting program for coastallakes and estuaries based on theEcosystem Integrity Index.

12/02 - 11/12 DLWC Local government,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA

$2, 100, 000

48 New C4BC3

C4.3 Implement an integrated monitoringand public reporting program for marineecosystems.

12/02 - 11/12 NSW Fisheries Environment Australia,EPA,Local government,Industry,Academic institutions,Marine Parks Authority

$500, 000

C5 By 2012, high conservation value marine areas shall be protected or managed to conserve their aquatic biodiversity.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)49 Enhanced C5 C5.1 Establish and maintain a

representative system of marine protectedareas to maintain and conserve aquaticbiodiversity.

11/02-11/12 NSW Fisheries,NPWS,Marine Park Authority

$600, 000

24

Sustainable Land Use Program

First Order Objective: Sustainable primary production and use of lands within their capability.

During the preparation of the Blueprint, landholders, land managers and local government raised a range of land management issues. These issuesincluded weeds, erosion, acid soils on the tablelands, acid sulfate soils along the coast and salinity in the upper Shoalhaven area. In most cases, thoseexpressing their concern felt that programs were in place to address these issues and that these programs should be continued and/or have increasedsupport. The exception is weeds, where throughout the Catchment, local government and the community expressed a concern about inadequateresourcing and the lack of a coordinated strategic approach to dealing with this problem.

The sustainable land use program is embedded in a number of ways throughout this Blueprint. For example, the water, biodiversity and developedenvironment programs focus on assisting landholders to achieve sustainable use of lands. This work program should be considered in the context of itslinks with other work programs to provide an integrated program.

Catchment target

By 2012, the area of land affected by land degradation problems including weed infestations, will not exceed the 2003 baseline.

Management targets

1. By 2005, a regional weed control strategy will be implemented for priority weeds.2. By 2012, there will be a reduction in the area of moderately to severely degraded land.

Benefit statement

This program will deliver:Environmental• Reduced soil loss and soil quality decline.• Reduced water contamination.• Reduced rate of weed invasion.• Greater biological diversity in our native vegetation communities.• Restoration of degraded areas.• Reduced impact of weeds on natural and agricultural environments.Social• A more productive partnership approach between landholders, communities and weed management organisations.• Increased aesthetic amenity.

25

• Better understanding by the community of best practices for sustainable land management.• Maintenance of the integrity of our land for future generations.• Protected recreational and lifestyle values of the landscape.• A closer working relationship between public and private land managers.Economic• Reduction in problems and costs to adjoining land users.• Improved production levels.• Reduced treatment and community costs.• Increased land values.• Reduced loss of land and damage to assets.• Improved resilance against the effects of drought on production.• A more efficient use of superphosphates applications.• Reduced production costs for farmers and graziers.


L1 By 2005, a regional weed control strategy will be prepared and implemented for priority weeds.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)7 Enhanced B1

B2B4L1L2

L1.1 Establish a regional technicalworking group to:• agree on priority weeds,• create a regional priority weeds map,

and• negotiate reduction targets with state

and local government and majorstakeholders.

12/02-12/03 NSW Agriculture Local government,DLWC,NPWS,SCA,Environmental caregroups,Landholders,SECMB,Southern Tablelands &South Coast NoxiousPlant Committee

$200, 000

63 New B1B2B4L1L2BC2BC3

L1.2 Develop and implement anintegrated weed control strategy,incorporating investment options.

12/03-11/12 NSW Agriculture Local government,DLWC,NPWS,SCA,Landholders,Environmental caregroups,SECMB

$5, 000, 000+

26

L1 By 2005, a regional weed control strategy will be prepared and implemented for priority weeds.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)64 Enhanced B1

B2B4L1L2BC2BC3

L1.3 Support the implementation of bestmanagement practices for the control ofweed species by landholders througheducation, incentive programs andgovernment planning instrumentsparticularly:• information and training that

addresses dispersal of weeds andland management for weed control,

• protocol to manage new weeds,• code of practice for organisations that

sell and distribute plants that maybecome weeds in their district, and

• code of practice for infrastructuredevelopments that may createconditions favourable for weeds.

12/03-11/12 NSW Agriculture,Local government

DLWC,NPWS,RTA,SRA,SCA,State Forests,Nursery associations,SECMB

$1, 000, 000


L1.4 Develop and implement mechanismsthat provide incentives for landholders toadopt best management practices forweed control.

12/04-11/12 NSW Agriculture,Local government,

SCA,DLWC,NPWS

$5, 000, 000

15 Enhanced B1B2B4L1L2BC2BC3

L1.5 Support programs for the biologicalcontrol of weeds.

11/02-11/12 NSW Agriculture Local government $500, 000

L2 By 2012, there will be a reduction in the area of moderately to severely degraded land.Priority Status Targets

addressedAction Timeframes Lead

organisation/sSupporting Organisations Indicative cost


W4L2BC2

L2.1 Implement management strategiesand investment options for the control ofdryland salinity for the priority sub-catchments of Windellama, Bungonia and

11/02-06/06 DLWC SCA,Environmental caregroups,Landholders

$160, 000

27

L2 By 2012, there will be a reduction in the area of moderately to severely degraded land.Priority Status Targets

addressedAction Timeframes Lead

organisation/sSupporting Organisations Indicative cost

(New $ req.)BC3 Bombay.

32 Enhanced L2BC2BC3

L2.2 Implement management strategiesand investment options for the treatmentof acid soils where acid soil is affectingvegetation growth, negatively impactingon agriculture and/or causing declines inbiodiversity.

11/02-11/12 NSW Agriculture DLWC,Environmental caregroups,Landholders

$300, 000

24 Enhanced W2W4L2BC2BC3

L2.3 Develop and implement strategiesand investment options for themanagement of acid sulfate soils forpriority sub-catchments includingBroughton Creek and the ShoalhavenRiver floodplain.

11/02-11/12 Shoalhaven Council EPA,NSW Fisheries,DLWC,Academic institutions,Landholders,NSW Agriculture

$2, 000, 000

25 Enhanced W2W4L1L2BC2BC3

L2.4 Develop integrated rehabilitationprojects such as catchment protectionschemes and other funding sources tocontrol soil erosion and land degradationproblems.

11/02-11/12 DLWC Environmental caregroups,Landholders,SCA,DMR

$4, 000, 000


L2.5 Implement pasture managementprograms to promote sustainabilitythrough maintenance of soil health.


$400, 000

66 New L2W2W4BC2BC3

L2.6 Implement a land capability and landuse assessment and education programto establish and promote land capabilityand sustainable land use practices.

07/04-06/07 DLWC SCA,Local government,NSW Agriculture

$3, 000, 000


L2.7 Promote the adoption of bestmanagement practices for sustainableagriculture and land use througheducation and incentive programs and ingovernment planning instruments.

11/02-11/12 DLWC,Local government,NSW Agriculture

SCA,Environmental caregroups,PlanningNSW

$1, 000, 000

28

Biodiversity Program

First Order Objective: Protection of native biological diversity and maintenance of the integrity of ecologicalprocesses and systems.

The intent of this program is to retain, and where necessary, increase the extent and quality of all native vegetation community types in order to maintainand improve catchment health and protect biodiversity. Native vegetation community types include terrestrial forests, rainforest, woodlands, heathlands,grasslands, saltmarshes, mangroves and wetland communities. Each of these community types provides a special habitat for different species of nativeplants and animals. The Board advocates voluntary conservation mechanisms, such as partnerships with private landholders, to reach the catchmenttargets. The Board also recognises Aboriginal values in the management of biodiversity values and these interests will be reflected in the implementationof the biodiversity actions.

The most significant way to protect biodiversity is to protect habitats and native vegetation ecosystems. The Native Vegetation Advisory Council of NewSouth Wales has identified that once the area of habitat remaining falls below 30% there is an accelerating loss of native species. The Board thereforeseeks to ensure the retention of a minimum of 30% of native vegetation community types, to slow the loss of native biodiversity. This is consistent withthe Commonwealth�s National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001 � 2005. This percentage will be converted to hectares once thebaseline for vegetation communities is clearly established.

It is important to note that the biodiversity targets are based on nationally agreed JANIS criteria for the establishment of a Comprehensive Adequate andRepresentative reserve system. They are also complemented by existing programs of reform of forest management in NSW including the developmentof regional forest agreements. A substantial part of the Southern Catchment is covered by the Southern Regional Forest Agreement, Southern RegionForest Agreement and the Integrated Forestry Operations Approval for the Southern Catchment.

Underlying the target is the goal of �No Net Loss� of native vegetation communities. Whilst vegetation is likely to be removed through development andother land use activities, the aim is to balance the loss by achieving targeted areas of revegetation and regeneration.

Catchment targetBy 2012, protect, connect, enhance and manage for biodiversity conservation, a minimum of 30% of the original distribution of each native vegetationcommunity type of the Catchment.

Benefit statement


Environmental• Improved habitat quality and quantity for a diverse range of plant and animal species.• Recovery of threatened species and endangered ecological communities.

29

• Increased connectivity between remnant vegetation providing vital habitat links.• Reduced land degradation such as soil erosion and salinity.• Ensure that long-term biodiversity values are sustained.• Reduced impacts of pest species on natural ecosystems.• Improved water quality.Social• A closer working relationship between public and private land managers.• Protect recreational and lifestyle values of vegetation and biodiversity.• Maintenance of biodiversity for future generations.• A robust community underpinned by sustainable natural resources.• Better understanding by the community of best practices for managing native vegetation and biodiversity.Economic• Enhanced agricultural production.• Economic opportunities such as eco-tourism, research and education.• Provide landholders with economic opportunities through environmental services.

Management targets

1. By 2012, the vegetation communities with greater than 30% of their original distribution remaining will have at least 30% of the area of originaldistribution managed for conservation.

2. By 2012, the vegetation communities with less than 30% of their original distribution remaining will be actively managed via conservation andrestoration activities to achieve the 30% target.

3. By 2012, increase connectivity by 10% and reduce fragmentation of priority vegetation community types in targeted areas.4. By 2012, areas of high conservation value will be managed for conservation and priority actions for threatened species recovery plans will be

implemented.5. By 2005, collaborative programs will be in place to manage targeted pest species.


Bio 1 By 2012, the vegetation communities with greater than 30% of their original distribution remaining will have at least 30% of the area of originaldistribution managed for conservation.



17 Enhanced B1B2B3B4BC1

B1.1 Map and analyse native vegetation,high conservation value areas,environmental data and cultural heritagevalues to identify priority areas forconservation.

11/02-06/03 DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,Environmental care groups,NSW Agriculture,

$500, 000

30




State Forests,Aboriginal communities

53 New W4L1L2B1B2B3B4BC1

B1.2 Develop a regional vegetationmanagement plan, prioritising areas forconservation management based on criteriaincluding:• degree to which vegetation community

type is represented in the catchmentand surrounding areas,

• regional/state significance,• land capability (ie. is the landscape

prone to degradation such as salinityand erosion),

• connectivity and/or riparian values and• Aboriginal values and cultural sites,

places and areas.

07/03-06/05 DLWC NPWS,Local government,NSW Agriculture,Landholders,Environmental care groups

$500, 000

67 New W2W4L1L2B1B2B3B4BC2BC3

B1.3 Implement the regional vegetationmanagement plan.


PlanningNSW,Environmental care groups,Landholders,NSW Agriculture

Nil

68 Enhanced W2W4L1L2B1B2B3B4BC2BC3

B1.4 Negotiate voluntary conservationagreements with landholders for theprotection of priority native vegetationcommunities and areas.

11/02-11/12 DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,Environmental care groups,NSW Agriculture,State Forests,Landholders

$1, 500, 000

69 Enhanced W2W4

B1.5 Promote the adoption andimplementation of best management


NPWS,SCA,

Nil

31




L1L2B1B2B3B4BC2BC3

practices for managing native vegetationthrough education and incentive programsand in government planning instruments.

Landholders,PlanningNSW,Environmental care groups,NSW Agriculture,State Forests

70 New B1B2B3B4

B1.6 Implement a monitoring program onnative vegetation status to determine thatno net loss and conservation targets arebeing achieved.

07/04-06/0507/07-06/0807/10-06/11

DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,State Forests

$200, 000

Bio 2 By 2012, the vegetation communities with less than 30% of their original distribution remaining will be actively managed via conservation andrestoration activities to achieve the 30% target.




B2.1 Implement a voluntary incentiveprogram for the restoration of priority nativevegetation communities and areas includingriverine corridors and foreshores.

11/02-11/12 DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,Environmental care groups

$1, 000, 000

Bio 3 By 2012, increase connectivity by 10% and reduce fragmentation of priority vegetation community types in targeted areas.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)This action has no specific actions but isaddressed by actions in this and otherBlueprint programs.

32

Bio 4 By 2012, areas of high conservation value will be managed for conservation and priority actions for threatened species recovery plans will beimplemented.



18 Enhanced W2W4L1L2B1B2B3B4B5BC2BC3

B4.1 Develop and implement high priorityrecovery actions for threatened aquatic andterrestrial species, populations andcommunities as shown in Appendix 2.

11/02-11/12 NPWS,NSW Fisheries

Local government,DLWC,Environmental care groups

$600, 000


B4.2 Promote and implement the adoptionof best management practices for theprotection of terrestrial and aquatic speciesand their habitat through education andincentive programs and in governmentplanning instruments.

11/02-11/12 NPWS,NSW Fisheries,Local government

DLWC,Environmental care groups,Landholders

$200, 000

27 Enhanced W4C3C4C5L1B1B2B3B4B5BC2BC3

B4.3 Support recovery plans and habitatprotection and/or restoration for threatenedmigratory sea and shorebirds.

11/02-11/12 NPWS Environmental care groups,DLWC,Local government

$200, 000

33

Bio 5 By 2005, collaborative programs will be in place to manage targeted pest speciesPriority Status Targets



W4L1L2B1B2B3B4B5BC2BC3

B5.1 Coordinate the regionalimplementation of Pest Animal and InsectFunction Management Plans for declaredpest species (rabbits, wild dogs and feralpigs).

11/02-11/12 RLPB Landholders,SCA,NPWS,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$5, 000, 000+


B5.2 Support control programs for otherpest species (feral goats, feral deer andaquatic species such as Gambusia).

07/04-11/12 RLPB,NSW Fisheries

Landholders,SCA,NPWS,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$400, 000

40 Enhanced B4B5BC2BC3

B5.3 Enhance collaborative fox controlprograms in accordance with the FoxThreat Abatement Plan.

11/02-11/12 NPWS,RLPB

Landholders,DLWC,SCA,Local government,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$500, 000

54 New B4B5

B5.4 Develop and implement programs tomanage feral and domestic cats, includingregulation of domestic cats on newdevelopments and implementation of theFeral Cat Threat Abatement Plan.

07/03-06/05 RLPB,Local Government

NPWS,DLWC,SCA,PlanningNSW,RLPB,Landholders,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$300, 000

34

Bio 5 By 2005, collaborative programs will be in place to manage targeted pest speciesPriority Status Targets



L2B4B5BC2BC3

B5.5 Encourage the adoption andimplementation of best managementpractices for pest animal impact and controlby all landholders through education,incentive programs and governmentplanning instruments.

11/02-11/12 RLPB,NSW Fisheries,NPWS

PlanningNSW,Local government,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$100, 000

35

Developed Environment program

First Order Objective: Healthy urban environments which provide for a sustainable balance between naturalsystems and social, cultural and economic interests.

The Board will support local government in its initiatives to make urban and residential use of lands more sustainable. This program has been developedin partnership with local government, focussing on those areas where the Board can add value to local government processes. The following actions arethose that have been identified as the initial priorities and which will contribute to more effective natural resource management by local government,providing benefits for ratepayers and the environment.

Actions to address urban issues such as stormwater management, water conservation, land capability and management of vegetation communities havebeen developed in the other four Blueprint programs. The implementation of these program actions will assist in meeting the developed environmentprogram first order objective.

Benefit statement

This program will deliver support to local government in the form of cross-regional coordination, improved sharing of knowledge and collaborativeresourcing to improve environmental, social and economic outcomes in developed environments.

Management targets

1. From 2003, local government will be supported to implement integrated programs of natural resource information collection, storage and accessibilityto support better natural resource management decision making.

2. From 2002, local government will be supported through improved information exchange and collaboration on natural resource management.

36


U1 From 2003, local government will be supported to develop and implement integrated programs of natural resource information collection, storageand accessibility to support better natural resource management decision making.



55 New U1 U1.1 Support local government with anintegrated natural resource datacollection and monitoring strategy toassess the environmental impacts of theurban footprint, including:• Specifying natural resource

management informationrequirements,

• Identifying cost-effective monitoringand analysis techniques and

• Identifying resources and resourcesharing opportunities.

12/02-12/04 DLWC Local government,EPA,PlanningNSW,NPWS,Academic institutions,SCA

$250, 000

56 New U1 U1.2 Support local government inimplementing a GIS on natural resourceinformation for availability across thecatchment.

12/02-12/04 DLWC Local government,PlanningNSW,NPWS,EPA,Academic institutions,SCA

$200, 000

U2 From 2002, local government will be supported through improved information exchange and collaboration on natural resource management.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)4 New U2 U2.1 Coordinate a regional forum for

local government natural resourcemanagers.

12/02-06/06 PlanningNSW Local government,DLWC,NPWS,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

Nil

37

Board and Community Partnership ProgramThis Blueprint sets the framework for obtaining resources and support to assist the community and government agencies to jointly implement on-groundworks. It strengthens the capacity of the community and government to manage the challenges facing natural resource management and to share theresponsibility and benefits of good natural resource management.

The need to develop strong partnerships between the Board and the community is recognised in this program.

The Board�s ongoing role is to monitor the implementation of this Blueprint and to modify the document as actions are implemented and new issues arise.The Board intends to conduct this role by:

• Providing effective project management and monitoring.• Negotiating the involvement of key stakeholders, both government and communities in the implementation of actions.• Directing and/or allocating resources required to implement actions.• Encouraging public and ministerial accountability for the implementation of actions.• Being prepared to stand up for the principles of the Blueprint and to pursue sustainability with equity.

Management targets

1. From 2002, ensure that natural resource management planning lights a path towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and other Australians.2. By 2012, the community is better aware, and understanding of, natural resource management issues.3. From 2002, the community has increased skills, support and resources to implement on-ground works to address natural resource management

issues.4. From 2002, the Board will oversee and publicly report on the implementation of the Blueprint.

38


BC1 From 2002, ensure that natural resource management planning lights a path towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and other Australians.Priority Status Targets



C1C2B1BC1BC3

BC1.1 Improve consultation processes withAboriginal people through:• Facilitating training and development

opportunities for Aboriginal Boardmembers.

• Provision of additional support toAboriginal Board members to facilitatetheir role in conducting broadconsultation throughout theircommunities.

• Appointment of 2 Aboriginal NaturalResource Officers.

• Establishment of a natural resourcespartnership forum between agenciesand Aboriginal groups to improvenatural resource managementoutcomes.

11/02 - 06/03

11/02 - 06/02

07/03 - 11/12

10/03 - 11/12

DLWC,Aboriginal communities

NPWS,SECMB,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,EPA,Local government,TAFE

$2, 000, 000

19 Enhanced BC1 BC1.2 Develop and promote employmentopportunities for Aboriginal people innatural resource management.

11/02-11/12 Premier�s Department,Aboriginal communities

DLWC,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,EPA,Local government,Educational institutions,Dept Education andTraining,TAFE

$1, 000, 000

73 New B1BC1

BC1.3 Assist Aboriginal people to developand implement an Aboriginal CulturalHeritage Program including:• Development of cultural and history

mapping resource by providing accessto information on cultural sites andproviding GIS mapping of relevant oralhistory information.

• Training and support for Aboriginal

01/04 - 11/12 NPWS Aboriginal communities,DLWC,Local government

$3, 000, 000

39

BC1 From 2002, ensure that natural resource management planning lights a path towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and other Australians.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)communities to collect and recordinformation.

• Documentation of best managementpractices to ensure the conservation ofsignificant sites and landscapes.

74 New B1BC1

BC1.4 Assist with the development of adocument on traditional Aboriginalhusbandry techniques for natural resourcemanagement including sources and use ofbush foods, medicines, fish managementand management of vegetation by fire.

01/04-06/05 NPWS DLWC,Aboriginal communities

$1, 000, 000

58 New BC1BC3

BC1.5 Assist Aboriginal groups to prepare adevelopment program for Aboriginal naturalresource enterprises and projects egecotourism, fish farms, medicines,ecotourism, farm forestry and tourism.

07/03-06/05 NSW State andRegional Development,Aboriginal communities

NSW Fisheries,DLWC,NPWS,State Forests,NSW Tourism,TAFE

$200, 000

20 Enhanced BC1BC2

BC1.6 Increase the broader community�sknowledge and understanding of Aboriginalculture through:• Use of traditional names to identify

significant features and elements of thelandscape.

• Development of an education program.

11/02-11/12 Aboriginal communities RTA,Local government,DLWC,Education institutions

$500, 000

BC2 By 2012, the community is better aware and understanding of natural resource management issues.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)3 New W1-W4

C1-C5L1-L2B1-B2BC2

BC2.1 Develop and implementcommunication and education programs toaddress natural resource managementissues.

11/02-11/12 DLWC NSW Agriculture,NPWS,EPA,NSW Fisheries,SCA,State Forests

$2, 000, 000

40

BC3 From 2002, the community has increased skills, support and resources to implement on-ground works to address natural resource managementissues.



1 Enhanced W1-W4C1-C5L1-L2B1-B5BC1BC2BC3

BC3.1 Develop and implement acommunity capacity building strategy thatincludes the:• Provision of staff to assist community

groups to deliver natural resourcemanagement outcomes.

• Provision of agency advice to ensureuse of best management practises.

• Provision of education and trainingprograms to transfer skills to thecommunity.

• Formation of a community partnershipforum that facilitates interactionbetween the community, Board andagencies.

11/02-06/03 DLWC Local government,Environmental caregroups,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,TAFE,NSW Agriculture,EPA

$8, 000, 000

6 New W1-W4C1-C5L1-L2B1-B5U1-U2BC1BC3

BC3.2 Develop and implement investmentstrategy for targeted on-ground works andsmall projects.

11/02-04/03 DLWC Local government,NPWS,NSW Agriculture,Environmental caregroups,NSW Fisheries

$1, 000, 000

BC4 From 2002, the Board will oversee and publicly report on the implementation of the Blueprint.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)5 Enhanced BC4 BC4.1 Establish implementation

accountability for each Blueprint action andprepare detailed work plans and budgetsfor actions identified in the Blueprint.

06/02 DLWC Local government,SCA,Port HackingManagement Panel,Sydney Water,RTA,SIWMC,DLG,Aboriginal communities,EPA,NPWS,

Nil

41

BC4 From 2002, the Board will oversee and publicly report on the implementation of the Blueprint.Priority Status Targets


(New $ req.)NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,RLPB,Marine Parks Authority,Premier�s Department,NSW State & RegionalDevelopment

75 New BC4 BC4.2 Lead organisations for actionimplementation to report annually to theSouthern Catchment Board on the progressof implementation.

07/03-11/12 DLWC Local government,SCA,Port HackingManagement Panel,Sydney Water,RTA,SIWMC,DLG,Aboriginal communities,EPA,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,RLPB,Marine Parks Authority,Premier�s Department,NSW State & RegionalDevelopment

Nil

76 New BC4 BC4.3 Annual reporting of Blueprintimplementation to the community andgovernment.

07/03-11/12 DLWC $200, 000

42

Outcomes AnalysisThis Blueprint, prepared by the Southern Catchment Management Board, will integrate existingprograms and works with new ideas and actions. It also provides for optimisation of investment acrossnatural resources. Targets and actions should improve the health and overall prosperity of theCatchment as compared with not implementing this Blueprint.

Likely environmental benefits include - improved environmental water quality in rivers, lakes, estuariesand marine systems: agreed water sharing plans ensuring low flows are maintained; maintenance andenhancement of vegetation networks and habitat, including conservation of threatened ecosystems;high priority land degradation is targeted to reduce soil loss. Likely social benefits include -maintenance of drinking water quality; enhanced resource base for cultural, tourism and recreationaluse; increased capacity of the community to participate in natural resource management; recognition bythe community that protecting natural ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity are fundamentalelements of sustainable agriculture. Likely economic benefits include - increased ability for communityparticipation in natural resource management through incentive programs; a prioritised direction forresource investment in the Catchment.

Funding and resources

It will be the work of the Southern Catchment Management Board to assist in gaining the fundsnecessary to undertake the actions in the Blueprint. There are many existing sources, such as NaturalHeritage Trust (NHT) in its many forms, other federal and state government schemes, redirection offuture agency budgets, across-agency funding and corporate investment. Some actions will beachievable within current budget structures assisted by better prioritisation and cooperation acrossgovernment agencies, landholders, local government and the community in timing and placement ofworks.

Where to from here?

The Southern Catchment Blueprint sets the direction for investment and action in the Catchment�snatural resources. An implementation and investment strategy will be prepared by the agencies, localgovernment and the community under the guidance of the Southern Catchment Management Board.

The NSW Blueprint Implementation Manual will outline a clearly defined process for the periodic auditand review of the Blueprint�s outputs (ie management actions) and outcomes (ie catchment andmanagement targets). This will ensure continued development and improvement of the Blueprint overits 10 year term.

Many of the actions and targets included in this catchment blueprint will inform the preparation of theregional strategy covering the catchment area (as part of the PlanFirst initiative). Work on regionalstrategies is commencing progressively and is expected to be completed over the next 5 years.

The Board will be required to produce an annual report for the Minister for Land and WaterConservation on the progress of Blueprint�s implementation. The report will also be designed to satisfythe reporting requirements for specific investment sources such as Natural Hertiage Trust 2 (NHT2) toNSW and Commonwealth Ministers. A standardised annual reporting format will include a description ofprogress against management actions and a brief evaluation of the efficiency of management actions indelivering the approved catchment and management targets. This annual report may also includerecommendations to the Minister to modify the management actions.

Every five years, the Board will review the Blueprint to ascertain whether its provisions remain adequateand appropriate for meeting the Blueprint targets. This review may include recommendations to theMinister to amend targets and/or supporting management actions. Any review reports are to be madepublicly available.

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At intervals of not more than five years the Minister will appoint an independent audit panel to report tohim on whether the provisions of the Blueprint are being given effect to. This may be done inconsultation with the Commonwealth if investment sources such as NHT2 are being audited. The auditmay result in recommendations to the Minister on amendments to the Blueprint which the Minister woulddiscuss with the Board. Any audit reports are to be made publicly available.

Amending the Catchment Blueprint

Under the following instances this Catchment Blueprint may require amendment by the Minister.Catchment targets, management targets and/or management actions may be added, changed ordeleted during the term of the Catchment Blueprint as a result of:• cross-boundary interactions between Boards;• the need to incorporate any improved government policy frameworks agreed to in bilateral

arrangements and to ameliorate any negative impacts or enhance any positive impacts arising fromproposed strategies and actions. Examples of such policy frameworks include Blueprints (under theCatchment Management Act 1989), water management plans (under the Water Management Act2000), regional vegetation management plans (under the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997)and threat abatement plans and recovery plans (under the Threatened Species Conservation Act)available after the Blueprint is approved;

• requirements for future Natural Heritage Trust 2 (NHT2) accreditation;• the participation of the CMB in a review of targets by 31 December 2003 in terms of consistency in

relation to the National Standards and Targets Framework, and where applicable, other agreednational frameworks including the National Water Quality Management Strategy, the NationalVegetation Framework and the National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation, andthe requirement to implement the outcomes by May 2005; undertake social and economic analysisof impacts to support the review where appropriate;

• new or enhanced technical, scientific or socio-economic information;• ongoing community consultation;• the annual reporting to the Minister by the Board on the implementation of the Blueprint. In

particular, there may be a need to amend the management actions because their success can befurther enhanced or they are proven to be inappropriate or counterproductive to meeting theapproved catchment and/or management targets or a gap has been identified.

• the five yearly review of the Blueprint by the Board. In particular, there may be a need to amend thecatchment targets and management targets (and their supporting management actions) becausethey are proven to be unrealistic or inappropriate.

• the auditing of the Blueprint by an independent audit panel appointed by the Minister;• minor issues such as administrative or typographical errors or name changes.

Proposed amendments to the Blueprint can be:• included as a recommendation from the Board as part of its annual reporting to the Minister;• included as a recommendation from the Board to the Minister as part of its five yearly review report;• generated by the Minister, for example, as a result of agreed government policy requirements;• included as a recommendation from the independent audit panel to the Minister.

Where amendments are required to meet future NHT2 accreditation criteria, the joint NSW-Commonwealth Steering Committee will work with the Board to ensure the amendments are identifiedand recommended to the Minister.

The Minister can approve any of the above amendments and amend the plan by a notice published inthe Gazette. Amendments would take effect immediately upon gazettal.

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GlossaryANZECC 2000 guidelines The Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters collates

a vast body of scientific information and management experience on the waterquality required to sustain the range of environmental values that Australianwaters may support.

Biodiversity The variety of natural life forms � the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form.

Biophysical Indicator A physical or biological indicator that measures change in the condition orstatus of a natural resource. It best represents the key elements of a complexecosystem or environmental issue.

Coast and EstuaryManagement Committees

Committees chaired by local government to oversee preparation of Coastlineand Estuary Management Plans (and in the future Coastal Zone ManagementPlans).

Coastal Zone ManagementPlan

A plan that promotes the coordinated and sustainable use and management ofland, water, vegetation and other natural resources within a particular part ofthe coastal zone. Its purpose is to:• specify objectives for how that part of the coastal zone is to be used, cared

for and managed.• outline detailed action plans for measures that will achieve those objectives.• outline supporting implementation, reporting, evaluation and review

mechanisms.Plans are prepared as per the NSW Coastal Zone Management Manual.

Connect for biodiversityconservation

To enhance, manage and protect the existing native vegetation fromdegradation or loss.

Conserve for biodiversityconservation

Preserve the existing native vegetation from degradation or loss.

Declared pest species The Rural Lands Protection Act, 1998 sets out the conditions under whichanimals, birds and insects are declared pests and provides the process andmechanisms for the control of such species.

Ecological community See ecosystem.Ecologically SustainableDevelopment (ESD)

Refers to development that uses, conserves and enhances the community�sresources so that the ecological process on which life depends are maintainedand the total quality of life now and in the future can be increased.The four principles of ESD are:• Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity.• Inter-generational equity.• Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms and• The precautionary principle.

Ecosystem Assemblages of ecological communities that interact with each other and withtheir environment.

Ecosystem Integrity Index This is a scientific measure of the environmental health of lakes and estuaries.It is based on the National Land and Water Resources Audit index and can beadjusted for local ecological conditions. Component measures includechlorophyll, turbidity, faecal coliforms, critical habitat loss, invasive species andecosystem events such as shellfish closures, fish/bird kills and events thatreduce oxygen and so threaten aquatic life.

Enhance for biodiversityconservation

Improve the condition of existing stands of native vegetation throughmanagement such as supplementary plantings of locally native species, weedmanagement and grazing management.

Environmental flows River flows or characteristics of the flow pattern, which are either protected orcreated to maintain the ecological processes of a waterway.

Environmental Services Natural resources generate services for people and communities by providingfertile soil, purifying air and water, making habitats that support a diversity ofnative plants and animals, reducing the impacts of pests and supportingforests, coasts, estuaries and rangeland for production, recreation andlearning. People can provide or restore services to the environment. Activitiescan benefit the environment to improve water, soil and air quality and restorebiodiversity and at the same time enhance profitable production of food, fibreand other natural-based products.

Integrated Forestry forSouthern Region Operations

A NSW Government agreement to integrate regulatory conditions of approvalfor environmental planning and assessment, for the protection of the

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Approval environment and for threatened species conservation. These conditions aim toensure the protection of catchment and threatened species.

Habitat An area occupied, or periodically or occasionally occupied, by a species,population or ecological community. Includes the range of plant and animalcommunities, structural arrangements of vegetation, soil types, climate, fireregimes and other environmental variables.

Healthy Rivers Commission Established in January 1996 by the NSW Government to conduct independentpublic inquiries into the health of NSW�s rivers, lakes and estuaries and torecommend to government longer term environmental objectives and actionsfor catchments identified as stressed.

High Conservation Value Vegetation communities that make a significant contribution to theconservation of biodiversity and include: habitats and ecosystems that areunique, intact and have a high number of endemic species or act as a refugia;endangered and threatened ecological communities; threatened specieshabitat; areas subject to international agreements such as JAMBA and CAMBAand regional planning instruments such as Illawarra and Jervis Bay REPswildlife corridors; regional significant habitats and ecosystems such asrainforest and mangrove ecosystems; cultural sites and areas subject toconservation agreements.

JANIS criteria The Joint ANZEC/MCFFA National Forest Policy Implementation Sub-committee (JANIS) developed nationally agreed criteria for the establishmentof a Comprehensive Adequate and Representative (CAR) reserve system in1997. These criteria were accepted by the NSW Government.• As a general criterion, 15% of the pre-1750 distribution of each forest

ecosystem should be protected in the CAR reserve system with flexibilityconsiderations adopted according to regional circumstances and recognisingthat as far as possible and practicable, the proportion of dedicated reservesshould be maximised.

• Where forest ecosystems are recognised as vulnerable, then at least 60% oftheir remaining extent should be reserved.

• All remaining occurrences of rare and endangered forest ecosystems shouldbe reserved or protected by other means as far as practicable.

• Reserved areas should be replicated across the geographic range of theforest ecosystem to decrease the likelihood that chance events will cause theforest ecosystem to decline.

• The reserve system should seek to maximise the area of high quality habitatfor all known elements of biodiversity wherever practicable.

• Reserves should be large enough to sustain the viability, quality and integrityof populations.

• To ensure representativeness, the reserve system should, as far as possible,sample the full range of biological variation within each forest ecosystem bysampling the range of environmental variation typical of its geographic rangeand sampling its range of successional stages.

• In fragmented landscapes, remnants that contribute to sampling the fullrange of biodiversity are vital parts of a forest reserve system. The areasshould be identified and protected as part of the development of integratedregional conservation strategies.

Key threatening processes A process that threatens, or could threaten, the survival or evolutionarydevelopment of species, populations or ecological communities. Somethingcan be a threat if it:• adversely affects two or more threatened species, populations or ecological

communities; or• could cause species, populations or ecological communities that are not

currently threatened to become threatened.Land capability An assessment of the biophysical characteristics of the land and the extent to

which these will limit a particular type of land use. Eight land capability classescategorise land in terms of its general limitations for rural production eg soils,slope and drainage.

Main environmental values Refer to water quality objectives.Manage for biodiversityconservation

Taking care of native vegetation by maintaining and managing impacts toensure that its natural significance is retained.

Marine Protected Area Marine protected areas are coastal, estuarine or oceanic areas managed toconserve biodiversity. They range from small, highly protected areas that focus

46

on species or community protection, to large multiple use areas that includecomplex linkages of ecosystems and habitats.

National Land and WaterResources Audit

A program of the Natural Heritage Trust. It was set up in 1997 to improve land,water and vegetation management by providing better information to resourcemanagers. The Audit is a partnership between all States, Territories and theCommonwealth, sharing and exchanging information and data on a vast arrayof natural resource topics.

Native Vegetation Any species of flora that existed in NSW before European settlement.Native Vegetation AdvisoryCouncil of NSW

Established in 1998 by the Native Vegetation Conservation Act to take aproactive role in advising the NSW government on native vegetation issuesthroughout the state. The membership of NVAC represents a wide range ofinterests and includes rural representatives, conservation groups andgovernment agencies.

Native Vegetation communitytypes

Groupings of trees, shrubs, groundcover plants or any plants of the kind thatexisted in NSW before European settlement.

No net loss A national goal to reverse the long term decline in the quality and extent ofnative vegetation cover where the rate of native vegetation establishment inAustralia is equal to or exceeds the rate of vegetation clearance. NSW willseek to achieve the no net loss goal through vegetation retention andrevegetation targets, regional vegetation management plans and an offsetpolicy.

NSW Coastal DuneManagement Manual (2001)

Manual presenting information on how best to manage coastal dunelandscapes.

NSW Coastal ZoneManagement Manual

New manual (to be produced) combining the existing Coastline ManagementManual (1997) and Estuary Management Manual (1992). Will reflect theprinciples of the NSW Coastal Policy and incorporate broad-based naturalresource management principles for coastal zone management.

NSW Comprehensive CoastalAssessment (CCA)

Part of the 2001 Coastal Protection Package. Will assess the environmental,social and economic values of NSW coastline and will provide data on, and ananalysis of, the values of the land within the coastal zone for use in planningand management decisions.

NSW Stressed RiversAssessment (1999)

This report classifies rivers according to their assessed level of environmentalstress - estimates of current water usage and assessments of environmentalhealth and conservation value. Classification is used to guide managementpriorities and policies

Original Vegetation cover The vegetation which was likely to have existed prior to clearing anddisturbance since European arrival in 1790. For the Southern ComprehensiveRegional Assessment a pre-1750 layer of vegetation was derived frommapping the current extent and types of native vegetation coverage, then usinga combination of climate. geology, soils and terrain data to model pre-1750vegetation across cleared lands.

Pest Animal and InsectFunction Management Plan

Action plans outlining how each pest animal species will be managed in eachRural Lands Protection Board district.

Precautionary principle Requires a risk averse approach to decision making. Where there are threatsof serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certaintyis not to be used as a reason for postponing measures to preventenvironmental degradation.

Priority stream Rivers and streams identified by the NSW government as priorities for watersharing plans.

Protect for biodiversityconservation

To guard against the degradation of native flora and fauna and their habitat byensuring their health, extent and diversity.

Recovery Plan Once a species, population or ecological community has been listed asthreatened, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 requires theNational Parks and Wildlife Service to draw up a recovery plan. This plan isdesigned to return the species, population or ecological community to a pointwhere their survival is viable in nature.

Regeneration of nativevegetation

The natural reestablishment of native vegetation via management actions usedto encourage the growth of naturally occurring seeds and other plant materialsin a previously cleared area.

Regional VegetationManagement Plan

A comprehensive plan for the future management of a region�s nativevegetation. The process in developing and implementing the Plan is identifiedin the Native Vegetation Management Act, 1997.

Restoration of nativevegetation

The quality and extent of an area of native vegetation improved throughrevegetation and/or regeneration and combined with improved management.

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Revegetation Native vegetation is returned to a previously cleared area by planting, seedingor natural regeneration.

Riparian Land that adjoins, or is associated with, the bank of a river or the foreshore of alake or other waterbody.

River flow objectives Twelve river flow objectives have been identified for coastal rivers to solve flowproblems and to protect river health.

Shoalhaven Illawarra WaterManagement Committee

Established under the Water Management Act, 2000 to implement NSWgovernment policies with respect to fresh waters in the catchment.

Shoalhaven River Statementof Joint Intent

Document that defines the NSW Cabinet decision on the actions required ofgovernment agencies following the Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiry into theShoalhaven River.

Southern ComprehensiveRegional Assessment

The process of data collection and assessment to support regional forestagreements.

Southern Region ForestAgreement

A NSW Government agreement which sets out the principles and strategicframework for the cooperative management of all forests by various agencies.This agreement compliments the regional forest agreement. Key outcomes ofthe agreement include:• managing for conservation outcomes (establishment and management of a

CAR reserve system),• Aboriginal involvement in forest management and Native title interests,• the promotion of ecologically sustainable forest management,• a sustainable wood supply, and• provision for a regulatory framework for forest operations (integrated forest

operations approval).Southern Regional ForestAgreement

This agreement is an outcome of the Southern Comprehensive RegionalAssessment process between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments. Itsets the framework for the ecologically sustainable management of forests,identifies areas needed for a CAR reserve system and enables theCommonwealth to licence the export of woodchips from the SouthernCatchment.

Sustainability Refer to ecological sustainable development.Threat Abatement Plan A document under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 which

identifies the actions to be taken to abate, ameliorate or eliminate the adverseeffects of threatening processes on threatened species, populations orecological communities.

Water quality objectives Local benchmarks for water quality which are given in quantitative terms. Theyare based on the main environmental values of water for the aquaticecosystem, recreation, visual amenity and drinking, agricultural and industrialuses. They are designed to support and protect the environmental values at aspecific site.

Water sharing plan A statutory plan under the Water Management Act 2000 which provides a clearstatement of water access entitlements for all water users and theenvironment. Based on the principles that the sharing of water from a watersource must protect the water and its dependant ecosystems and the basiclandholder rights to access water without the need for an access licence.

Weed species Invasive, native or introduced terrestrial and aquatic plant species determinedto have an environmental or economic impact.

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AcronymsANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation CouncilCAMBA Chinese Australian Migratory Bird AgreementCAR Comprehensive Adequate and RepresentativeDLG Department of Local GovernmentDLWC Department of Land and Water ConservationDMR Department of Mineral ResourcesEII Ecosystem Integrity IndexEPA Environment Protection AuthorityEPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation ActESD Ecological Sustainable DevelopmentGIS Geographical Information ServicesIPART Independent Pricing and Regulatory TribunalJAMBA Japanese Australian Migratory Bird AgreementJANIS Joint ANCECC/MCFFA National Forest Policy Implementation Sub-committeeMCFFA Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and AquacultureNHT Natural Heritage TrustNHT 2 Natural Heritage TrustNPWS National Parks and Wildlife ServiceREP Regional Environment PlanRLPB Rural Lands Protection BoardRTA Roads and Traffic AuthoritySCA Sydney Catchment AuthoritySECMB South East Catchment Management BoardSIWMC Shoalhaven and Illawarra Water Management CommitteeSRA State Rail AuthorityTAFE Technical and Further Education

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Appendix 1

Catchment Blueprint in context of existing plans and policies

Catchment Blueprint

InternationalChina-Australia Migratory BirdsAgreementConvention Concerning the Protectionof the World Cultural and NaturalHeritage (World Heritage Convention)Convention on Wetlands ofInternational Importance Especially asWaterfowl Habitat (RamsarConvention)Japan-Australia Migratory BirdsAgreementKyoto Protocol to the United NationsFramework Convention on ClimateChange and the Kyoto ProtocolRio Declaration

NationalAboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHeritage Protection Act 1984Allocation and use of Groundwater: ANational Framework for ImprovedGroundwater Management inAustraliaAustralian Heritage Commission Act1975COAG Heads of Agreement on Rolesand Responsibilities for theEnvironmentEnvironment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999Inter Governmental Agreement on theEnvironmentNational Forest Policy StatementNational Framework for theManagement and Monitoring ofAustralia�s Native VegetationNational Greenhouse StrategyNational Local GovernmentBiodiversity StrategyNational Natural ResourceManagement Policy (proposed)National Principles for the Provisionof Water For EcosystemsNational Soil Conservation Strategyfor AustraliaNational Strategy for EcologicallySustainable DevelopmentNational Strategy for theConservation of Australia�s BiologicalDiversityNational Water Quality ManagementStrategyNative Title Act 1993Natural Heritage Trust PartnershipAgreementsThe Australia ICOMOS Charter forthe Conservation of Places of CulturalSignificance (Burra Charter)

StateCatchment Management Act 1989Contaminated Lands Management Act 1997Crown Lands Act 1989Environmental Planning and Assessment Act1979Fish Habitat etc.Fisheries Management Act 1994Heritage Act 1977 / Heritage AmendmentAct 1998Interim Environmental Objectives for WaterQualityLocal Government Act 1993National Greenhouse Strategy - StateImplementation PlanNational Parks and Wildlife Act 1974Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997Noxious Weeds Act 1993NSW Aquatic Biodiversity StrategyNSW Biodiversity StrategyNSW Coastal Policy 1997NSW Groundwater Quality Protection PolicyNSW Native Vegetation StrategyNSW Salinity StrategyNSW State Groundwater DependentEcosystems PolicyNSW State Groundwater Policy FrameworkNSW State Rivers and Estuary PolicyNSW Wetlands Management PolicyOperational Environmental Protection ActPesticides Act 1997Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999Policy for Sustainable Agriculture in NewSouth WalesProtection of the Environment OperationsActRoadside Environment Strategic PlanRural Lands Protection Act 1998Soil Conservation Act 1938State Soils PolicyState Water Management Outcomes PlanTax Assessment Act 1997Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995Water Management Act 2000Wilderness Act 1987

Community

Local Government

Research Institutions

GovernmentInstrumentalities

Water ManagementCommittee

RegionalPlanFirst Regional StrategyBush Fire Management PlansCoastal Management PlanCrown Land AssessmentCrown Reserves Plans ofManagementEstuary Management PlanFloodplain Management PlansHealthy Rivers Commission ReportsLocal Environmental PlansPest Animal and Insect FunctionManagement PlanRegional Environmental PlansRegional Vegetation ManagementPlansRoadside Management PlansSettlement StrategiesShoalhaven River Statement ofIntentSouth Coast Bitou Bush StrategySouthern Integrated ForestOperations ApprovalSouthern Regional ForestAgreementStressed Rivers AssessmentReportsUrban Stormwater ManagementPlansWater Management Plans

PlanFirst RegionalForum

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Appendix 2

Matters of National Environmental Significance

This Blueprint recognises that the Southern Catchment contains the following assets which havenational environmental significance:• World Heritage Area - None listed.• Ramsar Site(s) � None listed.• Nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities � Refer to Appendix 3.• Listed Migratory Species � Refer to Appendix 4.

Under the Commonwealth Government�s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act(EPBC Act) 1999, actions that are likely to have a significant impact on a matter of nationalenvironmental significance require the approval of the Commonwealth Environment Minister. An actionincludes a project, development, undertaking, activity, or series of activities.

In setting targets and management actions for investment, the Board has given preliminaryconsideration to the possible impacts on the Catchment�s environmental assets that these targets andactions might entail.

Notwithstanding this consideration, before any specific action arising from this Blueprint that may have asignificant impact on a matter of national environmental significance is undertaken, any necessaryapproval under the EPBC Act should be obtained. In order to determine whether the proposed actionrequires approval under the EPBC Act, the proponent should refer the proposal to the CommonwealthEnvironment Minister. If the Minister determines that an approval is required, the proposed action wouldproceed through the assessment and approval process.

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Appendix 3

Threatened Flora Species of the Southern Catchment

This table has been prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service with data available as of 30th June 2002.Current listings can be accessed on the following two websites:• http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/index.html for species and• http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/index.html for threatened communities.

Category A Species or CommunitiesCategory A Species or Communities are those that are believed to be in continued decline within theSouthern Catchment or are likely to decline in the short to medium term if current trends continue.Management, planning or investigative actions additional to those currently available to public landsmanagement agencies or local government will be necessary to address these declines.Scientific Name NSW Status Commonwealth

StatusIllawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodlands EECKurnell Dune Forest in the Sutherland Shire and the City ofRockdale

EEC

O�Hares Creek Shale Forest Community EECRobertson Basalt Tall Open Forest EECRobertson Rainforest EECShale Sandstone Transition Forest EECSouthern Highlands Shale Woodlands EECSutherland Shire Littoral Rainforest EECSydney Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest EECSydney Coastal River Flat Forest EECSydney Freshwater Wetlands EECAcacia bynoeana E1 VCaladenia tessellata V VChamaesyce psammogeton E1Cynanchum elegans E1 EDaphnandra sp. C E1 EDiuris aequalis E1 VEucalyptus recurva E1 EGenoplesium plumosum E1 EIrenepharsus trypherus E1 EMelaleuca biconvexa V VPimelea spicata E1 EPomaderris adnata E1Pomaderris delicata E1 (nominated)Prasophyllum affine E1 EPterostylis gibbosa E1 EZieria granulata E1 E

Category B Species or CommunitiesCategory B Species or Communities are those that are likely to decline in the short to medium termwithout active management if current trends continue. There may be adequate management, planning orinvestigative actions currently available to public land management agencies these however, someadditional mechanisms may become necessary in the future.Scientific Name NSW Status Commonwealth

StatusAcacia baueri ssp aspera VAcacia pubescens V VAcacia terminalis subsp. terminalis E1 E

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Angophora inopina V VArthropteris palisotii E1Astrotricha crassifolia V VBaloskion longipes V VBossiaea oligosperma V VChorizema parviflorum population in the Wollongong andShellharbour Local Government Areas

Endangered pop.

Cryptostylis hunteriana V VDarwinia biflora V VDillwynia glaucula E1Distichlis distichophylla E1Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens V VEucalyptus camfieldii V VGalium australe Presumed Extinct (but recently found)Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora V VGrevillea renwickiana E1 (nominated)Lespedeza juncea subsp. sericea population in the WollongongLocal Government Area

Endangered pop.

Leucopogon exolasius V VMelaleuca deanei V VPersoonia glaucescens V VPersoonia hirsuta E1Plinthanthesis rodwayi V VPomaderris brunnea V VPomaderris parrisiae V VPomaderris sericea E1 VProstanthera densa V VPultenaea aristata V VPultenaea baeuerlenii V VPultenaea pedunculata E1Senna acclinis E1Syzygium paniculatum V VTriplarina nowraensis E1 EWilsonia backhousei VWilsonia rotundifolia E1Zieria baeuerlenii E1 E

Category C Species or CommunitiesCategory C Species or Communities are those that are believed to be stable or whose decline is able tobe addressed by management, planning or investigative actions currently available to public landmanagement agencies or local government.Scientific Name NSW Status Commonwealth

StatusBoronia deanei V VBudawangia gnidioides V VCallitris oblonga subsp. corangensis V VEucalyptus langleyi V VEucalyptus sturgissiana V VGrevillea molyneuxii V EGrevillea rivularis E1 EHaloragis exalata subsp. exalata V VLeptospermum thompsonii V VPomaderris cotoneaster E1 EPterostylis pulchella V VZieria murphyi V V

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Threatened Fauna Species of the Southern Catchment

This table has been prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service with data available as of 30th June 2002.Current listings can be accessed on the following two websites:• http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/index.html for species and• http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/index.html for threatened communities.

Category A Species and PopulationsCategory A Species and Populations are those that are believed to be in continued decline within theSouthern Catchment or are likely to decline in the short to medium term if current trends continue.Management, planning or investigative actions additional to those currently available to public landsmanagement agencies or local government will be necessary to address these declinesScientific Name Common Name NSW Status Commonwealth

StatusCrinula tinnula Wallum Froglet V -Dasyornis brachypterus Eastern Bristlebird E1 EndangeredDasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll E1(but likely to be extinct in NSW)Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog V VulnerableHoplocephalus bungaroides Broad-headed Snake E1 VulnerableIsoodon obesulus Southern Brown Bandicoot E1 EndangeredLathamus discolor Swift Parrot E1 EndangeredLitoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog E1 VulnerableLitoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog E1 -Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn�s Tree Frog V VulnerableMacquaria australasica Macquarie Perch V EndangeredMixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog V VulnerablePetrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby V VulnerablePolytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V VulnerablePotorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo V VulnerableSterna albifrons Little Tern E1 -Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover E1 -Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater E1 Endangered

Category B Species and PopulationsCategory B Species and Populations are those that are likely to decline in the short to medium termwithout active management if current trends continue. There may be adequate management, planningand investigative actions currently available to public land management agencies and local governmentto address these declines however, some additional mechanisms may become necessary in the future.Scientific Name Common Name NSW Status Commonwealth

StatusBurhinus grallarius Bush Stone Curlew E1Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy-possum V -Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V VulnerableDasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll V VulnerableEubalaena australis Southern Right Whale V EndangeredFalsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle V -Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V -Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V -Melithreptus gularis gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater

(eastern subsp.)V -

Menippis fugitivus Leaf Beetle E2Miniopterus schreibersii Common Bentwing-bat V -Mormopterus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat V -Myotis adversus Large-footed Myotis V -Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot V -Ninox connivens Barking Owl V -

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Ninox strenua Powerful Owl VPetaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider VPetaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V -Petroica rodinogaster Pink Robin V -Pezoporus wallicus wallicus Ground Parrot (eastern subsp.) V -Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V -Polytelis anthopeplus Regent Parrot E1 VulnerablePrototroctes maraena Australian Grayling VulnerablePseudophryne australis Red-crowned Toadlet V -Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V VulnerablePyrrholaemus sagittatus Speckled Warbler V -Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V -Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat V -Shorebird Community -Taren Point

E3

Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart V -Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V -Suta flagellum Little Whip Snake V -Varanus rosenbergi Rosenberg's Goanna V -Vespadelus troughtoni Eastern Cave Bat V -

Category C Species and populationsCategory C Species and populations are those that are believed to be stable or whose decline isable to be addressed by management, planning and investigative actions currently available topublic land management agencies and local government.Scientific Name Common Name NSW Status Commonwealth

StatusBotaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern V -Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo V -Calamanthus fuliginosus Striated Fieldwren V -Calidris alba Sanderling V -Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot V -Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo V -Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover V -Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover V -Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V -Coracina lineata Yellow-eyed Cuckoo Shrike V -Diomedea cauta Shy Albatross V -Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross E1 -Diomedea melanophris Black-browed Albatross V -Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork E1 -Esacus neglectus Beach Stone-curlew E1 -Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon V -Glossopsittaporphyrocephala

Purple-crowned Lorikeet V -

Gygis alba White Tern V -Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher V -Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher V -Irediparra gallinacea Comb-crested Jacana V -Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern V -Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper V -Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit V -Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel E1 EndangeredMegaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale V VulnerableNeophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot E1 EndangeredOxyura australis Blue-billed Duck V -Pachycephala olivacea Olive Whistler V -

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Pandion haliaetus Osprey V -Phoebetria fusca Sooty Albatross V VulnerablePhyseter macrocephalus Sperm Whale V -Pterodroma leucopteraleucoptera

Gould's Petrel E1 -

Pterodroma neglecta Kermadec Petrel V -Pterodroma nigripennis Black-winged Petrel V -Pterodroma solandri Providence Petrel V -Ptilinopus regina Rose Crowned Fruit Dove V -Ptilinopus superbus Superb Fruit Dove V -Puffinus assimilis Little Shearwater V -Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater V -Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe V -Sterna fuscata Sooty Tern V -Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck V -Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross V VulnerableThalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross V -Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V -Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V -Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper V -

56

Appendix 4

Migratory Species of the Southern Catchment

Many animals migrate to Australia or pass through or over Australian waters during their annual migrations.Australia is party to international conventions and agreements to protect many migratory species. These includethe:• Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)• China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)• Conventions on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals � (Bonn Convention).

The following table has been prepared using data from the Environment Australia website as of 30th June 2002.Current listings can be accessed on the following website:• http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/index.html

Marine birds covered by migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, 1999Scientific Name Common Name Type of PresenceDiomedeaamsterdamensis

Amsterdam Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Diomedea antipodensis Antipodean Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Diomedea dabbenena Tristan Albatross Foraging recorded within area - Derived from ageneral distribution map > 1 degree

Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Diomedea gibsoni Gibson's Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Pterodroma leucopteraleucoptera

Gould's Petrel Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Puffinus griseus Sooty Shearwater Breeding recorded within areaPuffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Breeding recorded within areaPuffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater Breeding recorded within areaThalassarche bulleri Buller's Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degreeThalassarche cauta Shy Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degreeThalassarchechrysostoma

Grey-headed Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Thalassarche impavida Campbell Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Thalassarchemelanophris

Black-browed Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Thalassarche salvini ) Salvin's Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Thalassarche steadi White-capped Albatross Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Marine species covered by migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, 1999Scientific Name Common Name Type of PresenceRhincodon typus Whale Shark Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degreeBalaenoptera musculus Blue Whale Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degreeEubalaena australis Southern Right Whale Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

57

Megapteranovaeangliae

Humpback Whale Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Dermochelys coriacea Leathery Turtle, Luth Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Terrestrial species covered by migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, 1999Scientific Name Common Name Type of PresenceHaliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Species or species habitat likely to occur within areaHirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degreeMonarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch Breeding or breeding habitat likely to occur within

area - Derived from a general distribution map > 1degree

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher Breeding or breeding habitat likely to occur withinarea

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Breeding or breeding habitat likely to occur withinarea - Derived from a general distribution map > 1degree

Xanthomyza phrygia Regent Honeyeater Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Wetland species covered by migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, 1999Scientific Name Common Name Type of PresenceArenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Species or species habitat likely to occur within areaCharadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover Species or species habitat likely to occur within areaCharadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover,

Mongolian PloverSpecies or species habitat likely to occur within area

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe,Japanese Snipe

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Numeniusmadagascariensis

Eastern Curlew Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover Species or species habitat likely to occur within areaRostratulabenghalensis

Painted Snipe Species or species habitat likely to occur within area- Derived from a general distribution map > 1 degree

Thinornis rubricollisrubricollis

Hooded Plover (eastern) Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

58

Appendix 5PRIORITY LIST OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS



1 Enhanced W1-W4C1-C5L1-L2B1-B5BC1BC2BC3

BC3.1 Develop and implement acommunity capacity building strategy thatincludes the:• Provision of staff to assist community

groups to deliver natural resourcemanagement outcomes.

• Provision of agency advice to ensureuse of best management practises.

• Provision of education and trainingprograms to transfer skills to thecommunity.

• Formation of a community partnershipforum that facilitates interactionbetween the community, Board andagencies.

11/02-06/03 DLWC Local government,Environmental caregroups,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,TAFE,NSW Agriculture,EPA

$8, 000, 000

2 Enhanced W1C1C2B1BC1BC3

BC1.1 Improve consultation processeswith Aboriginal people through:• Facilitating training and development

opportunities for Aboriginal Boardmembers.

• Provision of additional support toAboriginal Board members to facilitatetheir role in conducting broadconsultation throughout theircommunities.

• Appointment of 2 Aboriginal NaturalResource Officers.

• Establishment of a natural resourcespartnership forum between agenciesand Aboriginal groups to improvenatural resource managementoutcomes.

11/02 - 06/03

11/02 - 06/02

07/03 - 11/12

10/03 - 11/12

DLWC,Aboriginal communities

NPWS,SECMB,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,EPA,Local government,TAFE

$2, 000, 000

3 New W1-W4C1-C5L1-L2B1-B2

BC2.1 Develop and implementcommunication and education programsto address natural resource managementissues.

11/02-11/12 DLWC NSW Agriculture,NPWS,EPA,NSW Fisheries,

$2, 000, 000

59



BC2 SCA,State Forests

4 New U2 U2.1 Coordinate a regional forum forlocal government natural resourcemanagers.

12/02-06/06 PlanningNSW Local government,DLWC,NPWS,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

Nil

5 Enhanced BC4 BC4.1 Establish implementationaccountability for each Blueprint actionand prepare detailed work plans andbudgets for actions identified in theBlueprint.

06/02 DLWC Local government,SCA,Port HackingManagement Panel,Sydney Water,RTA,SIWMC,DLG,Aboriginal communities,EPA,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,RLPB,Marine Parks Authority,Premier�s Department,NSW State & RegionalDevelopment

Nil

6 New W1-W4C1-C5L1-L2B1-B5U1-U2BC1BC3

BC3.2 Develop and implement investmentstrategy for targeted on-ground works andsmall projects.

11/02-04/03 DLWC Local government,NPWS,NSW Agriculture,Environmental caregroups,NSW Fisheries

$1, 000, 000

7 Enhanced B1B2B4L1L2

L1.1 Establish a regional technicalworking group to:• agree on priority weeds,• create a regional priority weeds map,

and• negotiate reduction targets with state

and local government and majorstakeholders.

12/02-12/03 NSW Agriculture Local government,DLWC,NPWS,SCA,Environmental caregroups,Landholders,SECMB,Southern Tablelands &

$200, 000

60



South Coast NoxiousPlant Committee

8 New C1BC1BC2

C1.1 Establish a regional technicaladvisory panel to provide expert scientificadvice to local government andcommunity committees including:• Biodiversity issues such as fish

habitat,• Aboriginal cultural sites and facilitation

of resource access,• Protection of recreational

opportunities and• Lake entrance management.

12/02 - 04/03 DLWC NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA,Waterways Authority,Local government,Academic institutions,Aboriginal communities

Nil

9 New C1 C1.4 Implement the Jervis Bay IntegratedManagement Strategy, encompassing theactions and investments of all agenciesresponsible for natural resourcemanagement in the Jervis Bay area.

11/02 � 12/12 Jervis Bay Inter-governmentCoordinating Committee

NPWS,Environment Australia,Department of Defence,Navy,DLWC,Jervis Bay Marine Park,Shoalhaven Council,State Forests,Premiers Department,PlanningNSW,NSW Fisheries

$1.500, 000

10 New W2W4L1L2B1B2B3BC2BC3

W4.2 Develop market based mechanismsthat encourage and remuneratelandholders to deliver environmentalservices, using the Upper ShoalhavenCatchment as a pilot for implementation.

06/03-12/08 DLWC SCA,NSW Fisheries,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups

Nil

61



11 Enhanced W1W3

W1.1 Develop and implement watersharing plans for:

5. Kangaroo River6. Shoalhaven River Scheme7. Minnamurra River8. Broughton Mill Creek

11/02 � 11/0301/03 � 01/0507/04 � 06/0604/05 � 06/06

SIWMC DLWC,EPA,NSW Fisheries,Local government,NSW Agriculture,SCA,Hawkesbury NepeanRiver ManagementForum

12 Enhanced W1BCIBC2

W1.3 Ensure that waterway and wetlandmanagement plans reflect Aboriginalcultural and access interests.

11/02 � 11/12 DLWC Aboriginal communities,NPWS

Nil

13 Enhanced C1C4

C1.2 Ensure that coastal zonemanagement plans have been developedfor all priority coastal and estuarine areasin accordance with the NSW CoastalZone Management Manual and whereappropriate the NSW Coastal DuneManagement Manual.

12/02-12/12 Local government NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA,Waterways Authority,DLWC

$2, 000, 000

14 Enhance C1C3

C1.5 Integrate the objectives of coastalzone management plans, NSW CoastalPolicy and the NSW Cabinet decision onthe Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiry onCoastal Lakes into government planninginstruments.

11/02 - 12/12 Local government DLWC,NSW Coastal Council,PlanningNSW,NSW Fisheries,EPA,NPWS

Nil


L1.5 Support programs for the biologicalcontrol of weeds.

11/02-11/12 NSW Agriculture Local government $500, 000

16 New W2W4L2BC2BC3

L2.1 Implement management strategiesand investment options for the control ofdryland salinity for the priority sub-catchments of Windellama, Bungonia andBombay.

11/02-06/06 DLWC SCA,Environmental caregroups,Landholders

$160, 000

62



17 Enhanced B1B2B3B4BC1

B1.1 Map and analyse native vegetation,high conservation value areas,environmental data and cultural heritagevalues to identify priority areas forconservation.

11/02-06/03 DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,Environmental caregroups,NSW Agriculture,State Forests,Aboriginal communities

$500, 000


B4.1 Develop and implement high priorityrecovery actions for threatened aquaticand terrestrial species, populations andcommunities as shown in Appendix 2.

11/02-11/12 NPWS,NSW Fisheries

Local government,DLWC,Environmental caregroups

$600, 000

19 Enhanced BC1 BC1.2 Develop and promote employmentopportunities for Aboriginal people innatural resource management.

11/02-11/12 Premier�s Department,Aboriginal communities

DLWC,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,EPA,Local government,Educational institutions,Dept Education andTraining,TAFE

$1, 000, 000

20 Enhanced BC1BC2

BC1.6 Increase the broader community�sknowledge and understanding ofAboriginal culture through:• Use of traditional names to identify

significant features and elements ofthe landscape.

• Development of an educationprogram.

11/02-11/12 Aboriginal communities RTA,Local government,DLWC,Education institutions

$500, 000

63



21 Enhanced W1W2W3W4L1L2

W1.4 Implement the Shoalhaven RiverJoint Statement of Intent based on therecommendations of the Healthy RiversCommission Report into the ShoalhavenRiver.

11/02-06/06 SIWMC,RTA,DLWC,PlanningNSW,EPA,DLG

Tallaganda Council,Shoalhaven Council,NSW Fisheries,Landholders,NSW Agriculture

$1. 500, 000l

22 New W2 W2.1 Implement water managementprograms, for improved water quality inpriority sub-catchments

6. Kangaroo River7. Lake Illawarra8. Minnamurra River9. Crooked River10. Werri Lagoon

12/02-11/1212/02-11/1207/03-11/1207/05-11/1207/05-11/12

SIWMC DLWC,EPA,NSW Fisheries,Local government,NSW Agriculture,SCA,Sydney Water,Lake Illawarra Authority,Aboriginal communities

$2, 000, 000

23 Enhanced C1BC2

C1.6 Ensure that coast and estuarymanagement committees understand andtheir decisions reflect, relevant federal,state and local government policies andplans.

12/02 - 11/12 DLWC Local government,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA,Waterways Authority

Nil


L2.3 Develop and implement strategiesand investment options for themanagement of acid sulfate soils forpriority sub-catchments includingBroughton Creek and the ShoalhavenRiver floodplain.

11/02-11/12 Shoalhaven Council EPA,NSW Fisheries,DLWC,Academic institutions,Landholders,NSW Agriculture

$2, 000, 000

25 Enhanced W2W4L1L2BC2BC3

L2.4 Develop integrated rehabilitationprojects such as catchment protectionschemes and other funding sources tocontrol soil erosion and land degradationproblems.

11/02-11/12 DLWC Environmental caregroups,Landholders,SCA,DMR

$4, 000, 000

26 Enhanced W2W4L1L2B1B2B3B4B5

B4.2 Promote and implement the adoptionof best management practices for theprotection of terrestrial and aquaticspecies and their habitat througheducation and incentive programs and ingovernment planning instruments.

11/02-11/12 NPWS,NSW Fisheries,Local government

DLWC,Environmental caregroups,Landholders

$200, 000

64



BC2BC3

27 Enhanced W4C3C4C5L1B1B2B3B4B5BC2BC3

B4.3 Support recovery plans and habitatprotection and/or restoration forthreatened migratory sea and shorebirds.

11/02-11/12 NPWS Environmental caregroups,DLWC,Local government

$200, 000

28 Enhanced W2.3 Support the provision of the mostappropriate sewage treatment systems tohigh priority areas.

11/02-06/07 Local government,Sydney Water

DLWC,EPA,SCA

$100m

29 Enhanced W2 W2.4 Develop and implement optimal on-site sewerage management strategies forall unsewered areas.

11/02-06/10 Local government DLWC,SCA

$500, 000

30 Enhanced C2BC1

C2.1 Negotiate arrangements, within astatewide context, to recognise Aboriginaltraditional harvesting and accesspractices in waterways, coastal lakes,estuaries and marine waters.

11/02-12/05 NSW Fisheries Aboriginal communities,NPWS

Nil

31 Enhanced C2BC1

C2.2 Ensure that coastal zonemanagement plans reflect Aboriginalcultural and access interests.

11/02-11/12 DLWC Aboriginal communities,NSW Fisheries,Local government

Nil


L2.2 Implement management strategiesand investment options for the treatmentof acid soils where acid soil is affectingvegetation growth, negatively impactingon agriculture and/or causing declines inbiodiversity.


$300, 000


L2.5 Implement pasture managementprograms to promote sustainabilitythrough maintenance of soil health.


$400, 000

34 New W2W4

B5.1 Coordinate the regionalimplementation of Pest Animal and Insect

11/02-11/12 RLPB Landholders,SCA,

$5, 000, 000+

65



L1L2B1B2B3B4B5BC2BC3

Function Management Plans for declaredpest species (rabbits, wild dogs and feralpigs).

NPWS,SECMB,NSW Agriculture


W2.5 Support the implementation of on-farm agricultural effluent managementsystems for intensive agriculture throughprograms such as Waterwise Programand �Introduction to irrigationmanagement� course.

11/02-12/12 NSW Agriculture DLWC,EPA

$500, 000

36 Enhanced W2W4

W2.6 Review existing urban stormwatermanagement plans to identify priorityactions and investment options forregional implementation.

11/02 � 06/05 EPA Local government,Sydney Water,DLWC

$1, 000, 000

37 Enhanced C3BC1BC2BC3

C3.2 Implement and report on priorityactions of coastal zone managementplans.

12/02-11/12 Local government DLWC,NSW Fisheries,Waterways Authority,Environmental caregroups,NPWS,EPA

$45, 000, 000

38 Enhanced C3L1B4

C3.3 Negotiate and implement strategiesfor the management of key threateningprocesses in marine, estuarine andcoastal environments and the control ofpest species, starting with Caulerpataxifolia.

11/02-11/12 NSW Fisheries DLWC,NPWS,Waterways Authority,Local government,Marine Parks Authority

$5, 000, 000


L2.7 Promote the adoption of bestmanagement practices for sustainableagriculture and land use througheducation and incentive programs and ingovernment planning instruments.

11/02-11/12 DLWC,Local government,NSW Agriculture

SCA,Environmental caregroups,PlanningNSW

$1, 000, 000

40 Enhanced B4B5BC2BC3

B5.3 Enhance collaborative fox controlprograms in accordance with the FoxThreat Abatement Plan.

11/02-11/12 NPWS,RLPB

Landholders,DLWC,SCA,Local government,

$500, 000

66



SECMB,NSW Agriculture

41 Enhanced W2L2B4B5BC2BC3

B5.5 Encourage the adoption andimplementation of best managementpractices for pest animal impact andcontrol by all landholders througheducation, incentive programs andgovernment planning instruments.

11/02-11/12 RLPB,NSW Fisheries,NPWS

PlanningNSW,Local government,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$100, 000

42 New W1W2W3W4LIL2

W2.7 Implement Sydney Drinking WaterRegional Plan � Sustaining theCatchments.

12/02 � 11/12 SCA EPA,Local government,SCA,NSW Fisheries,DLWC,Landholders,PlanningNSW

2, 000, 000

43 New W2W4L1L2B1B2B3BC2BC3

W4.1 Identify priority waterways andwetlands and develop and implementmanagement and investment strategies toprotect and/or rehabilitate riverinecorridors and wetlands.

12/02-11/12 DLWC NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,Local government,SCA,PlanningNSW

$1, 000, 000

44 Enhanced W4B4BC3BC4

W4.5 Negotiate and implement programsfor the management of key threateningprocesses and pest species in riverinecorridors and wetlands.

11/02-11/12 NSW Fisheries DLWC,Local government,NPWS,RTA,NSW Agriculture,Sydney Water

$550, 000

45 New C1C3

C1.3 Using Port Hacking as a pilot,develop an integrated management andinvestment model encompassing allagencies responsible for the managementof coastal and estuarine areas, to ensurethe delivery of on ground outcomes.

01/03-01/04 Port HackingManagement Panel

DLWC,Sutherland Council,Waterways Authority,NSW Fisheries

Nil

46 New C1C4

C4.1 Establish a baseline and review theenvironmental status of all coastal lakesand estuaries using the locally modifiedEcosystem Integrity Index (EII) and the

11/02 - 12/03 DLWC NPWS,Waterways Authority,NSW Fisheries,EPA

Nil

67



findings of the Healthy RiversCommission�s Coastal Lakes Inquiry.

47 New C1C4BC3

C4.2 Implement a coordinated monitoringand public reporting program for coastallakes and estuaries based on theEcosystem Integrity Index.

12/02 - 11/12 DLWC Local government,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,EPA

$2, 100, 000

48 New C4BC3

C4.3 Implement an integrated monitoringand public reporting program for marineecosystems.

12/02 - 11/12 NSW Fisheries Environment Australia,EPA,Local government,Industry,Academic institutions,Marine Parks Authority

$500, 000

49 Enhanced C5 C5.1 Establish and maintain arepresentative system of marine protectedareas to maintain and conserve aquaticbiodiversity.

11/02-11/12 NSW Fisheries,NPWS,Marine Park Authority

$600, 000

50 New W1W3

W1.2 Develop and implement genericwater sharing provisions for all other subcatchments.

07/03 � 06/06 SIWMC DLWC,EPA,NSW Fisheries,Local government,NSW Agriculture,SCA

Nil

51 Enhanced W4B4

W4.6 Develop and implement a strategyto improve fish passage for prioritybarriers including:• Tallowa Dam• Hacking River Weirs• Mullet Creek Weir• Kangaroo River Gauging Weir• Crookhaven Creek Floodgates• Burrier Weir• Tapitallee Creek Weir

07/03-06/06 NSW Fisheries DLWC,NPWS,Local government,SCA,RTA

$20, 000, 000+

52 New C3C4C5

C3.1 Review existing coastal zonemanagement plans to identify priorityactions and investment options forregional implementation.

07/03-11/12 DLWC Local government,NSW Fisheries,Waterways Authority,NPWS

Nil

68



53 New W4L1L2B1B2B3B4BC1

B1.2 Develop a regional vegetationmanagement plan, prioritising areas forconservation management based oncriteria including:• degree to which vegetation

community type is represented in thecatchment and surrounding areas,

• regional/state significance,• land capability (ie. is the landscape

prone to degradation such as salinityand erosion),

• connectivity and/or riparian valuesand

• Aboriginal values and cultural sites,places and areas.

07/03-06/05 DLWC Enhanced

54 New B4B5

B5.4 Develop and implement programs tomanage feral and domestic cats, includingregulation of domestic cats on newdevelopments and implementation of theFeral Cat Threat Abatement Plan.

07/03-06/05 RLPB,Local Government

NPWS,DLWC,SCA,PlanningNSW,RLPB,Landholders,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$300, 000

55 New U1 U1.1 Support local government with anintegrated natural resource datacollection and monitoring strategy toassess the environmental impacts of theurban footprint, including:• Specifying natural resource

management informationrequirements,

• Identifying cost-effective monitoringand analysis techniques and

• Identifying resources and resourcesharing opportunities.

12/02-12/04 DLWC Local government,EPA,PlanningNSW,NPWS,Academic institutions,SCA

$250, 000

69



56 New U1 U1.2 Support local government inimplementing a GIS on natural resourceinformation for availability across thecatchment.

12/02-12/04 DLWC Local government,PlanningNSW,NPWS,EPA,Academic institutions,SCA

$200, 000

57 New W2W4BC2BC3

W2.8 Implement an integrated waterquality monitoring program, whichincludes river health, for priority sub-catchments.

12/03-11/12 DLWC EPA,Local government,SCA,Sydney Water,Community,Education institutions,NSW Fisheries

$250, 000

58 New BC1BC3

BC1.5 Assist Aboriginal groups to preparea development program for Aboriginalnatural resource enterprises and projectseg ecotourism, fish farms, medicines,ecotourism, farm forestry and tourism.

07/03-06/05 NSW State andRegional Development,Aboriginal communities

NSW Fisheries,DLWC,NPWS,State Forests,NSW Tourism,TAFE

$200, 000

59 Enhanced W2 W2.2 Ensure existing reticulated sewagetreatment systems are performing to bestmanagement practice standards.

07/04-11/12 Local government,Sydney Water,EPA

DLWC,SCA

$200, 000, 000


W3.1 Support the implementation of waterconservation and efficiency practicesthrough education, incentive programsand government planning instruments.

07/04 - 11/12 Local government,Sydney Water

DLWC,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups,Building industry,SCA,IPART

$400, 000


W4.3 Implement a voluntary incentiveprogram for the protection and/orrehabilitation of prioritised riverinecorridors and wetlands.

12/03-11/12 DLWC Local government,Environmental caregroups,Landholders,SCA,NSW Fisheries

$5, 000, 000

70




W4.4 Implement best managementpractices for managing riverine corridorsand wetlands through education, incentiveprogram and government planninginstruments.


SCA,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups,Landholders

$100, 000


L1.2 Develop and implement anintegrated weed control strategy,incorporating investment options.

12/03-11/12 NSW Agriculture Local government,DLWC,NPWS,SCA,Landholders,Environmental caregroups,SECMB

$5, 000, 000+


L1.3 Support the implementation of bestmanagement practices for the control ofweed species by landholders througheducation, incentive programs andgovernment planning instrumentsparticularly:• information and training that

addresses dispersal of weeds andland management for weed control,

• protocol to manage new weeds,• code of practice for organisations that

sell and distribute plants that maybecome weeds in their district, and

• code of practice for infrastructuredevelopments that may createconditions favourable for weeds.

12/03-11/12 NSW Agriculture,Local government

DLWC,NPWS,RTA,SRA,SCA,State Forests,Nursery associations,SECMB

$1, 000, 000


L1.4 Develop and implement mechanismsthat provide incentives for landholders toadopt best management practices forweed control.

12/04-11/12 NSW Agriculture,Local government,

SCA,DLWC,NPWS

$5, 000, 000

71



66 New L2W2W4BC2BC3

L2.6 Implement a land capability and landuse assessment and education programto establish and promote land capabilityand sustainable land use practices.

07/04-06/07 DLWC SCA,Local government,NSW Agriculture

$3, 000, 000

67 New W2W4L1L2B1B2B3B4BC2BC3

B1.3 Implement the regional vegetationmanagement plan.


PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups,Landholders,NSW Agriculture

Nil


B1.4 Negotiate voluntary conservationagreements with landholders for theprotection of priority native vegetationcommunities and areas.

11/02-11/12 DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,Environmental caregroups,NSW Agriculture,State Forests,Landholders

$1, 500, 000


B1.5 Promote the adoption andimplementation of best managementpractices for managing native vegetationthrough education and incentive programsand in government planning instruments.


NPWS,SCA,Landholders,PlanningNSW,Environmental caregroups,NSW Agriculture,State Forests

Nil

70 New B1B2B3B4

B1.6 Implement a monitoring program onnative vegetation status to determine thatno net loss and conservation targets arebeing achieved.

07/04-06/0507/07-06/0807/10-06/11

DLWC NPWS,SCA,Local government,State Forests

$200, 000

71 Enhanced W2W4

B2.1 Implement a voluntary incentiveprogram for the restoration of priority

11/02-11/12 DLWC NPWS,SCA,

$1, 000, 000

72



L1L2B1B2B3B4BC2BC3

native vegetation communities and areasincluding riverine corridors andforeshores.

Local government,Environmental caregroups


B5.2 Support control programs for otherpest species (feral goats, feral deer andaquatic species such as Gambusia).

07/04-11/12 RLPB,NSW Fisheries

Landholders,SCA,NPWS,SECMB,NSW Agriculture

$400, 000

73 New B1BC1

BC1.3 Assist Aboriginal people to developand implement an Aboriginal CulturalHeritage Program including:• Development of cultural and history

mapping resource by providingaccess to information on cultural sitesand providing GIS mapping ofrelevant oral history information.

• Training and support for Aboriginalcommunities to collect and recordinformation.

• Documentation of best managementpractices to ensure the conservationof significant sites and landscapes.

01/04 - 11/12 NPWS Aboriginal communities,DLWC,Local government

$3, 000, 000

74 New B1BC1

BC1.4 Assist with the development of adocument on traditional Aboriginalhusbandry techniques for natural resourcemanagement including sources and useof bush foods, medicines, fishmanagement and management ofvegetation by fire.

01/04-06/05 NPWS DLWC,Aboriginal communities

$1, 000, 000

73



75 New BC4 BC4.2 Lead organisations for actionimplementation to report annually to theSouthern Catchment Board on theprogress of implementation.

07/03-11/12 DLWC Local government,SCA,Port HackingManagement Panel,Sydney Water,RTA,SIWMC,DLG,Aboriginal communities,EPA,NPWS,NSW Fisheries,NSW Agriculture,RLPB,Marine Parks Authority,Premier�s Department,NSW State & RegionalDevelopment

Nil

76 New BC4 BC4.3 Annual reporting of Blueprintimplementation to the community andgovernment.

07/03-11/12 DLWC $200, 000

southern blueprint publication - archived...

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