FROM YOUR INPUT TO ACTION - STAGE 4 BEGINS
We’ve now completed Stage 3 of the Coastal Management Program, where we assessed, ranked, and prioritized all your valuable feedback using a robust decision-making framework aligned with the NSW Coastal Management Framework. This process has led to the identification of a shortlist of management actions. We are now entering Stage 4, where these actions will be used to develop the draft Coastal Management Program.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue this important journey together!
Updates on the program’s progress will be shared through our newsletter.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT - STAGE 3
The engagement period to shape Stage 3 of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program has successfully concluded between August-November 2024. We were thrilled by the community's enthusiastic participation during the 10-week exhibition period. Residents, workers, and visitors along this cherished river system contributed their voices, ideas, and insights to guide its future management. Here’s what we achieved together:
Engagement Period: 10 weeks
Drop-in Sessions Held: 21
Total Attendees: Over 500
Online Portals: 6 Council portals + 1 central online portal
New suggestions Received: 162
Votes on proposed actions: 4029
Thank you to everyone who took part. Your input is instrumental in ensuring the sustainable management of this vital waterway.
Looking ahead, there will be more opportunities to have your say when the Draft Coastal Management Program is exhibited - currently scheduled for the end 2025.
Hawkesbury Nepean River System Coastal Management Program or HNRS CMP
is a partnership between local and state government agencies to support the coordinated management and sustainable development of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, including Broken Bay, Brisbane Water and Pittwater estuaries*, for the benefit of nature, the economy and the community.
STAGES OF THE CMP:
Stage 1 of the HNRS CMP got finalized in April 2020 and resulted in the development of a Scoping Study that has reviewed past management of the river system, developed a shared understanding of the current situation and identified the strategic path for the remaining CMP stages.
In April 2021 our CMP transitioned into Stage 2 of the Coastal Management Framework that resulted in the development of a range of studies designed to assess key risks, vulnerabilities and identify opportunities to inform future management. These studies were selected for completion by the CMP project team because they addressed the most pressing knowledge gaps as identified in the Scoping Study and were essential for the successful progression of the CMP. You can learn more about these studies by checking out our Progress Update section of the website.
Unlike Stages 1 & 2 that primarily looked to empower community and stakeholders with knowledge by bringing all interested parties on board early to share information, Stage 3 has looked at building on established working partnerships to share the decision-making dilemma in identifying and evaluating local and regional-scale coastal management actions and determining their viability and acceptability.
In March 2023, the Hawkesbury Nepean River System CMP secured additional funding under NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants Program – Planning Stream thereby ensuring a smooth transition of the program into its next exciting phases (Stage 3 and Stage 4). This funding has looked at:
Confirming the strategic direction of the CMP that will involve review of risks and opportunities identified in Stages 1 and 2 to ensure the CMP reflects local values and local/regional strategic planning objectives;
Identifying management options to address the identified risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities as detailed in Stage 1 & 2;
Evaluate, select and rank these management options;
Develop a Business Plan to support the implementation of these management options.
Stage 3 has now been completed (May 2025) after intensive community and stakeholder agency consultation.
The Hawkesbury Nepean River System Coastal Management Program is being developed using a five-stage risk management approach recommended by NSW Government’s Coastal Management Manual.
Watch this space for further updates on the CMP or subscribe to our news & updates below to stay up-to-date with the latest CMP developments.
LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS:
PROJECT LIFE CYCLE:
FAQs
What is a Coastal Management Program?
Coastal Management Programs (CMP) set the long-term strategy for the management of our coastal environments including our estuaries, lagoons, beaches and their associated catchments..
What are the "coastal" areas covered by the CMP?
The CMP study area encompasses the tidal section of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, Pittwater, Brisbane Water and Broken Bay. Specifically the tidal area of the river system refers to the area between Yarramundi to the estuary entrance between Box Head and Barrenjoey Head.
Who's developing the Hawkesbury Nepean CMP?
The Hawkesbury Nepean River System Coastal Management Program is being coordinated by six partner councils in collaboration with other catchment councils, state government agencies, public authorities, land managers and community groups to develop the program.
Important Links
Factsheet 1 - What is the Hawkesbury Nepean River System CMP? [708 KB]
Factsheet 5 - Public Health and Safety [1249 KB]
Scoping Study (Stage 1) [10MB]
Coastal management framework [external link]
NSW Government - Coastal Management Manual [external link]
WHO IS LISTENING?
Project Coordinator - Hawkesbury Nepean River System Coastal Management Program
The ninth issue of the Hawkesbury Nepean River System CMP newsletter provides details on how you can get involved and add your voice to the CMP. Let us know how the River can better be managed into the future using our online portal- not many days to go!