WE HAVE REACHED STAGE 4 - HAVE YOUR FINAL SAY
We are now at Stage 4 of the Hawkesbury–Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (CMP).
This is the final opportunity for the community and stakeholders to provide feedback on the Draft CMP before it is finalized.
The draft program reflects years of work and extensive input from local communities, Aboriginal knowledge holders, community groups, councils and government agencies. We have carefully considered all feedback received so far in shaping this draft.
Your input now will help ensure the final CMP reflects what matters most to those who live, work and spend time along the river.
HOW TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK:
Read the final Stage 4 CMP document, check the management options for your LGA, Check the overall actions shared by all councils etc….
Link to doc
Link to doc
Further additional information - check x,y,z
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. 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.
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.
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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!