The Hawkesbury Nepean River Coastal Management Program (HNRCMP), a multi-council project aimed at ensuring sustainable long-term management of the Hawkesbury Nepean River System, is set to move to its next stage following a $432,000 grant from the New South Wales Government.
Led by Hornsby Shire Council in partnership with Central Coast Council, Hawkesbury City Council, The Hills Shire Council, Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Beaches Council and State Government agencies, the HNRCMP will ensure a collaborative approach to the management of the river and adjacent lands.
Stages 1 and 2 of the program involved a scoping study, community engagement and fieldwork to determine risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities to fill information gaps.
Following being awarded a $432,000 grant from the New South Wales Coastal and Estuary grants program the project will progress to Stages 3 and 4.
Stage 3 includes engaging with the community and stakeholders and identifying short and long term management options to manage key threats facing the estuary now and in the future.
Stage 4 includes the councils preparing, exhibiting and finalising the HNRCMP before submitting it to the New South Wales Government for certification and adoption.
Hornsby Shire Council Mayor, Philip Ruddock, said the Council is proud to be leading the charge in this important program.
“The Hawkesbury Nepean River Coastal Management Plan will ensure 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,” Mr Ruddock said.
“A true collaboration, the program is a wonderful example of the great work that can be done when councils and state governments work together. We thank the New South Wales Government for its support and look forward to progressing Stages 3 and 4.”
Feature Image: Hawkesbury Nepean River. Provided by Hornsby Shire Council.
