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TCM

• "Total Catchment Management is the coordinated and sustainable use and management of land, water, vegetation and other natural resources on a water catchment basis so as to balance resource utilisation and conservation". (NSW Catchment Management Act, 1989)

Vision

• "To achieve a healthy and high quality environment in the Southern Sydney Region through facilitation of effective community participation to create a sustainable society."

Mission

• To significantly improve environmental health and quality in the Southern Sydney Region;
• To facilitate community, stakeholder and Government participation and cooperation, working together for integrated, ecologically sustainable and equitable management and use of the Region's natural resources;
• To respect and protect the Region's Aboriginal and other cultural heritage.

Contents

Foreword

• Sustainable Society
• NHT Funding History
• Aboriginal Land Management and Consultation
• Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

In recent years, the community has become very much more aware of, and vocal about the urgent need to do something to ensure that our society becomes sustainable and our environment is managed, restored and protected for our future generations. That we must take action to repair the damage that has been done and stop the continuing damage. There is also a greater realisation that we must all take individual responsibility and participate in the process of natural resource and environmental management (NREM) by ensuring that our activities and lifestyles are sustainable. In particular, there is a greater awareness that effective NREM requires a commitment at an individual and local level, in partnership with Governments at all levels, Local, State and Federal.

2. Development of the Regional Strategic Plan

• Structure of the Regional Strategic Plan
• Monitoring and evaluation

3. Key Regional Priority Issues

• Key Regional Priority Issues and Principle Strategies
• Priority Regional Issues/Key Results - Strategy Action Plan Tables

4. NHT Applications

• The NHT application

5 References & Bibliography

Appendices

• Catchment Management Structures
• RSP Related Legislation and Policy
• Acronyms and Glossary

Illustrations

• Tribal Bands/Clans of the Sydney area in 1788 (Foreword Figure 1)
• Southern Sydney Regional and Catchment boundaries (Chapter 1 Figure 2)
• Relationships between "Catchment" committees, levels of government, other stakeholders and the community. (Chapter 1 Figure 3)
• Green Web Remnant Vegetation Mapping Sydney Region (Chapter 1 Figure 4)

Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication has been published to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the sustainable management of land, water and vegetation. Where technical information has been prepared by or contributed by authors, readers should contact the author(s), and conduct their own enquiries, before making use of that information.

Foreword

• Sustainable Society
• NHT Funding History
• Aboriginal Land Management and Consultation
• Acknowledgments

Sustainable Society

The Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan (SSRSP) recognises that Australia's Coastal Cities are currently not sustainable, typically being under extreme environmental pressure as a result of many years of our society not respecting or changing to adapt to their natural thresholds and carrying capacity. It is therefore of significant societal concern that it is these urban coastal areas, such as the Southern Sydney Region, that support the vast majority of the Australian population and represent the major portion of the Nation's economic base.

Clearly, the quality of life in urban coastal cities is directly linked to a high quality environment. The Southern Sydney Catchments are a prime example - over 1.5 million people reside in a Region which is currently showing significant environmental stress, threatening the quality of life in the Region. For example, the entire Cooks River is closed to recreational fishing to protect the health of consumers due to heavy metal contamination of the aquatic biota.

Our society must begin to develop a vision of what a sustainable society might look like and how we need to change from our currently unsustainable activities of daily living. We must then find the means of achieving sustainability. It is now more critical than ever before to urgently address and reverse the various threatening processes that are putting the urban environments under such severe pressure which has led to its currently unsustainable state. It is quite clear that the community has a responsibility to be involved in achieving the required changes, to get ownership of the problems and the solutions. In fact it is critical that the community be directly involved in this process.

Southern Sydney communities, particularly through the Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee (SSRCC) and the four Catchment Management Committees (CMCs) in the Southern Sydney Region (Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay, Hacking River, Cooks River and the Georges River), Catchment Management in partnership with State Agencies, Local Government and other stakeholders already involved, individually and cooperatively, are progressing on many fronts towards achieving sustainable natural resource and environmental management (NREM) and a sustainable society.

The development of the SSRSP is intended to provide a means of helping the community to progress towards sustainablity. The SSRSP identifies a range of carefully considered natural resource and environmental management priorities. They have been compiled in consultation with natural resource managers from State and Local Government, community members and from a number of strategic studies. These priorities represent this collective wisdom for the most effective investment in natural resource management. The priorities have been explicitly selected so as to ensure maximum leverage for shifting the Southern Sydney Catchments towards sustainability.

However, the SSRSP is a dynamic document intended to be revised and updated as needed with a major review within 2 years. This RSP (like many of the other strategic and management plans it will work with and support) represents only Phase I of this process. From this base we need to move as rapidly as opportunities allow to move to Phase II - creating sustainability. It is intended that this move will most likely be part of the major revision of the RSP as it becomes a true strategic focus for future ecologically sustainable development.

Some examples of where we need to move to include:
 

Phase I - current situation - actions	Phase II -Where we need to go from here - future strategic actions required
address issues (repair)	create sustainability (prevention)
reactive actions	proactive actions
be problem / symptom centred	be solution centred
increase awareness	change attitudes
increase appreciation	change behaviour
reduce / minimise impacts, etc	abolish / prevent impacts, etc.

I am well aware that there are concerns for what many may see as a plethora of plans, strategies or management frameworks, of which this could be seen to be just one more. In this regard, it has been our intent to make this a practical and robust Strategic Plan that openly links to other such plans and will be useful beyond the context of the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) process. I also encourage all readers to refer to the range of excellent source documents such as the Sydney Coastal Council's Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy, State Agency Plans and CMC Strategic Plans that are referenced in and utilised for this strategy. Wherever possible, this document refers to or supports other such relevant plans.

Please note that due to very tight time constraints, the actions attributed to other agencies and organisations have not been formally agreed to (unless otherwise indicated) and they are in the form of recommendations only.

This SSRSP has been designed for ease of copying, and we are currently working to make it available on the Internet on the DLWC web site early in 1999. In the spirit of openness and cooperation, the SSRSP is offered without copyright for all original material herein, provided that the source is acknowledged.

This SSRSP was developed with the considerable assistance of Kinhill Pty Ltd, the consultants selected to help develop and produce the RSP within a tight time frame. This was necessary in order to make the RSP available to the community as early as possible to facilitate and assist the development of a significantly increased number of strong, well throughout, high quality project proposals to access funding (such as the NHT funding program whose project application deadline is 26 February 1999) and to address the many urgent NREM issues in the Southern Sydney Region's catchments.

NHT Funding History

In recent years, the Southern Sydney Region has typically not received the same level of funding and attention as rural regions for sustainable NREM under the various funding schemes. At the regional level, we have openly sought to change this scenario by developing strong and high quality funding applications and then lobbied hard for adequate funding of those projects. I am delighted that we have made excellent progress in this regard. It is pleasing to note that the Region now has stronger political and bureaucratic support for enhanced funding at both the State and Federal level. This has made it far easier to argue the case for greater funding.

However, competition for scarce grant funds remains very strong, and there are many cultural frameworks and inertia factors within funding allocation processes that disadvantage Southern Sydney. To overcome this and other factors the Southern Sydney Region will continue to need strong support from Local Government, the SSRCC, CMCs, State agencies, and community groups. At the Regional level, this RSP is designed to assist these and other parties in gaining funding for worthwhile projects, and for determining where to allocate scarce resources.

Aboriginal Land Management and Consultation

The Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee and Department of Land and Water Conservation are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal concerns and issues concerning NREM are addressed. Aboriginal communities have an intimate knowledge of natural resources that needs to be incorporated far more substantially into environmental planning and management than has typically occurred. The SSRCC and DLWC recognise that consultation and participation with Aboriginal communities is critical to effective land and water management policies and achieving a sustainable society. In order to increase indigenous involvement in NREM programs, the following initiatives have been implemented:

• increased Aboriginal representation on funding assessment committees;
• development of the capacity of Aboriginal communities to secure funding for Aboriginal community-driven natural resource management initiatives;
• increased participation of Aboriginal communities in NREM programs such as Total Catchment Management and Landcare, and
• representation on river management committees responsible for developing management plans for all rivers in NSW.

For more information about DLWC policies and programs concerning Aboriginal land management issues, please contact Graham Moore on (02) 4929 9856 or Rob Cleg on 0411 229 587.

Figure 1: Aboriginal Tribal / Clan Boundaries believed to exist in the Greater Sydney Region circa 1788. Enlargement

 

Aboriginal Concerns and Issues to be Addressed by Project Proposals

The SSRCC wishes to emphasise that all projects, actions and strategies proposed or initiated to address the NREM issues of the Southern Sydney Regional catchments need to address Aboriginal concerns and issues.

All community groups, Local Government, State agencies and other stakeholders involved need to identify, assess and address all Aboriginal concerns and issues associated with, or that may possibly be impacted by those projects, actions and strategies. This should be achieved through early, proactive and effective consultation with the relevant Aboriginal communities and / or individuals and / or organisations.

Aboriginal issues may include current or planned land and native title claims over the areas concerned, known, unknown and potential sites of significance to the Aboriginal communities, and current and historical spiritual and social connections with particular areas, objects and actions.

Wherever possible strategies such as project partnerships with relevant Aboriginal representatives or ongoing consultations or discussions should be facilitated. This will assist with identifying those issues which need to be addressed by a project proposal.

The financial cost of investigations, such as those by Aboriginal Land Councils, will usually be expected to be borne by the proponents of successfully funded projects. Therefore, proposed project budgets should make provision (as appropriate) for the cost of formal Aboriginal investigations required to identify and determine any Aboriginal issues and their significance associated with a particular project's planned actions and / or area (s) of operation.

Acknowledgments

The preparation of the (Interim) Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan as been made possible by the dedication and assistance of many people. The substantial support and input provided by the following people with regard to guiding development, background information, ideas and also for reviewing the document in a short time frame, is acknowledged and genuinely appreciated.

• Kim McClymont, Regional Strategist for the Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee for his valued guidance, enthusiasm, and vision in providing direction and working very effectively with the consultants (Kinhill) to bring this RSP (in conjunction with the Sydney Harbour RSP) to fruition;
• Trevor Cameron (Regional Strategist for the Sydney Harbour Regional Coordinating Committee), who proved a great sounding board for sharing ideas and comments,
• Helen Hillier (Consultant Project Supervisor) and her assistants (particularly Lucy Archer) at Kinhill Pty Ltd for their commendable diligence, determination and hard work in order to get the RSP completed in the time available;
• Tim Ingleton and Jeanne Thuez (Project Support Staff) for their excellent administrative support;
• Jane Hall, Nicole Wilmot and Jaki Edwards and many others who provided assistance, in developing and producing the original Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Framework from which this plan was developed;
• Members of the Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee (see list in Appendices);
• Chairs, Coordinators and members of the Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay, Hacking River, Cooks River and Georges River Catchment Management Committees;
• The participants in the November 1998 workshop which provided substantial and valuable input and comments to develop the Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan (see list in Appendices).
• Members of the Southern Sydney Regional Assessment Panel (see list in Appendices);
• Colin Huntington, Chair, Sydney Harbour Regional Coordinating Committee;
• Allen Madden, Local Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council;
• Individuals from Regional Organisations of Councils including Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) and Inner Metropolitan Regional Organisation of Councils (IMROC), and the Sydney Coastal Councils Group; and
• Many individuals from State and Local Government and non-government agencies including the Department of Land and Water Conservation, Environment Protection Authority, Sydney Water, Waterways Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Fisheries, Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, Estuary Management Committees, Greening Australia, Nature Conservation Council, Bushcare, Landcare, Rivercare, Fisheries Action, and other community members.
• Some significant sections of text and information used in the document were sourced from the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy (Geoff Withycombe). In addition, some of the photos used in the document and cover were sourced from the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy (Geoff Withycombe) and the Pictorial Family Atlas of Australia (Viking O'Neill).

I would like to thank all those people who have made such an important contribution thus far and look forward to your continuing support and feedback in order to support the process, particularly as this document is an "interim" document until the final version which will refined with a number of additions and improvements, is printed early next year. This will allow the SSRSP to further develop and produce additional and increasingly relevant strategies, actions and action / business plans to help achieve a sustainable environment (ecologically, socially, culturally and economically) into 2000 and beyond for the Southern Sydney Region and its catchments.

Peter Wells

Chair of the Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee, and Chair, Hacking River Catchment Management Committee.

December 1999.

1. Introduction

• Introduction
• Aim of the "Interim" Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan
• Objectives of Regional Strategic Plan
• Development of the Regional Strategic Plan
• Literature Review
• What is Total Catchment Management?
• Underlying Principles of TCM
• Water Resource Management and Water Reforms
• Characteristics of the Southern Sydney Region

Introduction

In recent years, the community has become very much more aware of, and vocal about the urgent need to do something to ensure that our society becomes sustainable and our environment is managed, restored and protected for our future generations. That we must take action to repair the damage that has been done and stop the continuing damage. There is also a greater realisation that we must all take individual responsibility and participate in the process of natural resource and environmental management (NREM) by ensuring that our activities and lifestyles are sustainable. In particular, there is a greater awareness that effective NREM requires a commitment at an individual and local level, in partnership with Governments at all levels, Local, State and Federal.

Since the UN Commission of Environment met in 1972 and the 'environment movement' has gained real momentum, the community has become aware of the need to 'think globally, act locally'. In terms of catchment management, community groups working together on improving their local environment have evolved to the point where the NSW Catchment Management Act was proclaimed in 1989.

This community spirit and momentum has been harnessed in order to develop the Regional Strategic Plan for the Southern Sydney Region.

Under the Catchment Management Act four Catchment Management Committees have been established in the Southern Sydney Region.

• Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay Catchment Management Committee,
• Hacking River Catchment Management Committee,
• Cooks River Catchment Management Committees, and
• Georges River Catchment Management Committee.

The Regional and catchments boundaries of the Southern Sydney Region are shown in Figure 2.
 

Figure 2 Southern Sydney Regional and Catchment boundaries (enlargement)

Aim of the "Interim" Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan

The aim of the Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan (RSP) is to guide investment into integrated NREM to achieve sustainability. It will accomplish that through:

1. Identifying, describing and ranking / prioritising the regional NREM Issues and threatening processes or pressures that have and are causing the often severe environmental degradation and problems in the Region. It will identify and address 'causes' of environmental degradation, not just the symptoms
2. Identifying and describing the associated Key Result Areas needed to address those issues, and
3. Suggesting a range of Strategies / Actions (focusing to a large extent on integrated approaches) to address the Key issues and achieve the Key Results and integrated NREM in the Southern Sydney Region.

Figure 3 Relationships between Catchment committees, levels of government, other stakeholders and the community. (enlargement)

Objectives of Regional Strategic Plan

The Regional Strategic Plan (RSPs) is an 'umbrella' document which is intended to complement and support other relevant existing regional strategic planning reports / instruments such as the Green Web (Remnant Vegetation Mapping) and the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy. The Green Web is shown in Figure 4. The Southern Sydney RSP has been adopted to provide an appropriate framework that will help to:

• guide and prioritise areas for investment into integrated NREM in the region;
• establish an appropriate vision;
• focus expenditure and management direction; and
• consolidate future initiatives,

The RSP focuses on what individuals and the community can do in partnership with all levels of government and non-government organisations, to achieve desired objectives. The focus is directed at "on-ground works" or "education and awareness raising and capacity building activities" that form part of strategic initiatives aimed at integrated natural resource management, which leads to demonstrable and sustainable on-ground restoration and improvements in the region's catchments.

The RSP brings together and integrates information from documents such as the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy, Local Environmental Plans, State of the Environment Reports, Catchment Management Plans, Stormwater Management Plans, CMC Strategic Plans, Sydney Water Plan initiatives, NSW Fisheries Habitat Management Plans and other Environmental Plans of Management.

Development of the Regional Strategic Plan

This Regional Strategic Plan has been developed from the Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan Framework document. It was prepared in February 1998 after a number of joint meetings of the Southern Sydney and Southern Sydney Regional Organisations (as they were known at that time). A list of 'causes' or 'threatening processes' affecting the Regions was compiled and expanded in consultation with a working party from both Regional Organisations. Threatening processes were classified as 'high', 'medium' or 'low'.

The RSP Framework was further developed into this 'Interim' RSP later in the year, particularly over a second four week period with input from stakeholders at a workshop in November, 1998. The imposition of a short time frame and some significant last minute technological (computer) glitches has meant that some of non-critical information was omitted from the "Interim" RSP in order to get the document out in time to be used in developing projects under the NHT Funding process. As a result of the tight time frame, there will inevitably be issues which have been overlooked or given insufficient attention. Some stakeholders may feel that certain issues may require further investigation and additional appropriate actions for implementation identified. Hence, as this is both and "interim", and will continue to be a "living" document which is designed to be reviewed and amended over its proposed functional six year life, your continued ideas, constructive criticisms, comments and input will be very welcomed.
 

Figure 4 Green Web Remnant Vegetation Mapping Sydney Region (enlargement)

Literature Review

An extensive literature review was undertaken during preparation of the RSP. Documents reviewed included:

• Local Government documents (such as State of the Environment Reports, for 1996/97, LEPs, and the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy),
• a number of State Agency reports and documents (such as NSW Fisheries Habitat Management Plans, Draft Storm Water Management Plans, CMC Strategic Plans, Catchment Management Plans, Sydney Water Plans), and
• Environmental strategies (such as the Green Web).

Relevant strategic actions were noted for inclusion in the group sessions at the workshops that were held to identify key issues and outcomes.

All reports that were reviewed are noted in the References and Bibliography section of this document

What is Total Catchment Management?

Total Catchment Management (TCM) is defined in the New South Wales Catchment Management Act (1989) as the coordinated and sustainable use and management of land, water, vegetation and other natural resources, on a water catchment basis, to balance resource use and conservation. It provides the structure for integrated natural resource management in New South Wales (NSW).

In practice, TCM has three separate elements:

• The philosophy based on the concept of stewardship. In essence, this requires that we hold the natural resources of NSW in trust, and have a duty to care for them and pass them to the next generation unimpaired.
• The process is a means of achieving ecologically sustainable development (ESD) through effective and efficient government-community partnerships. In this system the surface water catchment is a basic, but not exclusive, unit of management.
• The administrative structure is set out in the Catchment Management Act (1989) but also recognises other community groups, such as Landcare, Bushcare and Dunecare, which play a key role in working towards effective and sustainable catchment management outcomes.

In 1996-97 the TCM program in NSW was reviewed. One outcome of this review was the recommendation that the TCM framework be extended to cover 100% of NSW. Accordingly all of the Sydney metropolitan area is now represented by CMCs.

TCM has been progressively implemented in NSW since the introduction of the Act. Over this time, the TCM program, coordinated through the Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC), has developed into the primary community-government partnership for achieving sustainable natural resources management in NSW.

Underlying Principles of TCM

The review of TCM identified the following principles as being central to effective natural resource management, at a catchment scale:

• Ecologically sustainable development.
• "Whole of government" approach to TCM.
• Participation by a full range of community groups. This will require flexible and culturally sensitive processes to ensure that Aboriginal and Non English Speaking Background (NESB) communities are included in catchment management decision making.
• Clear investment framework for natural resource management, which is used by all levels of government and the broader community.
• Project management cycle approach to NREM. This requires that activities are planned, appraised, implemented and evaluated within the investment framework at a regional scale by institutions such as CMCs and Catchment Management Trusts (CMTs).
• Cost sharing arrangements that allocate the costs of investment programs between beneficiaries according to agreements negotiated at a regional scale on a program basis.
• Contractual approach to project implementation and program management that is based on competitive funding proposals.
• Coordinated team approach to projects undertaken by agencies, local Government and the private sector, which draws on a range of skills and information.
• Regular monitoring and performance evaluation of teams, projects and programs

In line with the underlying TCM principles, the CMCs must now develop Strategic Plans to guide the development of Action Plans for 'on-ground' project development at both a regional and local level. This RSP will assist that process..

Water Resource Management and Water Reforms

The NSW State of the Environment Report 1997 identifies water as one of the most important natural resources, the effective management of which is a major environmental challenge. The health of waterways is a high priority and comprehensive water reform packages to address the health and sustainability of NSW rivers are being introduced. The water reforms fall into three key areas (after NSW State of Environment Report, 1997):

• redefining how water is shared between users and how it is managed;
• developing new investment strategies for infrastructure planning and management;
• reshaping the way government and communities interact.

This RSP endorses and aims to achieve equivalent water quality and river flow objectives to those recently endorsed by Cabinet in the document "Setting water quality and river flow objectives for Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River Catchments", prepared by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) . The information in that document will help guide the development of water quality objectives and monitoring of on-ground activities undertaken by both the community and government in the Southern Sydney Region.

Characteristics of the Southern Sydney Region

The Southern Sydney Region is comprised of the Georges, Hacking and Cooks River and the Sydney Eastern Beaches/Botany Bay catchments. It covers an area of 1317 km² with a population of approximately 1.66M. The catchment extends from the Local Government areas of Waverley, south along the coastline to Stanwell Park and inland to near Appin, north west to Campbelltown and north to Prospect Reservoir, Fairfield and Bankstown. It includes up to 17 Local Government areas.

The Region comprises mostly of a coastal basin which has an important RAMSAR wetland (Towra Point - in Botany Bay) in its estuarine reaches and has an impressive history associated with the development of Aboriginal culture and the birth and development of Sydney. There exist a number of important ecosystems and threatened communities including the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and the clay shale forests in the Cooks River catchment. It contains a number of significant terrestrial and marine protected areas including Royal, Heathcote, Georges River and Botany Bay National Parks, Leacock Regional Park, Towra Point and Shiprock Aquatic Reserves and several Intertidal Protected Areas.

The Georges River catchment, the largest within the Southern Sydney Region, supports a variety of land uses, from agriculture (grazing, dairying, market gardens, etc.) and oyster leases to nuclear research facilities and extractive industries. At present 69% of the catchment is open space and 24% residential. Its major tributary, the Woronora River, supplies drinking water to parts of southern Sydney.

The Hacking River catchment is unique for an urban catchment with about 60% of the total area consisting of the Royal National Park and Garawarra State Recreation Area, the remainder is residential land in the north and semi-rural townships in the south. Other land uses include; catchment protection, conservation, light industry, recreation and commercial uses. Much of the catchment forms the eastern part of the larger Woronora Plateau and due to its topography delivers high rainfall to the Sydney region.

The Cooks River catchment is located within the inner southwestern Sydney area. It begins as a small watercourse near Bankstown and flows 23 kilometres in an easterly direction to Botany Bay (near Kingsford Smith Airport). The catchment is highly developed and industrialised which has resulted in severely impacted habitats and water quality, making the Cooks River one of the most environmentally degraded water courses in NSW.

The Sydney Eastern Beaches/Botany Bay area extends south along the coastline from the Local Government areas of Waverley to Botany Bay and west to the border of the Cooks River Catchment. It boasts great beaches, rugged coastlines and expansive recreational areas.

The Georges, Cooks and Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay CMCs all border Botany Bay which has its own set of significant environmental problems and management issues due mainly to being a major port and its adjacent land uses (such as Kingsford Smith Airport and oil refineries). Botany Bay also has many important historical / cultural and ecological features such as the Kurnell Peninsular and the Towra Point wetlands.

The Southern Sydney Region is a complex ecosystem with energy flows affecting the evolution, geography and uses of the natural environment. The habitats that comprise the Region are complex, sensitive, patchy and variable, and they require connectivity to remain functional. Where intertidal areas have not been removed, there exists land-based habitats such as mangroves, mud-flats and sandy beaches, along with marine habitats including rock platforms, reefs and seagrass beds, where marine and estuarine species form complex ecological assemblages (Underwood and Chapman, 1998).

Any planning and management strategy for the Southern Sydney Region must recognise the energy flows and ecosystem connections that dominate ecological processes. Both tidal exchange and freshwater flows from heavy rain supply both food and oxygen. Urban runoff now also brings chemicals, sewage, rubbish and sediments into the waterways, along with water and nutrients (ibid, 1998).

The waterways are also characterised by ecosystem 'patches', which include rock platforms, intertidal areas such as mangrove forests, and open sea habitats. Appropriate connections must be maintained between them to keep them viable. Maintaining habitat linkages and habitat diversity is a requirement of maintaining ecological values. On a regional scale, as for the Sydney Harbour Region, the Southern Sydney Region represents an important link in the coastal habitats along the eastern seaboard of Australia.

Key issues associated with waterway ecology of the Southern Sydney Region (after Underwood and Chapman, 1998) include:

• Ecological issues for the waterways are dependent of the surrounding catchments - resource management must be integrated to protect both terrestrial and aquatic ecology.
• Maintaining habitat or 'patch' linkages is crucial to ecosystem sustainability.
• The success of any resource management and planning strategy depends on documentation, reliability of information and careful strategic planning.
• There is a need to assess the consequences of planning and management decisions.
• Any strategy must acknowledge the need to urgently take into account the likely consequences of rising sea levels and increased storms due to global warming (otherwise referred to as the Greenhouse effect).

References include:

• Underwood and Chapman, 1998. 'Environment of Southern Sydney'. Paper presented at Southern Sydney Planning Strategy Forum, Department of Urban Affairs and Planning.
• 'Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan Framework' compiled by Jane Hall and Jaki Edwards.
• 'Water quality and river flow objectives for Southern Sydney and Parramatta River'. Environment Protection Agency 1998

2 Development of the Regional Strategic Plan

• 2.1 Structure of the Regional Strategic Plan
• 2.2 Monitoring and Evaluation

2.1 Structure of the Regional Strategic Plan

The focus of the Interim SSRSP is the identification of Key Regional Priority Issues (or Threatening Processes) and Key Result Areas, which identify the outcomes, desired by stakeholders or needed to achieve ESD. There are six core steps in the process of developing the Regional Strategic Plan. These are as follows:

1. Identify the Vision and associated environmental, cultural, economic and social values for the Region;
2. Identify Regional Priority Issues (or Threatening Processes);
3. Identify Key Result Areas;
4. Identify and suggest possible Strategies and Actions to achieve the desired outcomes for the Key Result Areas;
5. Identify and suggest likely primary and secondary responsibilities for suggested Strategies / Actions
6. Monitor and evaluate projects progressively.

The Key Result Areas are associated with a number of suggested or possible Strategies / Actions, which will assist in achieving the 'Vision' and 'Missions' of this document.

The Priority Issues, Key Result Areas and Strategies / Actions are presented as a table, which also identifies persons, agencies or groups that may or should have primary and secondary responsibilities for undertaking the action. As indicated in the Foreword, due to very tight time constraints, the actions attributed to other agencies and organisations have not been formally agreed to (unless otherwise indicated) and they are in the form of recommendations only. The 'Time Frame' represents either the expected duration of an actual project undertaking the action, or the time frame involved in addressing / achieving the key result. It is intended and hoped (and critical if further funding is desired) that all projects will have effective, lasting, and sustainable results well beyond their own project time frame.

2.2 Monitoring and Evaluation

In order to ensure that project 'Strategies / Actions' are undertaken according to the originally agreed project program of works (ie. as per that outlined in an application for funding) and their relative success in achieving their stated objectives, monitoring and evaluation of all project 'Actions' must be undertaken. This allows for accountability and transparency for those evaluating the success of the Strategy and on-ground projects. It also assists those who are preparing to undertake future projects to assess whether a particular project methodology or program has been successful in achieving or progressing significantly toward the desired outcome or 'Key Result'.

Successful monitoring and evaluation of projects evolves with stakeholder awareness of the actions required to achieve NREM. To save reinventing the wheel and in order to achieve consistency with monitoring and evaluation of projects, the Commonwealth Natural Heritage Trust Core Indicators have been used as a reference wherever possible.

Project monitoring, evaluation and reporting play an important role in measuring the success and progress of a project and help with the development of work programs for future projects. The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), which is overseen by the Commonwealth Government, has appointed officers to develop Core Indicators in consultation with the States. The goal of the NHT Core Indicators is to contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the NHT, its component programs and projects, and the efficiency of delivery mechanisms. A State Monitoring and Evaluation Unit will be staffed from February 1999 to oversee the success of NHT funded projects.

The Key Result Areas determined by regional stakeholders in the RSP are similar or in many cases identical to those determined for the NHT Core indicators.

3. Key Regional Priority Issues & Action Tables

Printing

• It is recommended that all of Chapters 3 & 4, which contain wide tables, be printed in Landscape Mode.
• Do not print pages from these chapters in normal portrait view!

Key Regional Priority Issues

Key Regional Priority Issues

• 3.1 Key regional priority issues and principle strategies
• 3.2 Priority regional issues / key results - strategy / action tables
• 3.3 How to use the Action Tables

Action Tables

1. Integrated Natural Resource Management
2. Water Quality, Loss of Wetlands
3. Declining Quality and Quantity of Urban Bushland, Remnant and Other Vegetation
4. Air Quality - Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change, and Sea Level Rise
5. Changes and Loss in Ecosystem and Species Diversity, Loss of Fishery Habitats
6. Loss of Cultural and Natural Heritage
7. Land Degradation
8. Waste and Litter
9. Urban Development and Urban Practices
10. Depletion of Natural Resources
11. Coastal Dunes, Foreshore and Beach Structure Issues
12. Depletion of Water Resources, Altered Flow Regimes, Loss of Good Quality Groundwater

3.1 Key regional priority issues and principle strategies

The Southern Sydney Regional Priorities are ranked in the following table, along with the Principle Strategies for addressing each issue (Editors Note: Some copies of this manuscript have priorities 3 and 4 interchanged - B Hall):

3.2 Priority regional issues / key results - strategy / action tables

Priority Ranking of Regional Issues - Southern Sydney Region
 

Rank	Regional Issue
1.	Integrated Natural Resource Management
2.	Water Quality, Sediments and Loss of Wetlands
3.	Declining Quality and Quantity of Urban Bushland, Remnant and Other Vegetation
4.	Air Quality - Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change, Sea Level Rise
5.	Changes and Loss in Ecosystem and Species Diversity, Loss of Fishery Habitats
6.	Loss of Cultural and Natural Heritage
7.	Land Degradation
8.	Waste and Litter
9.	Urban Development and Urban Practices
10.	Depletion of Natural Resources
11.	Coastal Dunes, Foreshore and Beach Structure Issues
12.}	{ (a) Depletion of Water Resources { (b) Altered Flow Regimes  { (c) Loss of Good Quality Groundwater

• (Editors Note: Some copies of this manuscript have priorities 3 and 4 interchanged - B Hall)

3.3 How to use the Action Tables

Note:

1. Where a stakeholder agency or group appears at the top of one of the boxes in the table's Responsibility and Monitoring column, and there are no other stakeholders identified below, means that the identified agency or group is responsible for all of the Strategies/Actions identified in that particular component.
2. Actions attributed to other agencies or stakeholders identified under the heading of Primary and Secondary Responsibility throughout the Action Tables are initial and indicative only at this stage, or need considerable further refining. Agencies have not formally agreed to, or 'signed off' on adopting these responsibilities (except where they have already signed off under other Strategies and Plans).
3. Monitoring and evaluation is indicative only. Many stakeholders will have some responsibilities for monitoring and evaluation of project and result.

Action Table 1

1) Integrated Natural Resource Management

Principle Strategy:
A holistic approach to natural resource management in the Southern Sydney Region. To be achieved by facilitating greater resource sharing and regional and interagency cooperation concerning environmental issues between:

1. State Agencies,
2. Local Government,
3. Aboriginal Communities,
4. Regional Organisations of Councils,
5. Catchment Management Committees, and
6. Other stakeholders and the community.

Key Result Areas:

• 1.1 Awareness and commitment to NREM by all stakeholders
• 1.2 Coordination of integrated NREM strategies, procedures and practices
• 1.3 Commitment to educate and enforce environmental and planning laws

Action Table 2

2) Water Quality, Loss of Wetlands

Principle Strategy:
Protection of water quality, waterway values, and impacts associated with sedimentation and eutrophication.

Key Result Areas:

2.1 Improve urban runoff and stormwater management practices and ownership 2.2 Reduce or prevent sewerage overflows 2.3 Reduce / prevent litter 2.4 Inappropriate effluent disposal 2.5 Increase community awareness, understanding and involvement to change attitudes and behaviour 2.6 Community awareness, understanding and involvement 2.7 Reduce / prevent sedimentation 2.8 Reduce / prevent stream and estuary foreshore erosion 2.9 Improve / reduce impact of recreational and commercial aquatic uses 2.10 Reduce/prevent Industrial discharges 2.11 Reduce / prevent excessive levels of organic matter

2.12 Minimise / reduce changes to streamflow regimes 2.13 Improve Riparian zone management 2.14 Reduce / prevent loss of native aquatic biota 2.16 Reduce / prevent leachate causing contamination 2.17 Reduce / prevent contamination from point and non-point source discharges 2.18 Reduce / prevent aquatic weeds 2.19 Improve dredging/extractive industries - management practices 2.20 Improve flood management practices 2.21 Reduce / prevent foreshore erosion 2.22 Reduce / prevent introduction of and control of marine and exotic pests 2.23 Prevent disturbance of acid sulphate soils

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.1 Improve urban runoff and stormwater management practices and ownership
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Improve information flow between Sydney Water, government authorities and CMCs (ie pollutant type and source research results) - Undertake monitoring program's and source identification of heavy metals and other pollutants not covered by existing research material - Support SMPs - Coordinate community and Industry education - Improve compliance with Environmental Assessment and safeguards - Support point source management initiatives - Improve on site retention - Undertake street sweeping - Install and maintain litter control devices (LCDs) - Create instream wetlands - Undertake dechannelisation - Plan for creek buffers - Proper signage and recognition of waterways -Community adoption and naming (to develop local pride, ownership and responsibility) of local water ways, creeks etc. (inc. one that are now drains!) - Grass swales and other 'soft' design options - Increase area of porous surfaces - Undertake sediment trap sampling to identify pollution sources	Sydney Water RTA, EPA NSW Fisheries Local Govt, Universities, EPA, RTA, NSW Fisheries Local Govt, EPA, CMCs Sydney Water Local Govt, Community/ Industries Sydney Water Local Govt, Community Gps, Govt agencies where appropriate Local Govt Community Gps, Local Govt DLWC EPA Stormwater Industry Association Universities NSW Fisheries Sydney Water	Ongoing	Who: All What: Various When: Ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.2 Reduce or prevent sewerage overflows
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Increase expected standard - Introduce mandatory sewage piping inspections at sale of private property - Upgrade sewerage infrastructure - Control illegal connections	Sydney Water Department of Health, DLWC, Department of Local Government, EPA NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: All What: Various When: Ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.3 Reduce / prevent litter
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Waste table

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.4 Inappropriate effluent disposal
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Coordinate education / compliance - Implement "dob-in" offence reporting programs with incentives provided - Identification / tracing / source control	Sydney Water EPA CMCs NSW Fisheries Transport companies	Ongoing	Who: Sydney Water What: Infiltration and exfiltration studies  When: Ongoing

2.5 Increase community awareness, understanding and involvement to change attitudes and behaviour
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop and implement Community "Adopt/name a drain/creek/waterway ...." to develop local pride, ownership and responsibility for local waterways, creeks etc. (inc. former creeks - now drains) - Implement "The rights of waterways" education programs -personify water bodies to indicate issues at hand - Drain stenciling	CMCs, Community Gps, Local Govt DLWC Local Govt Schools and universities NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: CMCs and DLWC What: Number of attendees to education programs and amount of media exposure When: Ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.6 Community awareness, understanding and involvement
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop demonstration projects  - Increase school and university involvement  - Target all ethnic and cultural backgrounds	+ Universities, schools, etc. Community Gps, Local Govt as above + Ethnic Affairs, Cultural/ Ethnic/ religious organisations NSW Fisheries

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.7 Reduce / prevent sedimentation
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Enforce best practice sedimentation construction stage controls - Enforce progressive revegetation and vegetation removal controls	Local Govt EPA DLWC CMCs	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Construction site audits When: During construction phase

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.8 Reduce / prevent stream and estuary foreshore erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop bank/ bed protection programs - Investigate the impacts of past dredging works / structures and utilise this material in the development of better harbour designs - Improve speed signage for water vehicles - Revegetate riparian zones - Create 'No Wash' zones - Support vegetated buffer zones on foreshores	DLWC CMCs Local Govt Coastcare Bushcare Dunecare Universities NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: CMCs and Local Govt What: Various - refer NHT Core Indicators When: SoER and after major storm events

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.9 Improve / reduce impact of recreational and commercial aquatic uses
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Facilitate cross agency policing - Implement education programs - Coordinate Project Aware Programs - Facilitate zoning in conjunction with management plans - Improve signage	Harbour Master (DUAP) NSW Fisheries NPWS, Local Govt DLWC CMCs	Ongoing	Who: Various What: policies / programs When: ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 2.10 Reduce/prevent Industrial discharges
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Community Education (eg. applying the Kids Companies, Creeks program to the region) - enforce current legislation - develop "abuser pays" strategies	Local Govt Community, EPA CMCs , Schools, NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: CMCs What: No of projects run and education/awareness projects funded When: annual

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.11 Reduce / prevent excessive levels of organic matter
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Improve community awareness of garden waste disposal methods and their implications - Storm water control - please see above	Local Govt CMCs DLWC	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Reduction in organic matter When: SoER

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.12 Minimise / reduce changes to streamflow regimes
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Altered Flow Regimes table

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.13 Improve Riparian zone management
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Undertake education - Improve compliance / enforcement - Improve reporting mechanisms - Implement environmental compensation policies (no net loss) - Create a database of existing bioregion / habitat ie. Green Web - Improve habitat reinstatement	DLWC Local Govt ROCs/DLWC Local Govt /DLWC/ Community CMCs NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: All What: Percentage of stream length revegetated including width and value When: Core NHT Indicators SoER State Rivercare records

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.14 Reduce / prevent loss of native aquatic biota
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Educate fishing industry - Educate commercial fishers - Support research into aquatic species and monitor population dynamics and threatening processes	NSW Fisheries Universities Local Govt Community	Ongoing	Who: Dept Fisheries/Universities What: Fisheries Production/health of benthic and mobile invertebrate and seagrass communities. When: Ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.15 Reduce / prevent illegal dumping
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Enforce legislation  - Implement "dob in" program's	EPA CMC, Local Govt Local Govt	Ongoing	Who: EPA What: No of incidences noted and convicted When: Annual reports

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.16 Reduce / prevent leachate causing contamination
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Assist Local Govt to upgrade waste management facilities - Encourage identification of other leachate sources	Local Govt EPA	Ongoing	Who: EPA What: Waste facilities upgraded When: SoER

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.17 Reduce / prevent contamination from point and non-point source discharges
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Urban runoff and stormwater management practices and ownership section above

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.18 Reduce / prevent aquatic weeds
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Implement ballast water control procedures - Advertise noxious weeds within community - Identify weeds that require controlled removal and implement working bees to remove	DLWC Local Govt AQIS CMCs NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt, CMCs What: Areas identified and cleared of weeds When: Ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.19 Improve dredging/extractive industries - management practices
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Refer to NSW Dredging and Extractive Industries Policy - Support community initiatives for use of renewable resources eg. crushed waste concrete	State Govt. Local Govt NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: State Govt What: Refer to policy When: Refer to policy

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.20 Improve flood management practices
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Altered Flow Regimes table

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.21 Reduce / prevent foreshore erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Increases vegetation cover - Fence access trails and provide signage	Local Govt Dunecare Coastcare NPWS NSW Fisheries	Ongoing	Who: DLWC, NPWS What: Erosion controls implemented When: Annually

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.22 Reduce / prevent introduction of and control of marine and exotic pests
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Implement ballast water control procedures	Cth, AQIS NSW Fisheries DLWC, Waterways	Ongoing	Who: DLWC What: Pests identified and eradication programs implemented  When: Ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 2.23 Prevent disturbance of acid sulphate soils
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Identify and map high risk areas for ASS - Manage areas with high risk of ASS (and potential for degradation of water quality) by applying management principles: - Avoidance; oxidation prevention; acid neutralisation; leachate collection and treatment; pyrite separation.	Developers, DLWC, Local Govt.  DUAP Existing landholders in high risk areas	Ongoing	Who: DLWC What: Numbers of fish kills reported caused by ASS disturbance - report and review current policies and practices if increases. When: annual reporting and after events

Action Table 3

3) Declining Quality and Quantity of Urban Bushland, Remnant and Other Vegetation

• Editors Note: Some copies of this manuscript have priorities 3 and 4 interchanged - B Hall

Action Table 4

4) Air Quality - Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change, and Sea Level Rise

• Editors Note: Some copies of this manuscript have priorities 3 and 4 interchanged - B Hall

Principle Strategy:
Support current programs and innovative solutions to achieve and maintain air quality within the Southern Sydney Region at a level conducive to long term human and ecosystem health.

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.1 Reverse / prevent declining urban vegetation
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Decrease rates of clearing - Implement vegetation protection ordinances - Implement controls on clearing for new developments	Local Govt, State Agencies Developers, Community Gps	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Hectares protected, declare hectares cleared When: annual SoER.

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.2 Increase / promote community education, understanding and involvement
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Highlight the relationship between vegetation clearance, air quality and greenhouse emissions	Govt agencies (Commonwealth and State) RTA, EPA Local Govt - CMCs, Community Gps	Ongoing	Who: EPA What: No of educational programs and media hits When: Annual report

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.3 Increase / promote integrated transport systems
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Encourage public support for using public transport - Develop more efficient, effective and user friendly/desired and targeted public transport system and facilities	State Govt and agencies State Govt/RTA/EPA Local Govt All stakeholders	Ongoing	Who: State Govt What: No of people using public transport When: Annual SoER

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.4 Increase / promote knowledge and information of air issues
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Community education programs - Develop an integrated community education strategy and materials aimed at raising awareness of air quality issues and solutions - Develop specialised integrated education strategies and materials aimed an Non-English speaking background (NESB) communities to raise awareness of air quality issues and solutions	All stakeholders CMCs, Govt agencies paretic EPA and RTA, Schools, Universities, Local Govt Govt agencies Motoring organisations (NRMA)	Ongoing	Who: Conservation agencies, Education Dept What: No of programs and media hits When: annual report

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.5 Improve waste Disposal and reduce generation
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Waste Table

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.6 Ensure that property and environmental risk is appropriately evaluated
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Determine management responses - protection measures, retreat measures, accommodation measures	State Agencies, (inc. NSW Fisheries, EPA, etc), Local Govt Oyster farmers, other in-stream aquaculture uses, land owners, researchers	Implement urgently	as above

HIGH PRIORITY: 4.7 Ensure appropriate baseline environmental conditions are assessed
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Determine monitoring requirements	State Agencies, (inc. NSW Fisheries, EPA, etc.) Local Govt. Oyster Farmers, Individual land owners researchers	Implement urgently	Who: DLWC, Local Govt community What: Conditions after extreme weather events When: Every 5 years and after events

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 4.8 Improve / promote sustainable land use planning and practices
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Urban Development table

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 4.9 Improve / promote sustainable energy production
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Urban Development table

Action Table 5

5) Changes and Loss in Ecosystem and Species Diversity, Loss of Fishery Habitats

Action Table 6

6) Loss of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Principle Strategy:
Support programs that protect and conserve cultural and natural heritage within the Southern Sydney Region.

Action Table 7

7) Land Degradation

Principle Strategy:
To prevent further degradation, and restore existing land within the Southern Sydney Region.

HIGH PRIORITY: 7.1 Improve / promote runoff control
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Support stormwater management plans - Develop and support a project officer to work with / train Councils to enforce sediment and erosion controls on building sites - Install monitoring sites	DLWC, EPA, Local Govt NSW Fisheries	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: Local Govt officers, CMC Coordinators What: Best Practice audited and implemented When: ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 7.2 Reduce / prevent Nutrient enrichment
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Foster nutrient control and monitoring programs	DLWC, EPA, Local Govt NSW Fisheries	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: EPA. Local Govt What: Unsewered areas assessed, treatment plants upgraded, areas revegetated When: SoE Report

HIGH PRIORITY: 7.3 Protect / improve / enhance Wetlands
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Identification and mapping of wetlands and processes threatening them	DLWC, EPA, Local Govt NSW Fisheries NPWS Community	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: DLWC, EPA, research institutions What: Areas mapped When: ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 7.4 Reduce / prevent Sedimentation
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Research effectiveness of control techniques	DLWC, EPA, Local Govt	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: Local Govt What: Best practice implemented When: During construction (ongoing assessment)

HIGH PRIORITY: 7.5 Increase / promote community awareness
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Foster appreciation programs (water courses and wetlands) to change community behaviour	DLWC, EPA, Local Govt NSW Fisheries NPWS	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: EPA, DLWC, CMCs What: Education programs run and amount of informative media air play When: ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.6 Reduce / prevent Vegetation cover loss / decline/ damage/ encroachment
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Promote bush regeneration, including the identification of species and their distribution - Prepare regional vegetation management plans  - Adopt fencing incentives - Protect and manage remnants in reserves	DLWC, EPA, Local Govt NPWS Land managers and Community	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: All agencies What: Identified sites with management plans implemented When:

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.7 Improve Land management
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Undertake land capability studies to underlie development controls - Identify areas of poor land management and communicate examples of BMP		Ongoing or duration of project	Who: Agencies What: Level of adoption of suitable management/ increase in areas protected or managed When: ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.8 Reduce / prevent Soil erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Encourage holistic planning of foreshore areas  - Refer to Coastal Strategy for actions  - Undertake planned, staged bush regeneration - Ensure planned soil and vegetation work on any construction site - Train contractors and field staff in soil conservation work	Coastcare Groups Land Mangers	Ongoing or duration of project	Who: Land Managers, Local Govt and agencies What: Coordinated management, erosion reduced and prevented, extent of groundcover per property, survey areas When: ongoing - 2-5 years intense work

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.9 Reduce / prevent Weeds
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Weed identification training for Council officers  - Mapping and benchmarking of regional density and distribution of weeds (terrestrial and aquatic) - Enforce DA controls on vacant sites		Ongoing	Who: Agency and LAG Officers  What: Mapping completed, training completed, vacant areas managed, eg. utility sites. When: 2 years then ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.10 Reduce / prevent inappropriate land use
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Urban Development and Urban practices table

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.11 Improve / apply Planning control and control over foreshore erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer to Coastal Dunes, Foreshore and Beach Structure Issues table

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.12 Improve / apply management of domestic and feral animals
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Look into alternative methods of control for feral and domestic animals - Education of pet owners  - Management of species such as ibis and gulls	State Agencies, Local Govt Animal protection and community groups	Ongoing	Who: Agencies, eg. NPWS What: Reduction in pest numbers, increased awareness When: Annual report

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.13 Improve / apply fire management practices
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Improved sediment controls for fire trails - Improve maintenance of fire trails - Community education regarding the role of fire in Australian ecosystems	CSIRO. Local Govt, Agencies Bushfire Council Land Managers	Ongoing	Who: NSW Fire authorities What: Improved fire prevention, control and management When: Ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 7.14 Reduce / prevent contamination
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Extend the register of contaminated sites to include 'orphan' sites - Illegal dumping strategy - incident response strategy  - Train volunteers to assist with low risk clean ups	EPA Chemical companies, land managers	Ongoing	Who: Agencies What: Rehabilitation of contaminated sites When: Ongoing

LOW PRIORITY: 7.15 Improve flood control measures
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
See Flood Management

LOW PRIORITY: 7.16 Reduce negative recreational use impacts
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Promote environmentally friendly recreational activities	NPWS, Govt agencies responsible for open space Individuals using parks, etc	Ongoing	Who: NPWS (e.g.) What: Audits show sites not being degraded When: Annual audits

7.17 PRIORITY: Reduce / prevent changing soil structure. eg. compaction
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Promote appropriate stocking rates and practices on farms	Land Managers	Ongoing	Who: Agencies What: Decreased erosion, improved vegetation cover When: ongoing

LOW PRIORITY: 7.18 Reduce / prevent bushrock removal (severe habitat loss)
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Education regarding the impact of bush rock removal - include nurseries.	DLWC, NPWS Land Managers	Ongoing	Who: NPWS What: Bushrock coverage When: Regular reports

LOW PRIORITY: 7.19 Reduce / prevent / fix urban salinity
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Promote awareness of benefits of water use and retention/establishment of perennial vegetation.  - Provide technical support to assist with Best Practice implementation of plans - Identify landscapes prone to the development of problems - Prepare property and catchment, land and water management plans, including groundwater management - Install and monitor piezometers in critical areas	DLWC. CMCs	Ongoing	Who: DLWC, CMCs What: Areas identified and mapped, management plans prepared and implemented When: 3 years, then ongoing

Action Table 8

8) Waste and Litter

Principle Strategy:
To reduce waste to landfill and encourage reuse and recycling amongst all facets of the community.

Action Table 9

9) Urban Development and Urban Practices

Principle Strategy:
To ensure urban development proceeds in a manner which recognises environmental values of the region and appropriate policies are developed and implemented to ensure these values are protected in perpetuity.

HIGH PRIORITY: 9.1 Change inappropriate performance measures
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- With community support, assess Strategic Plans, LEPs and Development Control Plans to ensure that Best Practice Environmental Management can be implemented within the zoning framework.	Local Govt, DUAP, NSW Fisheries Developers, community	ongoing	Who: DUAP What: No of plans reviewed against an environmental benchmark When: annual

HIGH PRIORITY: 9.2 Reduce / prevent development of sensitive areas, eg. Foreshores, dunes.
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Oppose alienation and development of any foreshore lands to prevent further impacts such as erosion, loss of vegetation, impact on recreational amenity, water quality, etc.	Local Govt, Defence, NPWS DLWC, CMCs, Fisheries, SCCG	ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Areas protected in via zoning  When: annual

HIGH PRIORITY: 9.3 Reduce / prevent non-sustainable water use
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Please refer Water Quality etc table

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 9.4 Promote / ensure adequate monitoring and assessment of environmental health
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Ensure sufficient staff are employed by Local Govt and Dept of Health to monitor high risk (eg. unsewered) areas - Employ more and better resource Environment Officers to ensure more effective monitoring of enviro health to enable actions to be instigated if problems are identified	Local Govt Dept Health, Conservation agencies NSW Fisheries	ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Programs undertaken and audited When: annual reports

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 9.5 Promote / ensure / establish a sound developer, community and stakeholder knowledge and information base for land use planning decisions
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Ensure sufficient information is collated to make informed planning decisions - Develop an integrated education strategy and materials aimed at raising awareness of the need for, and identifying and implementing better land use and urban practices throughout the region - Develop specialised integrated education strategy and materials aimed at Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) communities to raise awareness of the need for, and identifying and implementing better land use and urban practices throughout the region	Local Govt, Local Govt, DUAP NSW Fisheries Conservation agencies	ongoing	Who: DUAP, Research institutions What: Assessment of validity and currency of data, identification of data gaps When: ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 9.6 Reduce / prevent non-sustainable energy use
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop relevant effective education programs, etc. and identify and implement legislation changes needed to ensure consumers are aware of an encouraged to use sustainable energy sources and encourage reduction I the use of non-sustainable energy sources - Develop economic programs to encourage reduction in the use of non-sustainable energy sources and greater use of sustainable energy sources - Identify and implement legislation changes needed to ensure consumers are aware of any encouraged to use sustainable energy sources	State Govt agencies SEDA State Govt agencies SEDA, Energy producers State Govt agencies, Local Govt Consumers	ongoing	Who: Dept of Mineral and Energy, SEDA What: Percentage of energy used from sustainable sources When: annual

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 9.7 Improve / change insufficient impact assessment processes and rigour
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Ensure mechanisms which trigger impact assessments cover all potentially damaging projects - Ensure indicators used by (consultants) are appropriate	State Govt agencies Local Govt	ongoing	Who: DUAP What: No of EISs triggered, scope of developments When: Annual report

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 9.8 Improve / change unsophisticated consultation practices and non-transparency in decision making.
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Ensure consultation with stakeholders and community is broad-reaching and well-planned - Outcomes of decisions to be made public	Local Govt, Govt agencies EDOs, other agencies, Aboriginal Land Council	ongoing	Who: Representatives of stakeholder groups, eg. Aboriginal Land Council What: Surveys of projects for which consultation has taken place When: After decision-making process completed

Action Table 10

10) Depletion of Natural Resources

Principle Strategy:
To implement appropriate policies, practices and procedures for land use planning, and extraction of natural resources.

HIGH PRIORITY: 10.1 Improve / promote education in natural resource asset values and need for conservation to achieve attitude and behavioural changes such as reduce resource use and waste, and reduce consumerism
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Development of community based education programs that incorporate effective, locally based people and projects - Provide training in and access to prior studies that have been successful in achieving behavioural change  - Include cross cultural component in programs	Educational institutions, Govt agencies,  Environmental organisations	ongoing	Who: Govt agencies What: Surveys of attitudes, no of programs held When: ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 10.2 Reduce / prevent Incomplete/ ineffective land use planning
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop appropriate policies and Strategic Plans which acknowledge natural resource assets of area - Ensure policies and Development Control Plans are implemented	Local Govt State Govt Developers Consultants	ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: No of projects which demonstrate BPM When: with SoER - annual

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 10.3 Improve waste generation and disposal
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Encourage recycling programs - Facilitate and support projects that incorporate Waste Board Strategy	Waste Board Local Govt, EPA Community Gps, CMCs, Individuals	ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Decrease in tonnes of waste to landfill When: Annual assessments

LOW PRIORITY: 10.4 Improve mining practices , poor management and planning
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop and implement Extractive Industry Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plans and undertake regular monitoring - Review activities of active industries - Rehabilitate sites and identify sites (eg. instream) where active management is required - Develop a sand and gravel management plans for Southern Sydney	DLWC, EPA, Dept Mineral Resources, Local Govt  Site Managers Site Managers, Community Gps, Conservation Gps	ongoing	Who: DLWC, EPA, Local Govt What: Plans in place and implemented. Inactive sites rehabilitated When: Ongoing, but prioritise areas.

Action Table 11

11) Coastal Dunes, Foreshore and Beach Structure Issues

Principle Strategy:
To ensure appropriate planning and development occurs in coastal and foreshore areas with respect for sensitivity of coastal ecosystems.

HIGH PRIORITY: 11.1 Increase / promote appropriate planning, use and management
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Encourage beach and foreshore management plans to be prepare and adopted - Refer to Coastal Strategy for Actions	Local Govt Coastal Management Committees	ongoing	Who: Local Govt, DLWC What: Protection and rehabilitation of priority areas When: ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 11.2 Reduce / prevent / fix degradation of intertidal areas
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Support declaration of marine parks (or other forms of protection) in Hacking River and Botany Bay - Research into use and rehabilitation of existing sites and building new sites - Map historical areas	Dept of Fisheries Local Govt, DUAP NSW Dept of Fisheries  Local Govt, DUAP	ongoing	Who: NSW Govt What: Area of conservation parks declared When: ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 11.3 Reduce / prevent inappropriate recreational use
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Community education on vehicle use in coastal areas eg. Coast care - Enforce regulations re: use of water craft in sensitive areas (mud flats, saltmarsh, seagrass, mangroves).	Local Govt, NPWS, Waterways, DUAP + Fisheries Individual recreational drivers/clubs recreational vehicle origin	ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Sensitive areas protected, signage erected, areas monitored When: ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 11.4 Reduce / prevent wind erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Encourage replanting of denuded dunes - Ensure weed species (eg. bitou bush) are removed	Local Govt, NPWS Beach users	Ongoing	Who: Environmental groups, Local Govt What: Identified priority areas replanted and fenced When: Project time frames then ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 11.5 Reduce / prevent storm erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Ensure that dune and foreshore vegetation is protected intact and replanted where it has been removed - Ensure that foreshore vegetation is appropriately sited with reference to high tidal movements and other coastal set-up influences	Local Govt, NPWS Environmental Groups	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: No. of areas protected When: ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 11.6 Reduce / prevent sand erosion
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Protect areas which have been damaged by recreational use, eg. by fencing, revegetation - Close or reroute vehicle tracks	Local Govt, NPWS private coastal land holders Environmental groups, individuals	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt, Coastcare What: No of areas protected When: ongoing

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 11.7 Reduce / prevent / loss of and improve foreshore access
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Improve public access and provide appropriate signage - Discourage further sale of public foreshore lands	Local Govt, DUAP DLWC, CMCs	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt What: Areas purchased  When: Ongoing

Action Table 12

12) Depletion of Water Resources, Altered Flow Regimes, Loss of Good Quality Groundwater

12 a) Depletion of Water Resources

Principle Strategy:
To ensure adequate environmental flows to sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems, whilst providing adequate water for sustainable primary production purpose and human use.

HIGH PRIORITY: 12a.1 Achieve sustainable water use/ reduce / prevent overuse
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Promote water re-use and demand management initiatives - Encourage cleaner production initiatives	DLWC CMCs Sydney Water	Ongoing	Who: Agencies, Local Govt What: Reduced per capita urban use When: Ongoing

HIGH PRIORITY: 12a.2 Increase community awareness and understanding
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Promote and coordinate education campaigns aimed at appropriate use of available resources	State Government  Sydney Water Local Govt Sydney Water	Ongoing	Who: Environmental Organisations, DLWC What: No of campaigns, reduced water use When: Ongoing

12 b) Altered Flow Regimes

Principle Strategy:
To achieve wet and dry weather flows capable of supporting functional and sustainable ecosystems throughout the catchment.

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 12b.1 Improve flood plain management
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Develop and support and implement Flood Plain Management Plans (FMPs) - Review operation, maintenance and ownership of floodplain management infrastructure - Implement river flow objectives	Local Govt DLWC Sydney Water Floodplain Management Committees RTA State Emergency Service	Ongoing	Who: Local Govt, DLWC What: No of FMPs developed and implemented When: SoER

MEDIUM PRIORITY: 12b.2 Reduce / prevent changes in streamflow regime
STRATEGY / ACTION	RESPONSIBILITY Primary Secondary	TIME FRAME	MONITORING AND EVALUATION
- Implement environmental flow objectives set by the EPA and subsequent actions eg. modification or removal of existing structures	EPA	DLWC CMCs	Ongoing	Who: CMCs, DLWC What: Number of waterways where flow objectives have been set and adhered to  When: SoER

12 c) Loss of Good Quality Groundwater

Principle Strategy:
To achieve sustainable, good quality groundwater resources.

4 NHT Applications

Printing

• It is recommended that all of Chapters 3 & 4, which contain wide tables, be printed in Landscape Mode.
• Do not print pages from these chapters in normal portrait view!

The NHT has comprehensive guidelines regarding the information which must be supplied in order to seek funding. It is strongly recommended that you seek assistance in the first instance from your CMC coordinator.

Assistance from a suitably qualified technical support person may also be required to obtain sufficient information to validate your application. In particular, where scientific data related actions are planned, it is very important to consult with relevant researchers and universities for advice.

The following table (split into 3 parts - ed) should be used to assess whether your project complies with NHT funding guidelines. The more ticks you have in boxes, the more likely your project is to gain approval for assessment at the RAP level and beyond.

Table 4.1 Assessment Table for use by Project Applicants and Assessors
(based on the 1999/2000 NHT project funding guideline criteria)
 

Key Regional Issue / Priorities	Criteria for NHT funding (refer to Page 3 of NHT 1999/2000 application form)
	Long term sustainable improvement	Good value for money	Feasible and technically sound	Appropriately funded by NHT (not LGAs or others) and not core business	Project $ contribution to match -1:1	Have strong community support and involvement
Integrated NREM
Poor water quality, loss of wetlands;
Declining quantity and quality of urban bushland, remnant and other vegetation
Poor air quality - greenhouse gases, climate change, sea level rise
Change and loss in ecosystem and species diversity, loss of fishery habitats
Loss of cultural and natural heritage
Land degradation
Waste and litter
Urban development and urban practices
Depletion of natural resources
Coastal dunes, foreshore and Beach Structure issues
Depletion of Water Resources, Altered flow regimes, Loss of good quality Groundwater

 

Key Regional Issue / Priorities	Strategic significance of project (refer p. 4 of the 1999/2000 NHT guidelines)
	Addresses biodiversity and ESD objectives	Addresses key high priority regional issues	Strong community / stakeholder support and commitment	Appropriate scale - ie. strategic significance	Long term objectives and maintain protection / improvements
Integrated NREM
Poor water quality, loss of wetlands;
Declining quantity and quality of urban bushland, remnant and other vegetation
Poor air quality - greenhouse gases, climate change, sea level rise
Change and loss in ecosystem and species diversity, loss of fishery habitats
Loss of cultural and natural heritage
Land degradation
Waste and litter
Urban development and urban practices
Depletion of natural resources
Coastal dunes, foreshore and Beach Structure issues
Depletion of Water Resources, Altered flow regimes, Loss of good quality Groundwater

 

Key Regional Issue / Priorities	Additional significant issues to be addressed
	Addresses Aboriginal issues and concerns	Addresses Monitoring and Evaluation issues and requirements	Formal or informal Partnerships or cooperative projects
Integrated NREM
Poor water quality, loss of wetlands;
Declining quantity and quality of urban bushland, remnant and other vegetation
Poor air quality - greenhouse gases, climate change, sea level rise
Change and loss in ecosystem and species diversity, loss of fishery habitats
Loss of cultural and natural heritage
Land degradation
Waste and litter
Urban development and urban practices
Depletion of natural resources
Coastal dunes, foreshore and Beach Structure issues
Depletion of Water Resources, Altered flow regimes, Loss of good quality Groundwater

5 References and Bibliography

• Adam P., and Stricker, J. (1993) Wetlands of the Sydney Region - Final Report. National Estate Grants Program. Project No 51. Nature Conservation Council.
   
  
• Australian Local Government Association, 1997, Regional Environmental Strategies: Australian Local Government Association, March 1997, 19 pp
   
  
• Australian Local Government Association, 1997, Environmental Indicators for Reporting at Local, state and national levels: Final Consulting Report to the Commonwealth State of the Environment Reporting Unit. ALGA, Canberra.
   
  
• Botany Bay City Council 1997, State of Environment Report. Report prepared for City of Botany Bay.
   
  
• Clouston, 1997. Cooks River Foreshores Strategic Plan Summary Paper. Prepared for the Cooks River Regional Working Party.
   
  
• Coast and Clean Seas (Commonwealth of Australia), 1998. Responding to Rising Seas and Climate Change: A guide for coastal areas. Published by Department of Environment, Canberra.
   
  
• Coastal Committee of NSW, 1994, Draft Revised Coastal Policy for NSW, NSW Government, Sydney.
   
  
• Coastal Committee of NSW, 1995 (unpublished), Draft NSW Coast 2000, A Policy for Sustainable Coastal Zone Management Towards the Year 2000, NSW Government, Sydney.
   
  
• Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, 1992, Aboriginal Australia. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
   
  
• Department of Land and Water Conservation 1997. Outcomes of the Review of Total Catchment Management. DLWC: NSW.
   
  
• Department of Land and Water Conservation, (Total Catchment Management Secretariat) 1998. Total Catchment Management, Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan Framework. Prepared by Dr Jane Hall and Jaki Edwards.
   
  
• Department of Land and Water Conservation in association with Manidis Roberts Consultants 1996. Succeeding with Plans of Management - A guide to the Local Government Act and Crown Lands Act.
   
  
• Department of Local Government, 1998, Environmental Guidelines: State of the Environment Reporting by Local Government Promoting Ecologically Sustainable Development, NSW Government, Sydney.
   
  
• Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, 1992, National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
   
  
• Ellyard, P. 1998. Ideas for the New Millenium. Melbourne University Press.
   
  
• Environment Protection Authority, 1998. Water Quality and River Flow - Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River Catchment - Interim Environmental Objectives. EPA: NSW.
   
  
• Environment Protection Authority, 1997. NSW State of the Environment Report, 1997. EPA: NSW.
   
  
• Environment Protection Authority, 1997, The Environment and NSW Ethnic Communities, EPA Social Research Series, 39 pp
   
  
• Environment Protection Authority, 1995, The NSW EPA's Metropolitan Air Quality Study Background
   
  
• Environment Protection Authority, 1994, Who Cares About the Environment? Benchmark Social Survey
   
  
• Environment Protection Authority 1994. Preliminary Regional Environment Improvement Plan: Southern Sydney. EPA: NSW
   
  
• Forman, R.T.T. and Godran, M. 1986. Landscape Ecology. Wiley and Sons: United States.
   
  
• Granassin, C. 1997. Georges River Water Studies Database. Report prepared for Georges River Catchment Management Committee.
   
  
• Liverpool City Council 1997. Liverpool City Council State of Environment Report 1996-1997.
   
  
• Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Committee 1998. Murrumbidgee Catchment Action Plan for Integrated Natural Resources Management. Published by DLWC/TCM: New South Wales.
   
  
• National Heritage Trust, March 1998. Natural Heritage Trust - Support for Regional Activities (information document).
   
  
• National Landcare Program 1997. Setting up for success: a guide for designing, managing and evaluating projects. Developed by National Landcare Program Evaluation Coordinators.
   
  
• New South Wales Fisheries 1997, Habitat Management Plan No. 1 - Seagrass. NSW Government, Sydney.
   
  
• New South Wales Fisheries 1997, Habitat Management Plan No. 2 - Mangroves. NSW Government, Sydney.
   
  
• New South Wales Government, 1997, NSW Coastal Policy 1997-A Sustainable Future for the New South Wales Coast. NSW Government, Sydney.
   
  
• New South Wales Government, 1996. The NSW Wetlands Management Policy. DLWC, NSW.
   
  
• New South Wales Govt, 1992. NSW State Rivers and Estuaries Policy.
   
  
• Pease, B.C. and Grinberg, A., 1995, Commercial Fish, Crustacean, Mollusc Catch from Sydney Harbour, 1954/55 -1991/92, In Commercial Fish Statistics 1940 - 1992, NSW Fisheries Report
   
  
• Randwick City Council 1997. State of the Environment Report 1997 and Bushland Remnants Supplement.
   
  
• Rayner, R.W. (1992) Avifauna of significance in Eve Street Wetland. Report to Task Group (see Sim et al, 1992).
   
  
• Rockdale City Council 1997. State of the Environment Report 1996-1997.
   
  
• Roy, P.S., 1984, New South Wales Estuaries: Their Origin and Evolution, in B.G. Thom (Ed), Coastal Geomorphology in Australia, Academic Press, pp 99-121
   
  
• Sim R., Thorpe, I., Buckley, R., Mable C., and Rayner, R. (1992) Eve Street Wetlands Urban Runoff Task Force Water Quality/ Environmental Task Group - Final Draft Report. November 1992.
   
  
• South Sydney City Council 1997. 1997 State of Environment Report.
   
  
• Sutherland Shire Council 1997. Sutherland Shire Council Annual Report inc State of the Environment Report update 1996-1997.
   
  
• Sydney Coastal Councils Inc, 1998, Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy. Sydney Coastal Councils/DLWC/Environment Australia.
   
  
• Sydney Northern Beaches Catchment Management Committee Inc., 1997. Sydney Northern Beaches Catchment Management Strategy, December 1997.
   
  
• Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, 1997. Green Web - Sydney Project. Project Manager Birgit Seidlich. SROC/ANCA/Bushcare.
   
  
• Sydney Water, 1997. Sydney Water Environment Report. 1997. Published by Sydney Water Corporation Limited.
   
  
• Sydney Water, 1995, Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements for Overflows from Port Jackson / Middle Harbour / Parramatta River Sewerage Systems, September 1995, Volume 2 of 2 Volumes
   
  
• Total Catchment Management Services Pty Ltd in association with J.D. Court and Associates Pty Ltd, 1996. Streamly Clean Project Report - a strategy to achieve community and government endorsed Water Quality Objectives for the Upper Parramatta River Catchment.
   
  
• Tourism NSW, (1995a), International Tourism Trends in New South Wales 1993-1994
   
  
• Tourism NSW, (1995b), Estimates of Visitation and Visitors' Expenditure for Local Government Areas in New South Wales 1992/3 - 1993/4
   
  
• Underwood, A.J. and Chapman, M. G. 1998. The Environment - an ideas paper on environmental issues for Department of Urban Affairs and Planning Forum "Sydney Harbour Planning Strategy".
   
  
• Viking O'Neill, 1988, The Pictorial Family Atlas of Australia, Penguin Books Australia Ltd.
   
  
• Waverley Council 1997. Waverley Council State of the Environment Report 1996-1997.
   
  
• Webb, H. And Foley, A., 1996. Urban Bushland Under Threat. Volume 1 - Review of Urban Bushland and Recommendations for its protection. A joint project by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Inc. And Total Environment Centre Inc., February 1996.
   
  
• Yeung, K. (Total Environment Centre) 1995. Environmental Condition of the Cooks River and Community Vision Strategy - Final Report. A Rivers Reborn Project.

Appendices

• Appendix A: Catchment Management Structures
• Appendix B: RSP Related Legislation and Policy
• Appendix C: Acronyms and Glossary

Appendix A

Catchment Management Structures

Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee

In 1998, the State Catchment Management Coordinating Committee (SCMCC) established regional organisations (now Regional (Catchment) Coordinating Committees or 'RCCs'), for preparing RSPs and facilitating the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) funding process. Two RCCs were subsequently set up for the greater Sydney Metropolitan area, one each for the Southern Sydney and Sydney Harbour Region.

Membership of the Southern Sydney Regional (Catchment) Coordinating Committee includes community based members local government and State Agency representatives as outlined below and in the following table.

Urban Community Representatives / Catchment Management Committees

Community based members selected for urban CMCs require expertise in some aspect of catchment management or related areas, rather than 'primary production' (as described in the SCMCC guidelines) as used in rural areas. They should preferably, but not necessarily be current or past CMC members.

Sustainable natural resource management in urban Sydney must consider urban productivity (eg the tourism and recreation industries rather than primary production) - although some urban catchment do involve some forms of primary production.
 

Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee Membership, 1998 (# Executive Committee members)
Name	Organisation
Peter Wells #	Chair - SSRCC and Chair - Hacking River CMC
Phil Morgans	Chair - Cooks River Catchment Management Committee (CMC)
Rob Michie #	Chair - Georges River CMC
Graeme Greenup #	Chair - Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay CMC
Libby Rawlingson	Coordinator - Hacking River CMC
Jill McNeill	Coordinator - Georges River CMC
Nicole Wilmot	Coordinator - Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay CMC
Jill Merrin	A/ Coordinator - Cooks River (CMC)
Jane Tarran	Eastern Beaches / Botany Bay CMC rep
Allen Madden	Metro Local Aboriginal Land Council /
Betty Carroll	Inner Metropolitan Regional Organisation of Council (IMROC)
Cr George Glinatsis #	Sydney Coastal Council Group (SCCG)
Julie Brady	Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council (WSROC)
Melissa Gibbs	Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC)
John Hickey	Waterways (Policy Safety and Environment)
Steve Nichols	Department of Land & Water Conservation (DLWC) & SHRCC
Jack Hannan	NSW Fisheries & Port Jackson CMC
Andrew Bryant	Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (Sydney Region East)
Noel Hadjimichael	State Chamber of Commerce
Mark Forgerty	State Chamber of Manufacturing
Bob Marr	Environment Protection Authority (Catchments Section)
Gary Dunnett	National Parks Wildlife Services
Colin Jones #	Sydney Water
Sally Ash	Greening Australia & Lower Parramatta River CMC
Faye Sutton #	Nature Conservation Council & EBBBCMC
Christine Guthrie	Bushcare

Southern Sydney Regional Assessment Panel (RAP) - 1998

The RAP is responsible for assessing the NHT Funding Applications against the RSPF and developing a Regional Funding Bid to the Commonwealth.

Membership of the RAP for Southern Sydney Regional Assessment Panel (SSRAP):

• Four CMC Representatives (one from "Sydney Eastern Beaches CMC" area - the CMC had not yet been established at that time)
• Government agencies - State and Local
• Aboriginal Interest
• Environmental Interest
• Academic

SSRCC Strategic Planning Workshop

The following people contributed their valued collective wisdom, thoughts and visions to this document at the Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Planning Workshop held on 18 November 1998 at the Land Titles Office in Sydney.
 

Attendance List
Name	Organisation
Helen Hillier	Kinhill
Lucy Archer	Kinhill
Helen Weston	Workshop Facilitator.
Kim McClymont	SSRCC Regional Strategist
Trevor Cameron	SHRCC Regional Strategist
Jeanne Thuez	SSRCC Project Support Officer
Peter Wells	Chair - SSRCC & Chair - HRCMC
Rob Michie	Chair - GRCMC
Graeme Greenup	Chair - EBBBCMC
Libby Rawlingson	Coordinator - HRCMC
Jill McNeill	Coordinator - GRCMC
Nicole Wilmot	Coordinator - EBBBCMC
Jill Merrin	A/ Coordinator - CRCMC
Jane Tarron	EBBBCMC
Brett Stevenson	EBBBCMC Rep
Robert Burke	IMROC
Melissa Gibbs	SSROC
Bruce Taper	Kogarah Council (Estuary Management Rep.)
John Hickey	Waterways - Policy Safety and Environment
Jack Hannan	NSW Fisheries & PJCMC
Karen Kennedy	Landcare - DLWC
Bob Marr	EPA - A/Principle Officer Catchments Section
Geoff Ross	NPWS (Kurnell)
Tony Prior	NPWS (Threatened Species)
Colin Jones	Sydney Water
Sally Ash	Greening Australia & CBICCMC
Faye Sutton	Nature Conservation Council & EBBBCMC
Juanita Higgs	SSRAP / Local Government / SSROC
Bruce Pease	SSRAP / Hacking River CMC / NSWF /
Neil Rendell	SSRAP / DLWC
Debbie Stevenson	Bushcare (NPWS)
Sarrah McGirr	Rivercare (Cth)
Kelly May	Fisheries Action - NSW Fisheries
Susan Wyndham	TCM Secretariat

Appendix B

RSP Related Legislation and Policy

Information sources include:

• Legal Information Access Centre (1998) Hot Topic 18: Environmental Law .
• Some information in this section is reproduced, with permission, from the Law Handbook (6th Ed) Chapter 15; Environment: 532-534 (Redfern Legal Centre Publishing 1997).
• Legislation and Policy lists have been principally sourced from the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy and policies

The State Catchment Management Coordinating Committee (SCMCC) policy has required that Regional (Catchment) Coordinating Committees (RCCs), such as the Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee, be developed which should prepare the Regional Strategic Plan and facilitate the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) funding process. Members of SCMCC and CMCs are ministerially appointed under the NSW Catchment Management Act (1989). The RCCs and CMCs create the links between the community and government to achieve integrated sustainable natural resource management.

The over-riding Departmental objective for the implementation of the RSP is to meet the objectives of the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development and the NSW Catchment Management Act (1989).

Other international, national, state, regional and local policies, legislation and agreements may also affect the activities of any SCMCC, RCC, CMC/T, and the general business of NREM in any region.

These policies may include but are not limited to the policies and legislation summarised in Table B.1.
 

Table B.1: Principle RSP Related Policies and Legislation

International Agreements and Policies International Migratory Birds Agreement including Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA) and China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) Wetlands listed under the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Convention on Climate Change Migratory species listed under the Bonn Convention; Rio Declaration and its accompanying Action Plan, Agenda 21

National Policies, Strategies and Legislation National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment (1992) National Water Quality Management Strategy 1994, (ANZECC and ARMCANZ) National Competition Policy National Weeds Strategy Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (include Vulnerable and Endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992) Endangered Ecological Communities listed under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994, and amendments (includes aquatic habitat protection Regs). Native Vegetation Management Conservation Act 1997 Wetlands listed in 'A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia' Species protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 Species protected under the Whale Protection Act 1980 Policies and areas managed by Environment Australia ( inc. the Biodiversity Group); National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity

State Policies, Programs and Legislation State Environment Protection Policy - Wetlands (SEPP 14) NSW Coastal Policy 1997 NSW Total Catchment Management Act 1989 Rivercare Program NSW Fisheries Habitat Management Plans

Regional Strategies, Policies and Programs EPA Water quality and river flow objectives for Southern Sydney and Parramatta River catchments Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy

Local Strategies, Policies and Programs Stormwater Management Plans Catchment Management Plans Local Environmental Plans

Individual Voluntary Management Agreements Voluntary Conservation Agreementss

B 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INSTRUMENTS

Land use in NSW is largely controlled by planning documents known as environmental planning instruments (EPIs). These set out the planning requirements of an area or a piece of land. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) established a three tier system of EPIs: local environmental plans (LEPs); regional enironmental plans (REPs); and State environmental planning policies (SEPPs).

An EPI may be designed to do a wide range of things, including:

• protecting, improving or utilising the environment;
• reserving land for open space, public place or public reserve;
• controlling demolition of a building or works; or
• protecting or preserving trees or vegetation (s. 26, EP&A Act).

In many cases, different EPIs will apply to the same piece of land. However, there has been significant case law concerning the interrelationship between them, and one does not override the other, unless explicitly stated. Generally, an EPI should include a statement about its relationship to any other relevant instruments, and different types of instruments can also amend each other.

Decisions about how land can be used are made by 'consent authorities' such as local councils or the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning. Consent authorities are guided on how to apply EPIs in their decision-making by Development Control Plans (DCPs made under the EP&A Act), Local Approval Policies (LAPs) (under the Local Government Act 1993) and Protection of the Environment Policies (PEPs) (under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997).

B 2: LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS (LEPS)

Development at the local level is controlled through LEPs which specify what developments are allowed or prohibited in a particular area (with or without consent), and whether the land has been reserved for another use. LEPs must be agreed to by the Minister for the Environment and can be amended at any time. LEPs can apply to the whole or part of a local council area and are referred to by the name of the area.

B 3: REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS (REPS)

REPs apply to any area of land which the Minister considers to have regional significance. In practice, REPs have been related to broad regional areas (eg Hunter Regional Environment Plan No. 1) and local areas having regional significance (eg Georges River Regional Environment Plan, currently being finalised). REPs have also been used for implementing State policies such as urban consolidation by changing allowable densities in LEPs across Sydney or regions in Sydney.

B 4: State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

SEPPs can deal with a wide range of topics. They are referred to by their number (eg SEPP No. 19 - Bushland in Urban Areas, and SEPP 14 - Wetlands). SEPPs often operate by changing the details of existing LEPs, for example, removing development restrictions or imposing consent requirements which do not exist under the LEP.

B 5: Which Planning Instruments Apply

To find out which planning instruments may apply to a particular piece of land, people can apply to the local Council for a certificate under Section 149 of the EP&A Act (know as a 'Section 149 certificate'). Further details, or information about larger areas can be obtained from the Council, which keeps a record of all relevant current EPIs as well as DCPs and LAPs. Councils also have a master map showing current zonings or other controls and a register of any consents given for specific development applications. All of these are open for public inspections at Council premises during business hours.

B 6 Finding copies of EPIs

REPs and SEPPs are published in the NSW Government Gazette and are included in the volumes of NSW Rules and Regulations. LEPs are also published in the NSW Government Gazette and since 1 July 1996 have been listed in NSW Rules and Regulations.

B 7: State Legislation and Policies

Appendix C

Please note that whilst this section provides both acronyms and glossary terms that may not be directly referred to in this interim RSP, they have been provided to assist applicants and may shed light on other material pertinent to this plan.

Acronyms and Glossary

Glossary

• Agenda 21
  "The global action plan for sustainable development." Local Agenda 21 explained in practice is "Local sustainability based upon global and long term as well as local outcomes, integrating planning and policy making and achieving economic and social environmental benefits at the some time and involving all sectors of the community. Amongst other things it encourages the wise use of resources and promotes an improvement in equity and quality of life".
   
  
• Amenity
  The quality of being pleasant or agreeable in situation, especially the pleasantness of a place; convenient features, facilities or services of a house, estate, district and so on.
   
  
• Assimilative Capacity
  The limit to or rate at which the natural environment can absorb waste without adverse effect.
   
  
• Ballast Water
  Water taken on board cargo ships to maintain their stability.
   
  
• Biodiversity
  The variety of life forms: the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. It is usually considered at three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.
   
  
• Carrying Capacity
  The level of use or activity beyond which impacts (eg. social, ecological and cultural impacts) exceed acceptable levels.
   
  
• Catchment
  An area from which something is collected; an area of land from which rainwater that falls on it drains through a single drainage network.
   
  
• Catchment Management Committees
  Committees made up of individuals from the community, councils, government and special interest groups, set up under the Catchment Management Act, 1989. CMCs foster community involvement in and coordinate the implementation of total catchment management policies and programs.
   
  
• Climate Change
  The predictive changes in climate due to accumulation in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other gases produced by human activity.
   
  
• Coastal Hazards Policy
  A NSW Government policy adopted in 1988 that provides for
  • reducing the impact of coastal forces on development
  • containing the potential for coastal damage by effective planning and development control,
  • a merit approach to all development and building decisions which takes account of social, economic, ecological and coastal process considerations.
  
   
  
• Coastal Management Program
  A NSW Government Program, administered by the Department of Land and Water Conservation, which provides local government and agencies with the technical and financial assistance to prepare and implement coastal management plans.
   
  
• Coastal Zone
  The NSW Coastal Policy 1997 defines the coastal zone as:
  • three nautical miles seaward of the mainland and offshore islands;
  • one kilometre landward of the open coast high water mark;
  • a distance of one kilometre around:
    - all bays, estuaries, coastal lakes, lagoons and islands;
    - tidal waters of coastal rivers to the limit of the mangroves as defined by NSW Fisheries' (1985) map or the tidal limit whichever is closer to the sea;
  • with the line on the maps being taken to the nearest cadastral boundary and/or easily recognisable physical boundary, in consultation with local councils.
  
  For the purposes of the SRCMS the coastal zone comprises the local government areas of the Sydney Councils Group and the adjacent marine waters within three nautical miles of the coastline.
   
  
• Coastcare
  A program promoting a cooperative approach towards integrated coastal zone management between local, State and Commonwealth governments, industry and the community. Two main aims are:
  • to assist the community to acquire the skills and knowledge to care for the coast;
  • to encourage and support individuals and groups to become actively involved in protecting and managing coastal areas.
  
   
  
• Catchment Management Committee
  An advisory body made up of community and technical interest including elected members of councils, council staff, local community representatives, DUAP, DLWC and other appropriate state government agency representatives to assist councils in the development and implementation of a coastline management plan.
   
  
• Connectivity
  A measure of how connected or spatially continuous a vegetation corridor is.
   
  
• Conservation
  The protection, maintenance, management, sustainable use, restoration and enhancement of the, natural environment.
   
  
• Consultation
  The act of consulting; conference; a meeting for deliberation; an application for advice to one engaged in a profession.
   
  
• Cultural Heritage
  Knowledge, places and things, including those made or changed by humans, that have aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual significance or other special value for future generations as well as the present community.
   
  
• Developer Contributions (S. No. 94)
  Refers to the contributions, either monetary, land or facilities, that can be levied from developers by local councils under section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to compensate for increased demands for facilities or infrastructure as a result of specific developments.
   
  
• Development Control Plan
  A planning instrument that can cover a wide range of issues, but with more flexibility and usually in more detail than a local plan. It may include planning guidelines for particular areas or types of development.
   
  
• Dunecare
  A specific form of Landcare involving the community working as unpaid volunteers on public land for the public good. Dunecare groups are found along the NSW coastline and are active in a range of coastal conservation activities.
   
  
• Ecologically Sustainable Development
  Refers to development that uses, conserves and enhances the community's resources so that the ecological processes on which life depends are maintained and the total quality of life now and in the future can be increased.
   
  
• Ecosystem
  A dynamic complex of plant, animals, fungal and micro-organism communities and the associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit.
   
  
• Eco-Tourism
  Nature based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.
   
  
• Endangered (Species, Populations And Ecological Communities)
  Species, populations and ecological communities in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the Factors threatening their survival continue operating. Specified in the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 as being in danger of becoming extinct.
   
  
• Endemic
  Restricted to a specified region or locality.
   
  
• Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
  Changes in the Earth's climate as a result of increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activity.
   
  
• Enhancement
  To introduce ta a place additional individuals of one or more species or habitat elements which naturally exist there.
   
  
• Estuary
  The lower course of a river or stream forming a semi-enclosed water body connected to the sea, with in which tides have an effect and where fresh and saline water mix.
   
  
• Estuary Management Committees
  An advisory body made up of representatives of relevant government agencies, local community groups and users of the estuary which assists councils to develop and implement estuary management plans.
   
  
• Estuary Management Program
  A NSW Government Program, administered by the Department of Land and Water Conservation, which provides local government and agencies with technical and financial assistance ta prepare and implement estuary management plans.
   
  
• Extinct Species
  Species no longer in existence or not located in the wild during the last 50 years.
   
  
• Feral Species
  A domesticated species that has become wild.
   
  
• Geographic Information System
  A computer information system which stores, analyses and displays spatial and geographic data.
   
  
• Guidelines
  A principle put forward ta set standards or determine a course of action.
   
  
• Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
  Changes in the earth's climate as a result of increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due human activity.
   
  
• Habitat
  The living space of a species or community, providing a particular set of environmental conditions.
   
  
• Indigenous Peoples
  Australians who identify as belonging to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and who are recognised by their communities as belonging to those groups.
   
  
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management
  A dynamic process in which a coordinated strategy is developed and implemented for the allocation of environmental, socio-cultural and institutional resources to achieve the conservation and sustainable of the coastal zone.
   
  
• Integrated Local Area Planning
  A management method based on eight core strategies: local governance; intergovernmental cooperation; community partnership; optimum use of resources; integrated social, economic and environmental planning; sustainable change; shared vision and local ownership.
   
  
• Inter-governmental Agreement On The Environment
  Aims to provide a basis for a new cooperative approach to the management of environmental issues in Australia. It involves the three spheres of government and delineates the responsibilities and interest of each.
   
  
• Intertidal Zone
  Pertaining to those areas of land covered by water at high tide but exposed at low tide.
   
  
• Local Environmental Plan
  A planning instrument made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment ACT, 1979 which takes a wide range of forms, from site specific guidelines to dealing with an entire local government area. The LEP be consistent with any relevant Regional Environmental Plan (REP) or State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) unless the inconsistency is justified.
   
  
• Marine
  Of or relating to the sea.
   
  
• Non-Point Source Pollution
  Pollution that has no single place of origin.
   
  
• Objectives
  A component of a goal that, if met, would help ensure that the goal is achieved.
   
  
• Outcome Statements
  An end towards which management efforts are directed, something aimed at, a goal.
   
  
• Patch
  An area of vegetation e.g. on a rock platform or in bushland, which is different from the surrounding area.
   
  
• Pathogen
  A disease causing organism.
   
  
• Point Source Pollution
  Pollution that has an identifiable place of origin.
   
  
• Policy
  A definite course of action adopted as expedient or from other considerations, a course or line of action adopted and pursued by a government, ruler, political party or the like, action or procedure conforming to, or considered with reference to prudence or expediency.
   
  
• Precautionary Principle
  Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as o reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.
   
  
• Principles
  Statements that guide decision makers by setting out the factors that should form the basis for reasoning when management or resource use decisions are made.
   
  
• Protected Area
  A geographically defined area which is designated or regulated and managed to achieve specific conservation objectives.
   
  
• Recovery Plan
  A document which identifies the actions to be taken to promote the recovery of a threatened species, population or ecological community.
   
  
• Regional Coastal Management Strategy
  An integrated regional strategic management framework that achieves desired outcomes, that are intended to protect and conserve terrestrial and marine ecosystems and resources in the coastal zone, Through the implementation of identified sustainable coastal planning and management practices.
   
  
• Regional Environmental Plans (REPs) and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)
  These instruments can only be made where the Minister of Urban Affairs and Planning is of the opinion that they are concerned with matters of environmental planning significance for a region or for the State respectively. Primarily the domain of the Stake Government and generally prevails over LEPs. REPs are made by the Minister under section 51 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, SEPPs are made by the Governor under section 39 of the EP&A Act, 1979.
   
  
• Remnant
  A small fragmented portion of the former dominant vegetation which once covered the area before being cleared for human land use.
   
  
• Riparian Vegetation
  Vegetation growing along the banks of rivers, including the brackish upstream reaches of an estuary.
   
  
• Section 90, Environmental Planning And Assessment Act, 1979
  Specifies manners for consideration by a consent authority, eg. local councils, in the determination of a development application.
   
  
• Section 117 Directions, Environmental Planning And Assessment Act, 1979
  A direction by the Minister of Urban Affairs and Planning under Section 1 17 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 to a public authority or a person to carry out their function under the EP&A Act, 1979 or an Environmental Planning Instrument.
   
  
• Sewage
  Household and commercial wastewater that contains human or trade waste.
   
  
• Sewerage
  The system which facilitates the collection, transport, treatment and discharge of sewage.
   
  
• Sink
  An area or reservoir which absorbs other liquids, organisms etc.
   
  
• Source
  An area or reservoir which provides liquids, foods, etc for other areas.
   
  
• Stormwater
  Runoff from land during and after rain. Stormwater removes accumulated material including litter, soil, nutrient, pathogens, chemicals, pesticides, oils and grease.
   
  
• Strategic Management
  An approach to management that includes the establishment of desired outcomes and identifies ways of achieving them, and which entails periodic review and amendment of the outcomes and ways to achieve them.
   
  
• Strategy
  A long-term plan for success. Skilful management in getting the better of an adversary or attaining an end, the method of conducting operations especially by the aid of manoeuvring or stratagem.
   
  
• Terrestrial
  Belonging to or living on the land.
   
  
• Threatened (Species, Population And Ecological Communities)
  A species, population and ecological community that is vulnerable, endangered or presumed extinct. Specified in the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 as either endangered, vulnerable presumed extinct.
   
  
• Total Catchment Management
  The coordinated and sustainable use and management of land, water, vegetation and other natural resources on a catchment basis so as to balance resource utilisation and conservation.
   
  
• Wetland
  Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.
   
  
• (Principle source: Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy.)

<TITLE>Interim Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan</TITLE>
<META NAME="DC.Title" CONTENT="Interim Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan">
<META NAME="DC.Creator" CONTENT="Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee">
<META NAME="DC.Type" CONTENT="text">
<META NAME="DC.Date" CONTENT="1999">
<META NAME="DC.Format" CONTENT="text/html">
<META NAME="DC.Coverage" CONTENT="Sydney">
<META NAME="DC.Description" CONTENT="The Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan (SSRSP) recognises that Australia's Coastal Cities are currently not sustainable, typically being under extreme environmental pressure as a result of many years of our society not respecting or changing to adapt to their natural thresholds and carrying capacity. It is therefore of significant societal concern that it is these urban coastal areas, such as the Southern Sydney Region, that support the vast majority of the Australian population and represent the major portion of the Nation's economic base">
<META NAME="DC.Relation" CONTENT="This Regional Strategic Plan has been developed from the Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan Framework document. It was prepared in February 1998 after a number of joint meetings of the Southern Sydney and Southern Sydney Regional Organisations (as they were known at that time). A list of 'causes' or 'threatening processes' affecting the Regions was compiled and expanded in consultation with a working party from both Regional Organisations. Threatening processes were classified as 'high', 'medium' or 'low'.">
<META NAME="DC.Source" CONTENT="Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee">
<META NAME="DC.Subject" CONTENT="Water, rivers, environment, cathcment management">
<META NAME="DC.Publisher" CONTENT="Southern Sydney Regional (Catchments) Coordinating Committee">
<META NAME="DC.Publisher" CONTENT="Published Electronically on au.riversinfo.org by the Environmental Information Association (Incorporated).">
<META NAME="DC.Rights" CONTENT="The SSRSP is offered without copyright for all original material herein, provided that the source (the SSRCC) is acknowledged">
<META NAME="DC.Identifier" CONTENT="Interim Southern Sydney Regional Strategic Plan">
<META NAME="DC.Identifier" CONTENT="http://au.riversinfo.org/library/1999/sth_syd_plan">
<meta name= "DC.Language" content = "en">

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