Rivers and Catchments

Protection and restoration of the Sydney region’s rivers, aquifers and their catchments are essential for a healthy environment as well as for recreation, business and tourism. Here are some of the initiatives that are being undertaken to improve the health of our rivers:

• Changes to the Avon Dam have allowed the first release of water for river health and similar work is underway at nearby dams.
• New work at Tallowa Dam will enable fish to get past the dam and re-establish fish populations in the upper Shoalhaven River.
• The Government has been developing water sharing plans for the rivers and groundwater systems of the greater Sydney region. The plans will define how naturally occurring freshwater must be shared between the environment, agriculture, industry and urban consumers.

Land management is also important for river health. An Office of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River has now been established and it will bring together existing programs and expertise of all the major relevant agencies.

There is a lot more planned. Find out what's next or download the 2008 Progress Report.

To find out more visit the Sydney Catchment Authority website or view Chapter 8 of the Plan. 

This page was last updated on 07 Jul 2009.