The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System is one of the largest coastal river catchments, bounding Sydney to the north and west. It provides a stunning natural environment, a multitude of social and recreational benefits and is a key contributor to the regional economy. The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System has always been important Country for Aboriginal peoples.  However, the system has water quality and ecological integrity issues and is facing an increasing number of threats and risks – many of which will increase over the coming decades due to population growth within the catchment and the impacts of climate change.

Water Technology was engaged to support the development of Stages 3 and 4 of the Hawkesbury–Nepean River System Coastal Management Program – a landmark initiative led by a steering committee comprising the 6 Councils that border the tidal waterways of the river system. The Coastal Management Program will establish a long-term, coordinated strategy for managing one of the most significant and complex estuarine systems in NSW.

Engagement with First Nations Group representatives is a vital component of the Coastal Management Program process, recognising the deep cultural connections and traditional knowledge that Aboriginal communities hold in relation to land and water management across the catchment.

During Stage 3 of the Coastal Management Program process, regular engagement was undertaken with a wide range of Aboriginal organisations and advisory groups across the river system, including Local Aboriginal Land Councils and other First Nations Groups.

As a result of this ongoing engagement, 6 indigenous-based management actions will be included in the draft Coastal Management Program which will go on public exhibition in 2025.  Further engagement with First Nations Groups will take place to ensure that all are comfortable with the management actions prior to Coastal Management Program certification and implementation.

The development of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program is being supported by funding and technical assistance from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Further information and updates can be found on the project website: https://hawkesburynepeancmp.org