Consultation

The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) engages with the community and other stakeholders to know their views about SCA matters that affect them. We consult directly with stakeholders or through committees, such as community reference groups, that represent their interests. The SCA incorporates the outcomes of consultation processes when making decisions.

Current community consultation includes:

• Bendeela Recreation Area Masterplan - The SCA is developing a masterplan for Bendeela Recreation Area, and is inviting the local community and regular users to get involved.

Recent community consultation includes:

• Memoranda of Understanding between the SCA and NSW Health, and between the SCA and the EPA
• Healthy Catchments Strategy
• Hawkesbury-Nepean environmental flows and weirs project
• Bulk Water Supply Agreement - SCA and Sydney Water Corporation.

Details of formal stakeholder and community consultation processes and outcomes on key issues are included each year in the SCA's annual report.

Local Government Reference Panel

The Local Government Reference Panel involves local government in issues relating to the SCA's activities where they share an interest.

The functions of the panel are to:

• advise the SCA of perceptions and concerns about issues and programs relevant to the SCA's operating licence obligations
• consider and discuss catchment management and water quality matters
• promote and provide opportunity for local government to become involved in matters relevant to the SCA's operating licence.

Thirteen of the 15 councils in the catchments are represented on the panel which is chaired by the SCA.

The LGRP charter and procedures sets out details of the panel's membership and functions.