Councils briefed on Government's new plan to protect drinking water catchments
16 August 2006
The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) has commenced briefing local councils across the catchments on an important new plan, which ensures the economic, social and environmental future of Sydney’s drinking water catchments, and the communities that live in them.
‘Sustaining the Catchments’ - a regional plan for Sydney’s drinking water catchments, was formally adopted by Government on 9 June 2006, following an extensive and thorough community consultation process.
The plan has been welcomed by NSW Environment Minister, Bob Debus and will be formally implemented across catchment communities in January 2007.
“The plan aims to better protect water quality in the rivers leading to the various drinking water storages as well as protect the vitally important agricultural industries in the catchments,” Mr Debus explained.
“It’s about looking after our drinking water while bringing benefits to the local communities who live in the catchments.”
Sydney’s drinking water catchments extend from north of Lithgow to the source of the Shoalhaven River near Cooma. This 16 000 square kilometre area, where around 110 000 people live, is the source of clean drinking water for more than four million people in Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.
“Under the new plan more effective guidelines have been designed to ensure future land use in the catchments protects water quality,” added Mr Debus.
The SCA will be working more closely with local councils, farmers and other landholders to improve water quality and the health of the catchments, and will provide funding for catchment protection projects.
“The plan provides opportunities for landowners to receive assistance when they choose to carry out environmental protection works on their land, including erosion control, planting native vegetation or providing an alternative water supply to keep stock away from creeks,” he concluded.
In addition to the council briefings, information will also be on display at council offices across the catchments for the general public and landowners to view.
Media Contact Details
Name:Debbie Low
Phone:4725 2502
Mobile:0409 783 039
FAX:4725 2522
Email:debbie.low@sca.nsw.gov.au
