Healthy Catchments Program

What is the Healthy Catchments Program?

The Healthy Catchments Program brings together a range of programs and funding to improve catchment health across Sydney’s drinking water catchments.

Why do we need the Healthy Catchments Program?

Urban, rural and industrial development is increasing the risks to water quality and catchment health. Meeting the growing demand for a clean, reliable water supply requires long-term planning and a focused management program.

What are the aims of the Healthy Catchments Program?

To achieve healthy catchments and quality water. Specifically the program aims to:

  • help develop a thorough understanding of the catchment and impacts on water quality
  • identify, prioritise and address issues negatively affecting water quality
  • develop management tools to mitigate risks to water quality
  • review and redefine current SCA programs, including those in partnership with other agencies
  • develop and apply catchment information and GIS data systems within the SCA
  • identify, develop and implement compliance activities
  • work closely with the community and other agencies.

What are the strategies of the Healthy Catchments Program?

The program includes the following seven strategies:

  • Sewage
  • Riparian
  • Stormwater
  • Rural lands
  • Compliance
  • Special Areas
  • Catchment information.

Each strategy involves programs and projects to identify, understand and rectify impacts on water quality and catchment health. These form the basis for working with other agencies, local councils and the community.

How is the Healthy Catchments Program implemented?

The program is regularly reviewed and refined to reflect and adapt to the changing needs of catchment communities and identified impacts on water quality.

The SCA commits approximately $13 million per year to a variety of programs and works including:

  • grants and assistance schemes
  • community/industry assistance programs
  • community/industry education programs
  • regulatory means (as circumstances require).

Forward projections of funding are not fixed – they are a best estimate and will change with new science and information, priorities and clearer goals.

Ultimately, much of the Healthy Catchments Program will address the priorities identified in rectification action planning being developed under the Regional Plan.