Community Involvement

Community to Drive Development of Plans of Management in Hawkesbury Nepean

Contributor: Brooke Turner
WetlandCare Australia
Ph: 02 66525589
Mob: 0417271769

WetlandCare Australia has begun two community based projects for the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority. The project aims to improve the management of two priority wetland areas; Paddy’s River Wetlands and Lake Bathurst and the Morass.

The objectives of the two projects are to prepare a Plan of Management, recommending practical on-ground works solutions to improve and maintain the health of both of these wetland areas. The Plan of Management will be developed from recommendations from local landholders, the community and other key stakeholders.

It is expected that the planning process will be completed within the next six months. The Plans of Management will include a background review of the wetland areas, including flora, fauna, hydrology, soils and threats to the wetland, a vision for how the area is to be managed, identification of values and assets, management objectives to sustain values or mitigate threats and recommendations for on-ground works.

WetlandCare Australia will work with local landholders, the community and stakeholders to identify threats and assets of both Paddy’s River Wetlands and Lake Bathurst and the Morass. Following the identification of threats a number of recommendations and management actions towards mitigating these impacts will be made. The community of both areas will play a major part in these projects.

The community will benefit in becoming involved in the planning aspect of this project, as they will have direct input into the outcomes of the project. This will also assist with identifying funding available for recommended actions and potential work. Community Meetings will be held the week of the 19th November 2007.

WetlandCare Australia would like to invite any interested persons or organisations in the Paddy’s River Wetlands and Lake Bathurst and the Morass areas interested in being part of this project to contact us on 0417 271 769 or email Senior Project Officer Brooke Turner on brooketurner@wetlandcare.com.au (RSVPs by 16th Nov).