In May 2009 the Australian Government announced funding for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Recovery Program. Comprising seven projects, the program aims to improve river health by making more water available for environmental flows and reducing nutrient inputs to the river system.
The program is being managed by the Office of the Hawkesbury-Nepean in partnership with NSW agencies. Additional funding and in-kind contributions are also provided by the NSW Government and local landholders and the Hawkesbury City Council. The seven projects are listed below, with links to further information.
Nutrient Smart Management
This project aims to reduce diffuse nutrient loads from agricultural activity. It includes a nutrient management education program for landholders and on-ground works including compost treatment. The project is being carried out by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Water Smart Farms
This project aims to increase the water efficiency of irrigated agriculture by upgrading irrigation systems, water harvesting and reuse, and education and training. The water savings are to be shared between landholders, the environment and Sydney’s water supply. The project is being carried out by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Improving Hawkesbury-Nepean Water Balance Accounting
This project aims to install or upgrade water metering systems for licensed water users. The meters will accurately measure, record and communicate water use. This is essential to establish more equitable and efficient use of the water in the catchment. The project is being carried out by the NSW Office of Water.
Irrigation and Landscape Efficiency Program
This project aims to improve the efficiency of non-agricultural irrigation activities. A subsidised Irrigation and Landscape Assessment (ILA) will be offered to councils, schools and golf courses, and on-ground measures will then be implemented based on ILA recommendations and in agreement with the property managers. The project is being carried out by the Sydney Water Corporation.
Licence Purchase
This project aims to purchase water access licences from willing sellers across the catchment, commencing from late 2010. The project is being carried out by the Office of Environment and Heritage. More information on water purchasing activities.
Nutrient Export Monitoring
This project aims to measure nutrient exports from primary industries before and after the nutrient reduction measures undertaken by the Nutrient Smart Management and Water Smart Farms projects. This information will provide objective nutrient load estimates and identify locations for future on-ground works. The project is being carried out by the Office of Environment and Heritage.
South Windsor Effluent Reuse Scheme
This project comprises a recycled water plant to be constructed at Hawkesbury City Council's South Windsor sewage treatment plant, and a distribution system is to be constructed to supply the recycled water to Council reserves, schools and other areas. The recycled water will replace 100 million litres of drinking water currently used each year for irrigation. The project is being carried out by Hawkesbury City Council.