Hornsby Shire Council has endorsed the Draft Hawkesbury‑Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (HNRS CMP) for public exhibition, marking a key milestone in the long‑term effort to safeguard the health and resilience of the significant river system.
Led by the Council and developed in partnership with Central Coast, Hawkesbury, The Hills, Ku‑ring‑gai and Northern Beaches Councils, the draft program outlines a coordinated approach for managing the 145‑kilometre tidal reach from Broken Bay to Yarramundi, including Pittwater and Brisbane Water.
The Council says the CMP establishes a clear strategic framework to respond to environmental pressures, strengthen resilience to natural hazards and protect the social, cultural and ecological values of the Hawkesbury‑Nepean River system.
“The Hawkesbury‑Nepean River System is central to the identity, wellbeing and environmental health of our region. This draft program reflects years of detailed analysis, collaboration and community input, ensuring we have a strong, evidence‑based plan for its future,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Warren Waddell.
“I encourage everyone who lives, works or recreates along the river to review the draft CMP during exhibition and share their feedback. Your insight is essential in shaping a program that will guide responsible and resilient management of this vital waterway for the next decade and beyond.”
The proposed program includes practical actions to be delivered over the next 10 years, to improve waterway health, manage coastal and riverine hazards, and ensure the river system continues to support local communities and cultural connections for future generations.
Insights from local residents, river users, First Nations communities, businesses and stakeholders played a role in shaping the draft, following one of the most extensive Coastal Management Program engagement processes undertaken in NSW.
The Draft CMP will be placed on public exhibition for six weeks from mid-April 2026 via Councils Your Say page, providing the community with an opportunity to review the proposed actions and share feedback. All submissions received during public exhibition will be considered and reported back to Council prior to adoption and submission to the NSW Ministers for Environment and Climate Change for certification.
Once certified, the CMP will unlock eligibility for funding under the NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants Program and improve access to other funding, supporting Council and its partners to deliver coordinated on‑ground improvements from 2026 onwards.
